Kia Corporation today unveiled EV5, a compact electric SUV for millennial families and two concepts - EV3, which aims to deliver the EV9's benefits in a compact SUV, and EV4, which reimagines electric sedans with a striking design.
The company also presented its vision of ‘EVs for all’ and strategy to expand its EV model line-up significantly and rapidly at its annual Kia EV Day in Korea.
Ho Sung Song, President and CEO, said, “As a sustainable mobility solutions provider, Kia’s transition to electric vehicles is a must, not an option. By developing advanced EV technology, bold design, and intuitive services, and applying them to our entire EV line-up, our ultimate aim is to provide Kia’s unique value to as many people as possible. The acceleration towards electrification begins now.”
The brand has also unveiled plans to improve various customer experience offerings, including 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.
Charles Ryu, Head of Brand and Customer Experience Division, Kia, said, “We want to make the entire customer journey, from digital to offline to in-vehicle interactions, as effortless and enjoyable as possible. This includes the stages of pre-purchase, purchase and post-purchase.'
Expanding EV line-up
The company 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 and 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.
A communication from the company said that 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 eight by 2025. These facilities will encompass research, development, production, and supply, with Korea serving as the central hub. Europe will focus on producing small and medium-sized EVs; 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 establishing battery joint ventures to ensure a stable global battery supply system in sync with its global EV production network.
EV5 SUV
The EV5, the third dedicated BEV in its line-up, is built on the brand’s dedicated EV platform, E-GMP. It introduces a new era of electric mobility and distinctive SUV design. Featuring a form shaped by the brand’s unique design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, it combines exceptional versatility and comfort with advanced technology, dynamic performance, and pioneering safety to deliver a harmoniously balanced vehicle.
The EV5 offers an extensive interior space that is closer in concept and execution to a home lounge than a traditional car cabin.
EV3
The concept EV3 represents the brand’s vision for an electric compact CUV that blends practicality with the joy of driving. It offers users the technology, practicality and design of its flagship SUV, the EV9, in a compact and accessible form.
Karim Habib, Executive Vice President, and Head of Kia Global Design Center, said, “Joy can be seen as the antithesis of reason. One is a positive, emotional response, and the other is derived from logic. When the two are combined, their contrasting qualities merge into a powerful and highly impactful design.'
EV4
The concept EV4 represents the purity of the ‘Power to Progress’ pillar of the ‘Opposites Untied’ design philosophy. ‘Power to Progress’ focuses on the skills, expertise and creativity developed during its recent era of design-led transformation. This approach fuels the creation of innovative products that transcend the establishment of new standards for individual vehicle design to redefine entire sectors. Such is the case with the Concept EV4, the company stated.
The interior features a sleek and spacious horizontal layout, incorporating stylish design elements that prioritise the driver's experience without obstructing their view. To achieve this, Kia designers have placed an air conditioning control panel that can be neatly stored in the centre console when not in use and applied pin-style air vents that offer the flexibility to change patterns, among other refinements to the interior design.
Future EV Days
Going forward, the company will continue to showcase new electric models, concepts, and groundbreaking technologies at EV Day each year and leverage the event as a platform for the brand to present its progressive EV strategy and vision for future mobility.
Also Read: