Kia building more EVs in sales forecast boost; 15 all-electric models by 2027

Kia has announced it will introduce 15 all-electric vehicles – up from six today – by 2027.

At its recent Investor Day event, Kia said it expects EVs to overtake internal-combustion vehicles in 2030, with approximately 55 per cent of sales to be all-electric – up three per cent.

The sales growth will be supported by an additional electric car in the 2027 roadmap and strategic vehicles for different markets, including Europe, North America, China and India.

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Kia plans to build small- and mid-sized electric vehicles in Europe and China, while its North American manufacturing facilities will build battery-electric vehicles from 2024.

Small electric vehicles manufactured in India for developing markets will also be introduced by 2027.

Kia’s current electric vehicle lineup comprises the EV6 large SUV, EV9 upper-large SUV, Niro EV small SUV, Soul EV light SUV, Bongo EV van, and Ray EV micro car.

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The upcoming EV5 will initially focus on the Chinese market in late 2023, with a global rollout in 2024.

This leaves eight as-yet-unannounced electric vehicles set to launch within the next four years, including a purpose-built vehicle (PBV) – which could take shape as an all-electric HiLux and Ranger-sized ute.

Kia said the ‘medium-sized’ PBV, set to launch in 2025, will ride on the flexible ‘eS’ flat skateboard platform, with support for various bodies.

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It plans to launch a range of purpose-built vehicles in the future, including an autonomous robot-taxi.

While the EV9 will launch with a level three semi-autonomous driving system, this will expand to “support ‘eyes-off’ driving under certain conditions” in 2026.

As announced, all Kia vehicles will support over-the-air software updates and its Kia Connect connected-car service by 2025.

This is poised to include purchasable feature updates, starting with the EV9 this year, to secure “additional revenue streams via software and services commercialization.”

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A high-performance GT trim will be developed for all future EV models, including the EV9 GT confirmed for 2025.

In 2023, Kia will introduce the next-generation, Mexican-built Rio in the fourth quarter – already ruled out for Australia – and an update to the Ray EV, potentially twinned with Hyundai’s forthcoming electric micro car.

It also plans to introduce five ‘product enhancement’ facelifts by the end of 2023, which will likely include the Sorento, Carnival, Picanto and K5 (née Optima).

In numbers...

1. EV5
2. EV6
3. EV9
4. Ray/micro car EV
5. Soul/light SUV EV
6. Niro/small SUV EV
7. Bongo/van EV
8. ?
9. ?
10. ?
11. ?
12. ?
13. ?
14. ?
15. ?