Kia’s Electric Crossover Will Be A Supercar Killer With An 800-Volt Charging System

Kia will further expand its electric vehicle portfolio next year, with the introduction of a new flagship crossover.

The upcoming electric Kia was previewed by the Imagine Concept shown at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and is currently known internally as the CV. AutoExpress reports that it will reach production as a range-topping EV that will be able to beat most supercars in terms of straight-line acceleration.

The publication quotes some very impressive numbers for a Kia: 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in less than 3 seconds and a sub-20-minute recharge time of the battery pack, as well as roughly 300 miles (483 km) achieved on a single charge.

The zero-emission crossover, which will take advantage of the partnership with Rimac, will be based on the modular E-GMP platform, which was developed to host a variety of new EVs from different segments, and will feature the 800-volt charging system found in the Porsche Taycan.

2019 Kia Imagine Concept

If the information is correct, then Kia’s new BEV will look nothing like the traditional compact crossovers on sale today, as it should retain most of the design elements of the show car.

The elongated rear, sloping roofline, along with the special interpretation of the tiger-nose grille, and a few other features are expected to carry over to the production model. The high-performance variant will perhaps be distinguished by a sportier body kit, different wheels and a few colorful accents.

The controversial cockpit of the study, with no less than 21 ultra-high-resolution-screens, will be most likely give its place to a dashboard that’s more friendly to series-production methods.

Given that it will launch sometime in 2021, the electric crossover should enter the testing phase soon, so we will have more on it once our spy photographers capture it in the wild.