Kia Corp. unveiled a compact electric sport-utility vehicle and two concept EVs as part of its strategy to offer more affordable models for budget-conscious drivers. The EV5, targeted at millennial families, was introduced at an event called EV Day. In the Chinese market, the standard model will have a 64 kilowatt-hour battery with a range of 530 kilometers, while the long-range model will have an 88kWh battery with a range of 720 kilometers per charge. The Korean models will have slightly smaller batteries to meet market demands.
The EV5 features two 12.3-inch screens for instrument displays and infotainment, as well as a 5-inch climate control display. The Chinese version will have a front bench seat and a rear seat that can be folded flat to act as a bed. Additionally, it includes a 4-liter refrigerator and warming unit for storing food and drinks. Production of these cars will commence around 2025 in China and Korea.
Kia also showcased two concept cars – the EV3, a compact version of its flagship EV9, and the EV4, a four-door sedan with a sports car appearance. These three models are part of Kia’s plan to introduce smaller EVs priced between $35,000 and $50,000 to boost the adoption of battery-powered vehicles. High-end models will be priced up to $80,000.
Last month, Kia launched its cheapest EV, the single-seat Ray, which is sold exclusively in Korea and starts at $20,000. Tesla also started selling its China-manufactured Model Y SUV in Korea this year, priced from around $42,550.
Kia’s CEO, Ho Sung Song, highlighted that smaller EVs are the company’s way of attracting customers looking for affordable electric cars with lower prices and charging convenience. The automaker aims to sell 1.6 million EVs by 2030 and intends to have eight production facilities by 2025 to achieve this goal. In Europe, Kia will focus on producing small- and medium-sized EVs, while mid- and large-sized vehicles will be manufactured in China. For the Indian market, Kia plans to develop EV models tailored for emerging markets.
Song emphasized the need to further reduce EV prices and explore new sales strategies. He mentioned the possibility of selling vehicles without batteries, allowing buyers to rent them instead. The cost of batteries, the most expensive component of an EV, is expected to decrease to $99 per kWh by 2025 due to technological advancements and the development of new lithium reserves.
According to a report by SNE Research, Kia and Hyundai Motor Co. sold approximately 374,000 EVs in the first eight months of 2023, ranking seventh globally. However, their combined market share has fallen to 4.3% this year from 5.4% in 2022, mainly due to the growth of China’s BYD Co.
Kia is considering introducing a compact model called EV2 in Europe. The European Union has initiated an investigation into China’s EV subsidies, which could potentially lead to tariffs on Chinese-made cars and benefit Kia. Ho Sung Song expressed that the EV2 is a crucial model for the European market and will be produced in Europe.
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