(REPOST: Express)

Hyundai and Kia are launching electrified versions of some of their SUVs models next year.

The existing Kona, from Hyundai, and Niro, from Kia, will be manufactured with an electric powertrain, as both South Korean car manufactures increase its electric car production.

This will take the combined EV production of the two companies to over 100,000 in 2018.

Both companies manufacturer electric cars with Hyundai enjoying success from the Ioniq and Kia from the Soul EV.

These two small SUVs however could capitalise on both motorists’ desire to switch to EVs and the burgeoning appeal of compact SUVs, especially if the cars can be priced competitively.

Prices for the non electric versions start at £16,195 for the Kona and £18,662 for the Niro and it is expected that you can add between £5,000 and £10,000 to that price for the electric car.

Even adding £10,000 to the overall price could make them appealing choices, especially given the added practicality of an SUV.

In addition to this UK motorists can benefit from an EV discount of £4,500, thanks to the Government’s electric car grant.

These vehicles are reportedly going to be equipped with a 50kWh battery pack with rumoured range to be around 200 miles on a single charge.

Business Korea reported that the automaker is planning to release electric versions of these cars in 2018.

According to the report Hyundai is planning on producing 18,600 Kona EVs while Kia is planning on manufacturing 21,000 Niro EVs.

Hyundai only launched the Kona, an all-new SUV earlier this year.

Kia currently has one all-electric car on its books, the Soul EV.

Source