A fair smaller, lower-priced Kia EV is on the way in which. With the rising demand for extra reasonably priced EVs, Kia desires to be the one to supply them. Kia mentioned we might even see it at its subsequent EV Day. Right here’s what we learn about what’s going to doubtless be referred to as the Kia EV1 when it arrives.
What we all know concerning the Kia EV1 up to now
Throughout its EV Day occasion final week (see our recap), Kia unveiled a number of extremely anticipated fashions which might be already making a buzz.
We received our first have a look at the EV4, Kia’s first electrical sedan and hatchback, and the PV5, its first devoted electrical enterprise van.
Kia additionally shocked the gang by previewing its smallest and latest mannequin, the EV2 idea. The compact (B-segment) crossover SUV rounds out Kia’s “EVs for all” lineup, with fashions priced from $30,000 (EV2) to upwards of $80,000 (EV9 GT). However the firm isn’t stopping right here.
In the course of the occasion, Kia’s CEO Ho Sung Music burdened the necessity for an excellent smaller, lower-priced EV slotted under the EV2.
“I believe the EV2’s main goal is early majority clients,” Music mentioned (Through Automotive Information), including “But when we wish to transfer to the late majority buyer goal, we undoubtedly want a decrease measurement and a cheaper price.”
In response to Music, Kia is already “internally finding out what shall be our entry EV product, other than the EV2.” We might even get to see it as early as subsequent yr.
“And possibly on the subsequent EV Day, we are going to present you,” Music teased attendees. Though no different particulars had been provided, costs are anticipated to begin underneath €30,000 ($31,000), which shall be about what the EV2 will value when it arrives subsequent yr.
The EV2 may have two totally different battery choices. One shall be LFP with at the least 190 miles (300 km) WLTP driving vary, whereas the opposite, an NMC, shall be provided on larger trim long-range fashions with as much as 280 miles (450 km).
Kia hasn’t launched full specs however with the EV3 sitting at 4,300 mm lengthy, the EV2 is predicted to be round 3,800 mm, or barely smaller than the Hyundai Inster EV (3,825 mm). The EV1 shall be much more compact at round 3,600 mm, or concerning the measurement of the Kia Picanto.
Electrek’s Take
Kia is laying the groundwork for important progress over the subsequent few years. Final yr, it bought over 200,000 EVs globally.
With the EV3, EV4, EV5, EV9, and upgraded EV6 rolling out, the corporate expects to promote over 250,000 in 2025, and 2026 may very well be even greater.
By 2030, Kia desires to promote 1.6 million electrical automobiles, or about 30% of world gross sales. Not solely is Kia launching reasonably priced, mass-market fashions, it’s increasing industrial electrical vans.
Kia’s PBV (platform Past Car) is a complete mobility resolution, or “match for goal EVs,” that can be utilized for private (Van life, anybody?) and enterprise functions (supply, pop-up outlets, logistics, ride-hailing, and so forth.).
Now, Kia desires to launch an much more reasonably priced mannequin. Decrease-cost EVs, like Volvo’s new EX30, are proving there may be demand. The EX30 was the third best-selling EV in Europe final yr, beginning round €36,00 ($37,200).
With an anticipated value underneath €30,000, the Kia EV1 will compete with Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.1, previewed final month.
Maybe, extra importantly, it would assist Kia compete with the surge of low-cost Chinese language EVs getting into world markets.
What do you consider a smaller, Picanto-sized Kia EV? Would you purchase one for underneath $30,000? Tell us within the feedback.
FTC: We use revenue incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. Extra.
