A Niro EV being charged at the EV Trend Korea expo at the COEX exhibition hall in southern Seoul on May 2, 2019. (image: Kia Motors)
SEOUL, Feb. 3 (Korea Bizwire) — Kia Corp. will use its Niro electric vehicle in Singapore as a delivery vehicle for fresh food.
The South Korea’s second-biggest carmaker joined hands with local cold chain startup S.lab Asia Inc. for a project to create a last-mile delivery purpose built vehicle (PBV).
Last-mile delivery refers to the final stage of delivery before a parcel is handed over to the customer.
The project aims to develop next-generation PBV models optimized for last-mile delivery services and improve PBV infrastructure through full operation.
S.lab Asia is a cold chain equipment manufacturer responsible for manufacturing delivery boxes for fresh food and services for distribution. The company is expanding its distribution network specializing in fresh food.
For the project, Kia plans to remodel its Niro EV into a delivery-oriented vehicle by levelling the back seat or removing it altogether.
The company, together with S.lab Asia, also plans to work out new PBV projects suitable for South Korea to offer similar services in the country this year.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
