Having successfully established itself as an electric vehicle brand with the launch of the EV6 and EV9, it has illustrated how it is now broadening its model line-up further with three new small- to medium-sized electric models that offer more people greater options and access to EVs.
The presentation featured the debut of the EV5, a compact electric SUV, as well as the introduction of two concept models. The Kia Concept EV3 aims to deliver the Kia EV9’s benefits in a compact SUV, while the Kia Concept EV4 reimagines electric sedans with a striking design. In addition to unveiling the lineup, the event showcased Kia’s EV strategy, aimed at improving customer convenience, reliability, and addressing common concerns, including charging infrastructure.
The brand’s goal is to achieve an annual sales target of one million electric vehicles by 2026 and increase it to 1.6 million units per year by 2030, driven by the products and initiatives revealed at the event.
Kia’s EV strategy: Expanding EV line-up and charging infrastructure to make EVs more accessible to customers. Kia plans to develop a wide-ranging EV line-up priced from $30,000 to $80,000, featuring existing models such as the EV6 and EV9, as well as future offerings tailored for the popular B- and C-segments. The brand aims to introduce smaller EVs such as the EV5, EV4, and EV3, with prices ranging from $35,000 to $50,000, to accelerate the widespread adoption of EVs.
In emerging markets with slower EV adoption rates, the initial launch will focus on the EV6 and EV9, with subsequent releases of strategic models including the EV5, EV4, and EV3. This approach aims to diversify product offerings and cater to various customer preferences.
Efforts are underway to establish a reliable system for EV production and battery supply, with the brand’s goal of expanding its global EV production facilities to a total of eight by 2025. These facilities will encompass research, development, production, and supply, with Korea serving as the central hub.
In Europe, it will focus on the production of small and medium-sized EVs, while in China, the emphasis will be on mid to large-sized EVs. Strategically designed EV models tailored for emerging markets will be produced in India. Kia also plans to introduce a diverse range of EV models in North America, in response to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Furthermore, the brand is actively establishing battery joint ventures to ensure a stable global battery supply system in sync with its global EV production network.
Each EV model plays a strategic role in accelerating the EV transition by expanding the appeal and democratization of EV models to an ever-broadening customer demographic.
While each model is created uniquely to meet specific and diverse customer needs, they share common elements such as the brand’s electric platform technology, the ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, and the brand’s sustainable color, material, and finish (CMF) strategy. The latter entails incorporating sustainability at scale through action, such as using ten must-have sustainable items in the construction of each model, including bio plastic, bio paint and recycled PET or fishing net carpet.
The Kia EV5 SUV. The Kia EV5, the third dedicated BEV in its line-up, is built on the brand’s dedicated EV platform, E-GMP. Production of the EV5 will take place in both China and Korea, and the Chinese market will have access to three variations: standard, long-range, and long-range AWD.
The standard model, equipped with a 64kWh battery pack and a 160kW motor, is expected to have a driving range of 530km per charge according to the China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) standards.
The long-range model, featuring an 88kWh battery and the same 160kW motor, aims to achieve a range of 720km per charge.
The long-range AWD model will feature an 88kWh battery pack and a combined output of 230kW, with a front-wheel 160kW motor and a rear-wheel 70kW motor. With AWD model, Kia is targeting a driving range of 650km based on the CLTC standards. Additionally, the model offers fast-charging capability, allowing the battery to be charged from 30% to 80% capacity in just 27 minutes.
For Korea, all variants of the EV5 models, including standard, long-range, and long-range AWD versions, are in development, with potential adjustments being considered. The standard model will have a 58kWh battery and a 160kW front motor. The long-range model will feature an 81kWh battery and the same 160kW front motor. The long-range AWD model will include an extra 70kW rear motor, resulting in a combined power output of up to 225kW. The driving range of each model will be tailored to meet market demands.
The EV5 battery has been engineered to function effectively throughout all four seasons, even in extreme hot and cold weather. An advanced heat pump system, an already popular feature of the EV6, has been incorporated into the EV5 to manage the battery’s temperature, ensuring consistent performance regardless of external conditions.
It will offer regenerative braking system and an i-Pedal system that allows drivers to both slow down and accelerate using a single pedal, thereby minimizing fatigue, and enhancing the comfort of driving.
The EV5 will also be available in a GT, offer further performance features and engaged driving experience. More information regarding the EV5 GT trim will be revealed later.
Safety and Convenience Features. The EV5 is equipped with seven airbags in total. In addition to the state-of-the-art seatbelt technology, its structure is engineered for optimum strength. It is offered with the brand’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and a range of active safety.
The model comes with Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), which helps drivers maintain distance, stay centered in the lane, change lanes, and adjust lateral positioning.
With a simple touch of the Kia Digital Key 2 smart key, customers can activate the vehicle’s Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2) system. This technology enables the SUV to park itself without the need for driver intervention, whether in or out of the vehicle. Also, the smart exit function and a remote forward and reverse function provides drivers with added peace of mind when navigating tight parking spaces. These features contribute to a more relaxed and enjoyable driving and parking experience.
Using ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles, the RSPA 2 automatically maneuvers the vehicle into the designated parking space, controlling the accelerator, brakes, and gearshift. The system also automatically applies the brakes if an object representing an obstruction is detected in its path. It also features Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) to prevent collisions with oncoming vehicles when reversing.
Efforts are being made to enhance energy utilization in the EV5 by incorporating Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functions. With V2L, the high-voltage battery can supply power to external electronic devices. Kia will concentrate on rolling out V2G in regions where the necessary infrastructure exists, enabling surplus battery energy to be shared with the grid.
Expanding charging infrastructure. Looking to help address the ongoing challenge of reliable and available charging infrastructure, the brand is actively expanding global charging networks. In North America, Kia has announced its decision to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for their EVs starting from the fourth quarter of 2024. This move will grant Kia customers access to approximately 12,000 Tesla Superchargers.
As part of a coalition of six OEM groups, Kia is also working to build 30,000 fast-charging stations across North America by 2030 to address charging accessibility concerns. In Europe, it has collaborated with four OEM groups to create IONITY, installing 2,800 fast-charging stations along key highways. The aim is to have a total of 7,000 operational stations by 2025, providing efficient charging options for the brand’s EV owners.
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