New Kia EV plans embody two pickups

One of many pickups will likely be a devoted mannequin, which suggests will probably be constructed on Hyundai Motor Co.’s E-GMP architecture. The opposite will likely be a “strategic mannequin” for rising markets, Kia stated.

A supply conversant in the plans stated Kia is exploring the opportunity of a worldwide body-on-frame pickup, probably within the midsize phase. Physique-on-frame structure lends itself to electrification and will permit for a number of powertrain choices.

The extra aggressive EV goal comes on the heels of Kia’s launch this 12 months of the EV6 electrical crossover. The model’s Niro crossover, which gives three electrified variants, seems to be gaining favor at dealerships due to the EV6 launch. Niro gross sales rose 132 % in February.

Within the U.S., Kia’s subsequent electrical entry would be the EV9, the corporate stated. The car will likely be roughly the scale of the three-row Telluride crossover, stretching 194 inches. It was proven in idea type on the Los Angeles Auto Present in November.

The EV9 could have 300 miles of vary and ultrafast charging functionality that may permit the car to recoup 80 % of its battery in 30 minutes on a 350-kilowatt charger.

Kia additionally stated final week that it’s going to enhance its annual worldwide gross sales to four million autos by 2030, a 27 % enhance over a 2022 goal. That 2030 expectation will embody gross sales of 1.2 million EVs. Kia beforehand deliberate to promote simply 880,000 EVs by then.

The upper quantity will include a lift within the mixture of what Kia is looking “eco-friendly autos,” from 17 % in 2022 to 52 % in 2030, or 2 million gross sales. Kia’s eco-friendly phase contains all of its electrified choices: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-powered autos. The earlier international gross sales plan focused a 40 % mixture of such autos.

Kia anticipates that hybrids, plug-ins and EVs will symbolize as a lot as 78 % of its gross sales in markets with stringent regulatory environments and rising shopper curiosity, together with China, Europe, South Korea and North America.