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I’ve beforehand known as out that Kia is engaged on a mid dimension EV pickup and now a prototype has been noticed cruising across the freeways of Southern California. Does this imply Kia is imminently planning to deliver an all electrical pickup truck to market within the US? My guess is sure.
Right here’s why I imagine that: Kia isn’t promoting any pickups within the US, at the moment. Which means Kia has zero market share of this extremely profitable automobile section within the US. Whereas it would make sense for Kia to promote a hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pickup truck as effectively or as a substitute, there’s presently just one mid dimension EV pickup accessible within the US: the Rivian R1T. Thus, Kia wouldn’t have numerous competitors if it constructed a mid dimension EV pickup (a minimum of till a number of of the opposite manufacturers launches theirs). Kia’s manufacturing capability for EVs and batteries is restricted, so it is sensible for Kia to go for a decrease quantity entry into the nascent EV pickup market. The mid dimension pickup market within the US is smaller than the total dimension market and mid dimension vans additionally higher “translate” to worldwide markets too. Lastly, by selecting to supply an EV pickup mannequin for the US, Kia could place itself as the brand new worth chief in electrical pickups. Kia’s new EV pickup could begin $10,000 – $20,000 lower than the bottom Rivian R1T. Such an EV would instantly garner some followers among the many truck loving inhabitants. This might additionally assist Kia meet their EV progress targets whereas drawing in new prospects to the model.
Not a lot else is understood in regards to the forthcoming Kia EV pickup moreover its probably stature and probably its title: the Tasman. That title could also be what Kia makes use of for a special mannequin not destined for the US nonetheless, and it will not be an EV pickup. Be aware, evaluating the pickups proven within the electrek.com and the motor1.com hyperlinks above is tough attributable to camouflage, however they seem like the identical truck. They may very well be meant for a similar platform too, doubtlessly, or these could merely be take a look at mules and never consultant of what the ultimate product might be.
We are able to speculate a bit about efficiency specs for Kia’s forthcoming electrical pickup. It’s cheap to assume that Kia would attempt to use the identical battery pack or modules on this pickup because it makes use of in its different giant EVs, particularly its present largest mannequin the EV9. The EV9 has two sizes for its battery packs although: 76.1 kWh and 99.8 kWh. The smaller dimension won’t be sufficiently big for an EV pickup as it might be much less aerodynamic than the EV9 and probably heavier, which might imply an excellent decrease vary. That stated, by the point Kia’s pickup goes on sale within the US, the EV9 pack could also be on its subsequent era (and would probably improve its capability by 10% or extra). So it’s attainable Kia would possibly use an 80-90 kWh pack within the decrease priced trims for its new EV pickup, however I might assume provided that they’re providing what may be thought-about a piece truck mannequin with a variety of lower than 200 miles per cost.
Kia could need to simplify issues and decide to solely supply a single battery pack in its pickup. If that’s the case, it might almost definitely be the bigger 99.8 kWh pack if not a brand new/revised model of that pack with over 100 kWh. Since electrical mid dimension pickups (utilizing the R1T as a comparability) would possibly optimistically common about 2 – 2.3 miles per kWh when not towing, if Kia opted for a 100 kWh pack their pickup could barely break into the 200 mile vary. That will not be notably aggressive although (for something aside from a piece truck maybe). As such I count on the smallest pack Kia’s EV pickup may be supplied with at launch would be the 99.8 kWh pack from the EV9. Extra probably, Kia’s EV pickup will supply a 110 – 130 kWh battery at launch, a minimum of optionally. That will imply ranges anyplace between 220 and about 300 miles on a full cost (and fewer whereas towing or principally at freeway speeds).
It could be protected to say Kia would goal a minimum of 90% of the towing capability (if not better) that different mid sized EVs have, or about 10,000 – 12,000 lbs. (once more primarily based on the R1T). Acceleration instances could also be barely lower than what Rivian gives too (3.5 to 4.3 seconds to 60 MPH) if we take into account how different Kia EVs evaluate on this metric to say Tesla’s Mannequin 3. I estimate we’d see 4.5 – 5.0 second instances for Kia’s truck on the aggressive or sporty finish, and 5.5 – 6.5 seconds on the decrease finish.
Are you interested by Kia’s forthcoming EV pickup or in mid dimension electrical vans usually? Why are you and the way would you count on to make use of one? Are there any considerations you have got about such a automobile’s vary and would possibly you be extra inclined to favor a hybrid or plug-in hybrid mid dimension pickup as a substitute? Please depart your questions and feedback beneath.
Picture courtesy of Kia.
Justin Hart has owned and pushed electrical autos for over 15 years, together with a primary era Nissan LEAF, second era Chevy Volt, Tesla Mannequin 3, an electrical bicycle and most not too long ago a Kia Sorento PHEV. He’s additionally an avid SUP rider, poet, photographer and wine lover. He enjoys taking lengthy EV and PHEV highway journeys to lovely and serene locations with the individuals he loves. Observe Justin on Torque Information Kia or X for normal electrical and hybrid information protection.
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