Synopsis
On February 27, 2023, Kia unveiled its new electric vehicle models and electrification strategy during an event in Spain, showcasing the Kia EV4, PV5, and Concept EV2. With ambitious global targets, Kia aims to lead the EV market while enhancing sustainable mobility.Key Takeaways
- Kia launched the EV4, its first electric sedan.
- The PV5 is the brand's first purpose-built vehicle using the E-GMP.S platform.
- Both models aim for global market expansion starting this year.
- Kia targets annual sales of 165,000 units for the EV4.
- The EV2 SUV is slated for launch in Europe next year.
Seoul, February 27 (NationPress) Kia, the second-largest automaker in South Korea, announced on Thursday the launch of its new electric vehicle (EV) models and a comprehensive electrification strategy at an event held in Spain.
Kia presented three major models: the Kia EV4, Kia PV5, and Kia Concept EV2 sport utility vehicle (SUV), showcasing its latest advancements in electric technology and design.
The EV4 marks Kia's inaugural electric sedan, while the PV5 is the brand's first purpose-built vehicle (PBV) utilizing Hyundai Motor Group's dedicated PBV platform named E-GMP.S. The Concept EV2 adds to Kia's expanding lineup of dedicated EVs, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
E-GMP.S refers to the electric-global modular platform for service architecture, which enables versatile configurations through its modular body system.
“Kia is steadfast in its mission to become the foremost EV brand globally and a provider of sustainable mobility solutions by enhancing the options and experiences available to our customers,” stated Kia's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President, Song Ho-sung.
The EV4 is built on the group's dedicated EV platform, E-GMP, and features an 81.4 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.
It offers an impressive driving range of 533 kilometers per charge, the longest among Kia's and its larger affiliate Hyundai Motor's EV models.
Kia intends to introduce the EV4 in global markets, starting with its hatchback variant in Europe this year.
The company has set a global sales target of 165,000 units for the EV4, aiming for 80,000 units in Europe, 50,000 in the United States, and 25,000 in South Korea.
The PV5 will be introduced in global markets following its domestic and European market launch later this year.
The PV5 was initially showcased as a concept at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and represents the first dedicated model from Kia's PBV business strategy.
Four variants of the PV5 highlight the innovative flexibility of this first PBV model, including the PV5 Cargo, PV5 Passenger, PV5 Wheelchair Access Vehicle (WAV), and PV5 Crew, a premier conversion model from Kia.
The PV5 is set to pave the way for new forms of EV usability, offering remarkable flexibility through its revolutionary modularity, according to the announcement.
“As a pioneer in the PBV sector, Kia aims to transform personal mobility by combining a customer-focused approach with cutting-edge EV technology through the PV5,” stated Song.
The PV5 will be featured at the upcoming Seoul Mobility Show next month.
Simultaneously, the manufacturer of K5 sedans and Sorento SUVs plans to launch the mass-production model of the EV2 SUV in Europe next year.
Kia anticipates selling over 100,000 units of the EV2 model annually in Europe post-launch next year.
