- Kia plans a massive EV rollout with 15 new models by 2027, including the EV2, EV4, and EV3, aiming for 1.6 million annual sales by 2030.
- The Korean brand isn’t neglecting hybrids, expanding its lineup from 6 models in 2024 to 9 by 2028, targeting 20% of global sales.
- Kia plans to add high-performance options like the EV9 GT with a sub-4-second 0-60 mph time, further electrifying its lineup.
Kia’s near and midterm trajectory is electrified, as highlighted during its 2024 Investor Day conference where the company unveiled its ambitious product roadmap. With aspirations to solidify its standing as a premier EV manufacturer, Kia aims to introduce a comprehensive lineup of 15 EVs by 2027. However, the Korean brand isn’t solely relying on pure EVs; it also plans to diversify its lineup by introducing six new hybrids in 2024.
Beginning with its battery-powered electric lineup, Kia will expand its range with the EV2, EV4, and EV5 (already available in China and soon to be offered in Thailand and Australia). Additionally, Kia will introduce commercial vehicles, referred to as purpose-built vehicles (PBV), and the EV3 that’s slated for launch globally this summer. These additions will support Kia’s ambition to sell 1.6 million EVs annually by 2030.
Read: Kia’s EV Sales Surge 88% Despite Overall Q1 Decline
Kia also intends to refresh existing electric models such as the EV6. The vehicle’s mid-cycle update is slated for the second quarter of 2024, closely following the update of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Speculation suggests that it might also receive a larger 82 kWh battery pack. The refreshed EV6 is scheduled to debut towards the end of 2024.
High-Performance GTs
The Korean automaker further revealed that it plans to add more high-performance GT variants to its lineup. That includes the EV9 GT, which will arrive in January 2025, and will feature high-output motors to get the SUV to 62 mph (100 km/h) in around four seconds, as well as the EV5 GT.
By 2030, electric vehicles are projected to constitute 38 percent of Kia’s global sales, a significant jump from the current 10 percent in 2024. In North America, this proportion is anticipated to be slightly higher, reaching 40 percent. In contrast, Kia expects electric vehicles to dominate its sales in Europe, comprising nearly 80 percent of the market.
At the same time, Kia anticipates that 20 percent of its global sales, totaling 886,000 units, will be hybrid-powered, a notable increase from the current 14 percent in 2024. In North America and Korea, hybrid powertrains are expected to account for 35 percent and 43 percent of sales, respectively. Interestingly, Kia foresees no hybrid sales in China, where its lineup is anticipated to be evenly divided between electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles.
In terms of product, that means that Kia hopes to expand its hybrid lineup from six models in 2024 to nine models in 2028. Ultimately, it hopes to offer customers a hybrid option across most of its major models. In terms of internal combustion vehicles, Kia revealed the K3 this quarter, while the updated K8 and facelifted Sportage will arrive later in the year.
More: EV3 SUV And EV4 Sedan Concepts Show Kia’s Electrifying Future In LA
“Kia is enhancing its global business strategy to further the establishment of an innovative EV line-up and accelerate the company’s transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia President and CEO. “By responding effectively to changes in the mobility market and efficiently implementing mid-to-long-term strategies, Kia is strengthening its brand commitment to the wellbeing of customers, communities, the global society, and the environment.”
