Kia e-Niro revealed ahead of Paris

Kia Motors has revealed its first all-electric production vehicle, the e-Niro, ahead of its public debut at the Paris motor show next month.

While it is yet to be officially confirmed for Australia, the e-Niro's impressive 485km driving range could make it a viable option for the local market.

Kia Motors Australia (KMAu) has said it is committed to an electric vehicle plan, but is holding off until they can import a vehicle with a driving range suitable for the vast Aussie landscape, with practical charging times.

Suitably, the top-spec e-Niro can cover 485km on a single charge in highway condition, or up to 615km in stop-start urban driving thanks to regenerative braking.

Providing the spark is a 64kWh lithium-polymer battery, which can be charged to 80 per cent in 54 minutes when connected to a fast charger.

Drive is sent to a front-mounted electric motor which produces 150kW/395Nm, which will allow for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.8 seconds.

A lower-spec variant will also be available overseas, which instead uses a 39.2kWh battery with a 100kW/395Nm motor, and a 312km driving range.

Ahead of its official unveiling in Paris next month, Kia has revealed that the e-Niro will include a number of technologies including coasting guide control, predictive energy control as well as sat-nav information to consider upcoming corner and topographic changes, suggesting when the driver should conserve energy.

Is a 485km driving range enough for Australian roads? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.