Kia promises 11 EVs by 2025
Kia has signalled its determination to be an electric vehicle leader, confirming it will have 11 EVs on sale globally by 2025.
It has previewed its EV plans over the last 18 months with three concepts, the Imagine, HabaNiro and Futuron.
The Korean brand estimates EVs will account for 20 per cent of its total sales by 2025.
A cornerstone of its US$25 billion Plan S business strategy, the EV attack will start to bear fruit as soon as 2021 when it launches its first dedicated EV model.
It will be a crossover – or soft-roader SUV – with a single-charge 500km driving range and a sub-20 minute high-speed charging time. It will be built on a unique platform and – says Kia – will offer “future-oriented user experience”.
More SUVs, people-movers and passenger cars will also be rolled out by Kia. Some models will be stand alone and some will be derivatives of existing models. Dual 400V/800V charging capabilities will be offered.
Kia also intends to enter the purpose built vehicle (PBV) market to cater for car sharing e-commerce demand.
It has revealed – along with parent Hyundai – a deal to develop a scalable skateboard architecture with Los Angeles-based EV specialist Canoo as the basis for future EVs and PBVs.
Kia is also reviewing the feasibility of businesses such as a tailored subscription model, a battery rental/lease program, and used battery-related businesses such energy storage systems.
in key global cities that are actively responding to climate change and supporting EV popularization, Kia will collaborate with local partners to establish Mobility Hubs that house EV charging stations, vehicle maintenance centres and various convenience facilities.
These Mobility Hubs will be utilized as transfer stations between electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles, the latter of which cannot enter certain urban areas due to environmental regulations.
In the long term, Kia aims to operate self-driving robotaxis and on-demand roboshuttles in urban centres that also operate the Mobility Hubs.
Australia’s place in Kia’s EV plans is pretty low key at the moment. The local branch had wanted to launch the e-Niro and e-Soul in Australia in January, but a lack of supply has pushed that out to late 2020 or 2021.
