After Toyota, it’s Kia’s turn to launch its electric offensive. Fourteen battery-powered models are announced for 2027. Connected vehicles which by 2030 will represent, in certain targeted markets, up to 80% of the Korean brand’s sales.
Could it be an Asian specialty? In the wake of Toyota, which unveiled, last December, all of a sudden 13 new 100% electric vehicles, including no less than 11 new ones, today it’s Kia’s turn to announce 14 trendy models by 2027.
The “green” revolution is underway with the unavoidable objective of no longer offering thermal engine vehicles after 2030. But unlike the Japanese, which showed the vehicles in concept form, its Korean counterpart still leaves the silhouettes of each of its future connected machines. For now, the manufacturer is savoring the success of the Kia EV6 voted car of the year 2022. Before that, this singular car also received the Trophy The argus of the family sedan of the year.
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Electric for emerging markets
As part of Investor Day, a meeting to which the manufacturer invites its investors to present its roadmap for the coming years, Kia’s electric strategy is being implemented step by step. In sight: 2030 with a target of 4 million vehicles (thermal + electric) sold worldwide each year, half of which are electrified models. For comparison, for 2022, Kia is targeting 3.15 million units sold. The range will make its energy transition by gradually abandoning combustion and will be able to rely, from 2027, on 14 battery-powered vehicles. From 2023, two battery-powered vehicles will be launched each year. At the heart of this offensive, two utility vehicles including a model tailored for emerging markets, and an entry-level electric vehicle.
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In 2030, electricity will increase from 17 to 80%
Today so-called “ecological” vehicles, i.e. hybrids, plug-in hybrids and 100% electric, represent 17% of Kia’s worldwide sales. In 2030, the planned proportion will be 52%. The slider will even go up to 80% for the following markets: Korea, North America, Europe and China. On the Old Continent, Kia concentrated on small and medium-sized models, manufactured locally.
Another important project for Kia, autonomous driving which will be deployed from the large SUV Kia EV9, 5 meters long. This model is expected in 2023. It is dedicated for the North American market, so we will not have it in Europe. Meanwhile, the connected car will become a reality from 2025.
