Kia’s rebrand in 2021 saw the Korean carmaker pivot into becoming a “sustainable mobility solutions provider”, and amongst its key targets is to sell 1.6 million EVs annually by 2030, accounting for 38% of its sales. One of its plans to achieve that is by introducing a full line-up of EVs at more affordable price points, particularly in developing markets such as within the Asia Pacific region.
Speaking at the recent 2024 Kia EV Day Asia Pacific, Kia Asia Pacific HQ President and CEO, Ki Seok Ahn, reiterated the company’s plans for an expanded line-up in the region, particularly in the price range of USD35,000 to USD50,000 (approx. RM157k to RM224k).
These will include the Kia EV3, EV5, and EV4 Concept, the former making its Asia Pacific debut at the event, and will go on sale in the region in 2025. Powered by an 81.4 kWh battery pack, the compact B-segment EV SUV boasts an impressive WLTP-rated range of 605 km.
The Kia EV5, meanwhile, has already been launched in Thailand recently, priced from THB1.35 million (approx. RM173k).
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Beyond those, Kia is also planning to offer even cheaper EVs that will come in under the USD35,000 price point. The entry-level segment will be headlined by the upcoming Kia EV2, which has recently been spied undergoing road testing.
But while EVs are the main focus, they will also be supplemented by an expanded hybrid vehicle line-up, going up to 8 models in 2026. The Korean carmaker’s upcoming line of “platform beyond vehicles (PBV)”, previewed by the PV5 Concept at the event, will also play a substantial part in achieving its goals.
However, due to the “diverse” regulations and incentives for EVs in the region, Ahn said that the actual rollout of these models will need to be looked at “country to country” on a strategic level.
Aside from its cars, Kia will also be expanding its global EV production bases across six regions, namely Korea, EU, US, India, China, and Asia Pacific. The company did not disclose more information on said plans, but did mention that its new EV production facilities will begin operating next year, in conjunction to maximising its existing production capacity in Korea.
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