Kia is actively preparing to launch 15 new electric vehicles, including models such as EV2, EV4, and EV3, with the goal of completing this plan by 2027 and aiming for an annual sales figure of 1.6 million units by 2030. In addition to electric vehicles, Kia will expand its hybrid offerings from 6 models in 2024 to 9 models by 2028, aiming for 20% of global sales.
Furthermore, Kia plans to introduce high-performance options like the EV9 GT, which is expected to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds. In its near- and mid-term strategy, Kia is focusing on electric and hybrid vehicles, as detailed during the 2024 Investor Day conference. During the conference, Kia presented its ambitious product roadmap, aiming to solidify its position as a leader in electric vehicle manufacturing and intending to offer a comprehensive lineup of 15 electric vehicles by 2027. However, Kia is not solely relying on full electric vehicles; it also plans to diversify its lineup by introducing 6 new hybrid models in 2024.
Kia's electric vehicle lineup will expand through the EV2, EV4, and EV5 models, which are already available in China and will soon be introduced in Thailand and Australia. Additionally, Kia will offer commercial vehicles referred to as PBVs and the globally anticipated EV3 model launching this summer. These new additions will support Kia's ambition to sell 1.6 million electric vehicles annually by 2030.
Kia also plans to update its existing electric models, such as the EV6. The facelift for the EV6 is scheduled for the second quarter of 2024, following the update of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The updated EV6 is expected to feature a larger 82 kWh battery and is set to debut at the end of 2024.
Kia has also revealed plans to add more high-performance GT models to its lineup, including the EV9 GT, which will arrive in January 2025, featuring high-performance engines capable of accelerating to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds, along with the EV5 GT.
By 2030, electric vehicles are expected to account for 38% of Kia's global sales. This represents a significant increase from the current 10% in 2024. In North America, this percentage is anticipated to be slightly higher, reaching 40%. Conversely, Kia expects electric vehicles to dominate its sales in Europe, making up nearly 80% of the market.
Meanwhile, Kia anticipates that 20% of its global sales, totaling 886,000 units, will be supported by hybrid engines, marking a notable increase from the current 14% in 2024. In North America and Korea, hybrid powertrains are expected to represent 35%. Interestingly, Kia does not foresee hybrid sales in China, where it expects to split its lineup evenly between electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles.
This implies that Kia hopes to expand its hybrid lineup from six models in 2024 to nine models by 2028. Ultimately, Kia aims to provide customers with a hybrid option across most of its mainstream models. Regarding internal combustion vehicles, Kia has unveiled the K3 this quarter, while the updated K8 and improved Sportage are set to arrive later in the year.
Adrian is an Editor. Psychology graduate with over 4 years in the automotive industry, 3 in front of the camera. Occasionally seen at his family owned tyre shop. He will only buy cars that pass the big bottle test.
