Seoul: South Korea’s second largest automaker Kia said on Thursday it launched new electric vehicle (EV) models and future electrification strategies at an event in Spain. Kia shows off three key models – the Kia EV4, Kia PV5 and the Kia Concept EV2 Sport Utility Wearth (SUV) – representing its latest power technology and design innovations.
The EV4 is Kia’s first electric sedan, the PV5 is its first dedicated vehicle (PBV) equipped with the Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated PBV platform E-GMP.S, and the concept EV2 is a compact complement to its growing dedicated EV lineup.
E-GMPS stands for the electric global modular platform for service architectures, which can be flexibly configured through its modular body system. KIA CEO (CEO) and President Song Ho-Shao said: “Kia remains committed to becoming the world’s leading provider of EV brands and sustainable mobility solutions by enhancing the choices and experiences we provide to our customers.”
The EV4 is equipped with the group’s dedicated EV platform called E-GMP, and an 81.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. Among the Kia-made EV models and its larger member Hyundai motor, it has the longest driving range of 533 kilometers per charge.
Kia plans to bring the EV4 to the global market after initially introducing its hatchback in Europe this year. The company aims to have a total of 165,000 EV4 models each year, targeting 80,000 in Europe, 50,000 in the United States and 25,000 in South Korea.
It will launch its PV5 lineup in global markets after it has placed it in domestic and European markets later this year. The PV5 is shown as a concept at the Consumer Electronics Show 2024 (CES) in Las Vegas, the first dedicated model of Kia’s PBV business strategy.
Four variants of the PV5 illustrate the industry conversion flexibility of the first PV5 cargo, PV5 passenger and PV5 wheelchair access vehicle (WAV) variant, as well as the flagship conversion model PV5 CREW developed by KIA.
The version says that the PV5 is a new foundation for innovation, laying the foundation for new EV availability and excellent flexibility through fundamental modularity.
“As PV5 for PV5, Kia’s first promoter in the PBV space combines a customer-oriented approach with advanced EV technology to change personal mobility,” Song said.
The PV5 will be displayed at the Seoul Mobile Exhibition which will open next month. Meanwhile, manufacturers of K5 sedan and Sorento SUVs plan to launch a mass production model of the EV2 SUV in Europe next year.
Kia is expected to sell more than 100,000 EV2 models each year after launching next year.
