Kia will be releasing nine new electric vehicles (EVs) by 2027 as part of its “Plan S” strategy, with the EV9 seven-seat SUV set to debut this year.
Kia is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) lineup in the UK, with nine new pure-electric models set to be released by 2027. This is part of the company’s plan to release 14 new electric models globally by 2030, as it aims to sell 4 million vehicles per year, with over 25% of those being battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).
Several of these new electric models will be based on Kia’s E-GMP electric platform, which currently underpins the EV6. Kia has trademarked badges ranging from EV1 to EV9, with the latter set to join the EV6 in the lineup later this year. The EV9, which was previewed by the Concept EV9 in 2021, will be a large SUV with seven seats and a boxy, upright design.
Kia is also expected to release a small EV4 crossover in the near future, based on a shortened version of the E-GMP platform. This model, which will compete with the BMW iX1, is expected to have a range of over 300 miles thanks to powertrain technology borrowed from the EV6. Kia’s future models will also offer over-the-air updates and “Feature-on-Demand” services for the first time.
In addition to its EV expansion, Kia has set a goal of becoming a leading global Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) brand by 2030. To meet this goal, the company will build PBVs for corporate customers, with an expected five-fold increase in demand for these types of custom products by 2030. Currently, these PBVs will be built on existing platforms, such as the e-Niro Plus, and will be aimed at taxi fleets and ride-hailing services. From 2025, dedicated skateboard platforms for PBVs will be introduced.
These skateboard architectures, which house the battery, drive motors, and suspension, are flexible in size and feature modular bodies that can be easily swapped out to meet the needs of each business. Kia will also be transitioning to more sustainable production methods, recycled materials, and renewable energy at its manufacturing facilities.
For more articles like this, receive our weekly e-newsletter, including partner deals and all things motoring, register your email below.
Please note: You cannot subscribe to Smart-Motoring unless you put a tick in the checkbox below to indicate have read and agreed to our privacy policy.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.