Kia working on new entry EV to battle the BYD Seagull

Kia has confirmed it is working on an all-new entry-level EV set to sit below its inbound EV2 that’s due in 2026 with a price well below €25,000 (A$44,000).

Set to be named the Kia EV1, Kia president and CEO Ho Sung Song confirmed that an entry EV was “one area we are studying and developing.”

In Korea a Picanto-based EV called the Ray already exists but its tall boxy looks are thought to have limited appeal for export markets.

Instead, the new EV will be positioned as a replacement for the current eight-year-old Picanto (JA) that is overdue for replacement. Although, the new EV1 isn’t set to land until 2028 at the earliest, suggesting the current petrol-powered city car will soldier on.

In the UK, Korean carmaker is keen for the EV1 to be seen as a natural rival for the BYD Seagull that arrives on sale there later this year priced from around A$40,000. However, a sub-$30k figure is the aim if it lands Down Under.

In Australia, the BYD Seagull is likely to slip in the Chinese brand’s range beneath the BYD Dolphin ($29,990), suggesting an even lower price for the EV1 for our market, or rule the cheapest Korean out for Australia.

The EV2 SUV that goes on sale in 2026 is rumoured to be unlikely for Australia over high costs and tariffs related to its European factory.

Instead, Kia Australia will expand its already large electric car line-up with the arrival of the EV4 sedan that will join the EV3, EV5, EV6 and EV9 SUVs.

Currently, the EV5 is the brand’s best-selling electric car in Australia with 2765 delivered up until the end of June making it the country’s fourth most popular electric car behind the Tesla Model 3.

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