Kia will follow Hyundai’s lead with the introduction of a full-EV e-Niro crossover capable of over 300 miles of emission-free motoring.

Hyundai is preparing for an influx of Kona EV models into UK showrooms, which has been WLTP tested to 300 miles with its 64kWh drivetrain, and now Kia has had its incoming Niro tested to 301-miles.

The all-new Kia e-Niro will make its public debut at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show and will go on-sale across Europe at the end of 2018.

The impressive EV range is achieved by the vehicle’s high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery – sherd with the Kona – but a more affordable 39.2kWh power pack will also be made available, offering a 193-mile range.

Models equipped with the 64kWh battery pack are paired with a 204PS motor, producing 395 Nm torque, enabling the e-Niro to accelerate to 62mph in 7.8 seconds.

The 39.2 kWh battery pack is matched to a 136PS motor, producing the same torque output, and should complete the same benchmark acceleration test in 9.8 seconds.

Kia said in a statement that the 64kWh e-Niro will take just 54 minutes to charge from empty to 80% capacity when plugged into a 100 kW fast charger.

The new e-Niro joins existing Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants of the Niro – of which more than 200,000 have sold globally since its introduction in 2016.

Among the energy-saving standard features of the new e-Niro are regenerative braking, Coasting Guide Control (CGC), and Predictive Energy Control (PEC).

A statement issued by Kia said: “The technologies enable drivers to recharge the battery pack and maximise vehicle range when coasting or braking.

“CGC and PEC are linked to the navigation system and account for upcoming corners and topographic changes, suggesting when drivers could coast in order to harvest additional energy.”

The full pricing and specification details of the e-Niro have yet to be published.