Kia held its first ever Kia EV Day event in Seoul, South Korea, where it unveiled three upcoming electric vehicles. A small look to the Kia glimpse at the Future.
The EV3 and EV4 were showcased as concept cars, while the EV5 was presented as a production model. The EV5 will be manufactured in South Korea and China, with sales in China commencing later this year.
The EV3 concept hints at a subcompact crossover that could potentially replace the current Soul EV. It features design elements inspired by the EV9 mid size SUV but on a smaller scale. Prototype testing is already underway, and the vehicle is scheduled to be available in select markets by 2024.
The EV4 concept is a fastback hatchback with the size of a compact car. Its sleek design and subtle roof mounted spoiler indicate a sporty positioning for the production model, similar to the larger EV6.
For both concepts, Kia’s designers focused on using minimalist surfaces and sustainable materials to create a serene and clutter free cabin that aligns with eco friendly principles. Both models incorporate the single panel screen which integrates separate screens for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system.
Kia stated the concepts will include AI technology by the time the EV3 is launched next year. This technology, which Kia plans to introduce to its other electric vehicles, aims to assist owners with features such as optimizing range through route guidance, locating charging stations, managing schedules, controlling media functions, and enabling voice commands through natural conversations.
EV Day, October 2023 A Kia Glimpse at the Future
All of Kia’s upcoming electric vehicles will be built on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which is also used for the EV6 and EV9 models, as well as electric vehicles from Hyundai and Genesis. No specific details regarding range and powertrain options were provided.
Kia has set ambitious sales targets for its electric vehicles. The company aims to achieve annual sales of one million electric vehicles by 2026 and increase that number to 1.6 million by 2030.
To accomplish these goals, Kia plans to have 14 electric vehicles in its global lineup by 2027. The company will launch two electric models per year, starting 2023 with the EV5 and EV9. Additionally, Kia is developing an electric pickup truck specifically for the U.S. market. Furthermore, Kia intends to expand its electric vehicle production to eight facilities worldwide by 2025.