Kia to launch 15 new EVs by 2027

Kia has promised to launch 15 new battery-electric vehicles before 2027, confirming the arrival of the Kia EV2, EV3, EV4 and a host of other models as the Korean car-maker aims for 1.6 million annual electric car sales by 2030.

At the same time, Kia plans to launch six new hybrid cars this year, ramping up to nine by 2028 as the company targets a 20 per cent global sales mix.

Announcing its plans at its annual Investor Day conference last week, Kia confirmed that the EV3 small SUV – closely related to the Hyundai Kona Electric – will debut later this year.

The car-maker will also press ahead with plans to launch its pioneering PBV family of vans by 2027, starting with the mid-size PV5 and following up with the flagship PV7.

Elsewhere, the current Kia EV6 will be upgraded in the coming months, following in the tyre tracks of the recently refreshed Hyundai IONIQ 5. It’s due to arrive later this year and is expected to be equipped with a new 82kWh battery pack.

As well as introducing new EVs and refreshing current models, Kia said it will also expand the number of high-performance GT models it offers, including a fast EV9 GT.

On sale globally from January 2025, the Kia EV9 GT is set to boast a powerful dual-motor set-up that will help the large three-row SUV deliver a 0-100km/h dash of less than four seconds.

A Kia EV5 GT will also follow.

Come 2030, Kia’s battery-powered vehicles should account for 1.6 million annual sales – 38 per cent of its global volume. That’s up from 10 per cent today, with PBV expected to account for 250,000 sales a year.

In Europe, EVs will dominate Kia’s sales with an expected 80 per cent share.

Hybrid cars are expected to account for 20 per cent of Kia’s global sales by the end of this decade, up from 14 per cent today.

And from now on, Kia will introduce a hybrid version of every combustion vehicle it makes.

“Kia is enhancing its global business strategy to further the establishment of an innovative EV line-up and accelerate the company’s transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider,” said Kia president and CEO Ho Sung Song.

“By responding effectively to changes in the mobility market and efficiently implementing mid-to-long-term strategies, Kia is strengthening its brand commitment to the wellbeing of customers, communities, the global society and the environment.”

As well as its hybrid and EV news, Kia said it will also refresh its best-selling Sportage SUV later this year.

Details have not been released, but expect a comprehensive overhaul of the cabin plus the introduction of new mild-hybrid powertrains.

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