Kia Reveals EV5 Electric SUV, Preview EV3, EV4 Concepts

Kia's annual 'EV Day' in South Korea marked a significant step towards advancing the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. The company unveiled a range of initiatives aimed at reinforcing its position as a leader in the global EV market. With a vision to make EVs accessible to all, Kia introduced three new compact-to-medium-sized electric models, heralding the company's global EV strategy. These models comprise the Kia EV5, a compact electric SUV designed for millennial families, and two concept models: the Kia EV3 Concept, a compact SUV emphasising practicality and driving joy, and the Kia EV4 Concept.

Kia will offer the EV5 with various battery and powertrain options to cater to different driving needs. You can choose from the Standard version, equipped with a 64 kWh battery pack and a 214 bhp electric motor, providing an estimated range of 530 km. Alternatively, the Long Range version comes with an 88 kWh battery pack, the same 214 bhp electric motor, and an extended range of 720 km. For those seeking all-wheel drive capability, the Long Range AWD features the same 88 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor setup (214 bhp in the front and 93 bhp in the rear) with an estimated range of 650 km. Additionally, the EV5 can be rapidly charged from 30 to 100 per cent in just 27 minutes using a superfast DC charger.

The Kia EV5 is equipped with the connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system and supports over-the-air software updates. It incorporates a Panoramic Wide Display, which combines a 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment system, along with a 5-inch climate control display. These features provide the driver with comprehensive information and content for a convenient and immersive driving experience.

Throughout the cabin, physical buttons are kept to a minimum. Beneath the central AVNT screen, four hidden hard keys provide a start/stop function along with AVNT and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control; previously, these systems would have required 17 buttons to control.

Kia's "EVs for all" vision emphasises accessibility by expanding its EV lineup to cater to a broader customer base. Following the successful launches of the EV6 and EV9, the brand is broadening its portfolio to provide more choices to consumers. Kia's goal is to achieve an annual sales target of one million electric vehicles by 2026 and increase it to 1.6 million units per year by 2030, driven by the products and strategies revealed on 'EV Day'.

The company's EV strategy includes the development of an extensive EV lineup priced between $30,000 and $80,000, with offerings in the popular B- and C-segments. The aim is to accelerate the adoption of EVs by introducing smaller models like the EV5, EV4, and EV3, priced between $35,000 and $50,000. Kia is actively expanding its global EV production facilities, targeting a total of eight by 2025.

These facilities will cover research, development, production, and supply, with Korea serving as the central hub. Production will be tailored to regional demands, with a focus on small and medium-sized EVs in Europe, mid to large-sized EVs in China, and special models for emerging markets in India.

To enhance the charging infrastructure, Kia is working on a coalition of OEM groups to build 30,000 fast-charging stations across North America by 2030. In Europe, the company is collaborating with other OEM groups to create IONITY, with plans to establish 7,000 operational charging stations by 2025.