Kia Tasman PHEV now on the agenda

A plug-in hybrid electric Kia Tasman has burst to the top of the priority list as the BYD Shark 6 PHEV sets sales records.

While a version of the new-generation 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid already sold in Australia in the Hyundai Palisade had been expected to be the first powertrain to join the existing 2.2-litre turbo-diesel in Tasman, a PHEV is being strongly supported by Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith.

In fact, Meredith has shuffled the hybrid in his personal priority list behind not only the PHEV but a pure electric Tasman as well.

“I would like a plug-in, and I would like an EV,” said Meredith.

“If I'm being greedy, so be it. But that's what I'd like to help with the success of Tasman.”

Meredith then clarified he’d take the hybrid as well but insisted the PHEV and EV would be “better for the Australian market”, a clear reference to the NVES CO2 reduction that will gradually strangle the sale of diesel engines in Australia.

But Meredith’s position isn’t a guarantee the PHEV will take precedence. A key reason the hybrid has support within Kia Australia is it would be a more affordable option.

The exec has clearly taken note of the sales performance of the Shark 6, which has become the top-selling PHEV of all-time in Australia despite only being on sale for 12 months.

He believes the new-age powertrain would help boost Tasman sales, which have fallen dramatically short of the expected 20,000 sales per annum target, and after six months on sale, is running at a pace to achieve 8392 sales in 12 months, while the Shark 6 sold more than 18,000 examples in 2025.

He believes Tasman sales have been lost to the Shark 6.

“Nothing's off the table in regards to how we do this, how we grow our [Tasman] share and grow our volume,” said Meredith.

“And I think that's the same as it is from a point of view from head office. We've got great faith in Tasman as a product. And we will continue to work exceptionally hard to make sure that it is a success in the Australian market.

“We're not making or looking for excuses in regards to its slow start. It's only been in market seven months. It hasn't been in market seven years, it's been in market seven months.”

At this stage, either a hybrid or PHEV powertrain could join the Tasman line-up late 2027 or into 2028 when the dual cab ute’s controversial styling is also expected to get its first do-over.

Arrival timing around 2028 would coincide with the Hyundai dual-cab ute that is under development based on the same ladder frame chassis as the Tasman.

Hyundai’s local boss Don Romano has enthusiastically endorsed a plug-in powertrain solution for his brand’s dual cab ute, hinting strongly at a range extender, or EREV (extended range electric vehicle).

EREVs use their internal combustion engine to only generate electricity for the battery pack and leave driving the wheels to the electric motors. PHEVs can use their ICE to drive the wheels directly.

An electric Tasman is a hazier prospect. It’s been mooted, but also reportedly pushed back in the product timing cycle due to technical challenges like range and low expected demand.

Meanwhile, work continues on the Tasman diesel engine’s efficiency with fuel saving idle-stop being introduced this year.

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