Starting with its battery-electric vehicle (BEV) lineup, Kia will grow its offerings with the EV2, EV4 and EV5 (already available in China and coming to Thailand and Australia). In addition, Kia will introduce purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), or commercial vehicles, with the EV3 expected this summer on a global basis. These additions will support Kia’s goal of selling 1.6 million EVs annually by 2030.
Kia intends to refresh its existing EVs as well, such as the EV6. A mid-cycle update for that vehicle is expected in the second quarter of 2024, following a similar refresh for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Speculation suggests the vehicle could also receive a larger 82-kWh battery pack. The updated EV6 is expected to go on sale in late 2024.
The Korean automaker also revealed plans to add more performance-oriented GT variants to its lineup. That includes the EV9 GT, which will debut in January 2025 and is expected to feature a more powerful motor enabling the SUV to reach 100 km/h in around four seconds, as well as the EV5 GT.
By 2030, EVs are projected to account for 38 percent of Kia’s global sales volume, a significant increase over the 10 percent it expects to hit in 2024. North America is projected to be slightly higher at 40 percent. In contrast, Kia expects EVs to dominate sales in Europe, accounting for close to 80 percent of the market.
Meanwhile, Kia anticipates hybrid powertrains will account for 20 percent of its global sales volume, representing 886,000 units, up from just 14 percent in 2024. In North America and South Korea, hybrids are expected to account for 35 percent and 43 percent of volume, respectively. Interestingly, Kia predicts zero hybrid sales in China, where its lineup is projected to be split evenly between EVs and internal-combustion-powered vehicles.
On the product front, Kia is looking to expand its hybrid lineup from six models in 2024 to nine models by 2028. Eventually, the automaker hopes to offer hybrid powertrains on most of its core models. As for internal-combustion-powered vehicles, Kia revealed the K3 this past quarter, while the refreshed K8 and updated Sportage will debut later this year.
“Kia is bolstering its global business strategy to continue building a strong eco-friendly vehicle lineup and to accelerate the company’s transition to becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President and CEO. “By proactively responding to changes in the mobility landscape and by effectively executing our mid- and long-term strategies, Kia is reinforcing its brand commitment to the well-being of our customers, our communities, global society, and the environment.”
Son Pham (Forum.autodaily.vn)
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