Kia has unveiled three new small- to medium-sized electric models at the brand’s annual Kia EV Day in Korea. During the event, the brand presented its vision of ‘EVs for all’ and strategy to expand its EV model line-up significantly and rapidly. 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.

Having established itself as an electric vehicle brand with the launch of the EV6 and EV9, Kia is now broadening its model line-up further with three new small- to medium-sized electric models – EV3, EV4 and EV5.

In addition to unveiling the lineup, the event showcased Kia’s EV strategy, aimed at improving customer convenience and addressing common concerns, including charging infrastructure.

The brand has also unveiled plans to improve various customer experience offerings. This includes streamlining different functions into a user-friendly smartphone application, introducing new services at their physical locations, and providing customers with in-vehicle artificial intelligence (AI) services.

Kia announced its plan 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 like 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.

The brand aims to expand its global EV production facilities to a total of eight by 2025, covering research, development, production, and supply, with Korea as the central hub. In Europe, the focus will be on manufacturing small and medium-sized EVs, while in China, the emphasis will be on mid to large-sized EVs. Specially designed EV models for emerging markets are set to be produced in India. Kia also intends to introduce a diverse range of EV models in North America, aligning with the objectives of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

While each model is created uniquely to meet specific and diverse customer needs, they share common elements such as the brand’s cutting-edge electric platform technology, the innovative ‘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 bioplastic, bio paint and recycled PET or fishing net carpet.

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 EV5 will also be available in a GT, offering further performance features and an engaging driving experience.

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 the 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.

The EV5 battery has been engineered to function effectively throughout all four seasons, even in extreme hot and cold weather. It will offer a regenerative braking system and an i-Pedal system that allows drivers to both slow down and accelerate using a single pedal.

Kia Concept EV3

The Concept EV3 represents the brand’s vision for an electric compact CUV offering users the technology, practicality and design of Kia’s flagship SUV, the EV9, in a compact and accessible form.

The design treatment of the cabin, with the windscreen pushed forward and the long sloping roofline creates a unique silhouette. The robust architecture of the squared wheel arches, cut with asymmetrical angles, results in a strong impression. This, in turn, is contrasted by the wrap-around windscreen and disconnected C pillar, which link the glasshouse surfaces and give the roof a floating effect.

Advanced ergonomic seat design and environmentally friendly materials, in keeping with the brand’s ethos of achieving sustainability at scale, combined with mini tables that rotate in length, position, and angle. In conjunction with the movement of the seats, the tables support four customer experience-enhancing modes – Focus, Social, Refreshing and Storage. The folding bench-type rear seat is equally flexible and can be effortlessly folded upward, allowing for storing bulky luggage such as electric scooters and bicycles.

Kia Concept EV4

The Concept EV4 sedan with its sleek low nose, the elongated, dynamic long-tail silhouette, and the technical roof spoiler, affirm the EV4’s status as an entirely new type of EV sedan. The Concept EV4 comes with a new ‘Mind Modes’ feature that adjusts ambient lighting and animated ventilation patterns.