Kia is one of the leaders in EVs, or at least in adding more of them to its lineup, and that’s not about to change. But there will be more combustion and hybrid models coming down the pipe as well.
The Korean automaker’s second generation of dedicated EVs is in the works, with cars like the replacements for the EV6 and EV9 set to arrive by the end of the decade. One of those new models will be a smaller and more affordable city car. Others will get new range-extended drive systems, but the future isn’t entirely electric. New gas-only models are coming as Kia works to expand its market presence.
Affordable EV On The Way, But Later Rather Than Sooner
Right now, Kia’s most affordable model in Europe is the Picanto. It’s a city car with a starting price in the UK of just £16,065 ($22,000). That’s significantly cheaper than its lowest-cost EV in Europe, the EV3, which starts from £33,005 ($45,000). While there is a smaller and cheaper EV2 coming, to be a match for Picanto, it would have to be smaller and cheaper than even that one.
The cheap Picanto sells well, so Kia isn’t in a hurry to get rid of it. At least, it won’t disappear until a similarly cheap electric model can be developed. While Kia is working on that inexpensive replacement, Autocar reports that Kia’s president and CEO isn’t making it a priority.
Related
Tiny Kia Concept EV2 Proves Dynamite Comes In Small Packages
Kia’s smallest new EV is much bigger than it looks. And there’s another, smaller one on the way.
Kia boss Ho Sung Song told Autocar that the cheap EV was “homework” for the brand, and that it was “one area we are studying and developing.” But it sells enough larger EVs that the Picanto isn’t about to get hammered by fleet CO2 emissions, and so it can stay on sale until the cheap EV Picanto is feasible –something not all of its competitors can do.
Kia’s upcoming electric models will largely use a new architecture. The report calls them Software-Defined Vehicles, a broad term for vehicles with features that can be upgraded via new code instead of new parts and hardware. Song said this could help make the development of vehicles and software more independent, thus speeding up the process.
Song said a new software-defined Kia concept could be shown next year. The first new model is likely a replacement for the EV6, followed by the EV9. Both would likely use 800-volt electrical systems and debut before the end of the decade.
Expect REX And PHEV Models Around The World
Another Kia model expected by the decade’s end is a range-extended electric vehicle (EREV), using a gas engine that only charges the battery. Last April, Kia revealed a new 2.5-liter engine that it plans to use for this purpose.
Kia also revealed a new hybrid system and a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The engines are designed to give Kia (and likely Hyundai and Genesis) more flexibility as well as the ability to meet future emissions targets even if electric adoption doesn’t hit the expected pace.
“The final destination in Europe is EVs, which is why I want to be a very strong EV player in Europe. But if we look at worldwide demand we should have alternative powertrains, like hybrids, plug-in, and EREVs”
-Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song, per Autocar
Range-extended powertrains are better suited to large models like full-size trucks or three-row SUVs. Since Kia doesn’t build a big pickup, an SUV or possibly Kia’s largest upcoming PBV vans are likely candidates for the EREV treatment.
Source: Autocar
#Kia #CEO #Confirms #Tiny #Car #Coming #Expect #BrandNew #Big #EVs
