A fair smaller, lower-priced Kia EV is on the way in which. With the rising demand for extra inexpensive EVs, Kia needs to be the one to supply them. Kia mentioned we could even see it at its subsequent EV Day. Right here’s what we find out about what is going to doubtless be referred to as the Kia EV1 when it arrives.
What we all know concerning the Kia EV1 to date
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 just isn’t stopping right here.
Throughout the occasion, Kia’s CEO Ho Sung Tune burdened the necessity for a fair smaller, lower-priced EV slotted beneath the EV2.
“I believe the EV2’s main goal is early majority clients,” Tune mentioned (By way of 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 keeping with Tune, Kia is already “internally learning what might be our entry EV product, aside from the EV2.” We could even get to see it as early as subsequent 12 months.
“And possibly on the subsequent EV Day, we’ll present you,” Tune teased attendees. Though no different particulars had been supplied, costs are anticipated to begin below €30,000 ($31,000), which might be about what the EV2 will price when it arrives subsequent 12 months.
The EV2 may have two completely different battery choices. One might be LFP with not less than 190 miles (300 km) WLTP driving vary, whereas the opposite, an NMC, might be supplied 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 anticipated to be round 3,800 mm, or barely smaller than the Hyundai Inster EV (3,825 mm). The EV1 might 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 vital progress over the following few years. Final 12 months, it offered 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 larger.
By 2030, Kia needs to promote 1.6 million electrical vehicles, or about 30% of world gross sales. Not solely is Kia launching inexpensive, mass-market fashions, it’s increasing business electrical vans.
Kia’s PBV (platform Past Automobile) is a complete mobility resolution, or “match for objective EVs,” that can be utilized for private (Van life, anybody?) and enterprise functions (supply, pop-up retailers, logistics, ride-hailing, and many others.).
Now, Kia needs to launch an much more inexpensive 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 12 months, beginning round €36,00 ($37,200).
With an anticipated worth below €30,000, the Kia EV1 will compete with Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.1, previewed final month.
Maybe, extra importantly, it is going to assist Kia compete with the surge of low-cost Chinese language EVs getting into international markets.
What do you consider a smaller, Picanto-sized Kia EV? Would you purchase one for below $30,000? Tell us within the feedback.
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