Kia Reveals EV5 SUV and Unveils Two Affordable Electric Concepts
During Kia’s EV day event, the automaker unveiled its upcoming electric vehicle, the EV5, and introduced two new concepts aimed at making electric technology more accessible. Kia’s vision is to provide consumers with a comprehensive EV lineup, including the EV6 and the all-new EV9, offering Level 3 autonomy and a range of 336 miles. Their goal is to price the EV5, and eventually the EV4 and EV3, in the $35,000 to $50,000 range to expedite the widespread adoption of EVs.
The EV5 SUV is the third addition to Kia’s purely electric vehicle lineup, built upon their dedicated EV platform, the E-GMP. Kia plans to manufacture and sell the EV5 in China and Korea, with variations in specifications tailored to each market. In China, the standard model will be equipped with a 64kWh battery pack and a 160kW motor, offering an estimated range of 329 miles (530 km).
On the other hand, the long-range version will feature a larger battery capable of achieving a range of 447 miles (720 km) on a single charge, while the AWD model will provide a range of 404 miles (650 km) and fast-charging capabilities. Korean models will have their ranges adjusted according to local market needs. Kia also plans to introduce a GT variant with performance enhancements at a later date.
While the EV5 is a tangible product set to debut in the Chinese market later this year, the other electric vehicles introduced at the event remain in the concept phase. The EV3, if it materializes as envisioned, will be a compact and affordable version of the EV9. Kia’s EV4, on the other hand, will be a sedan featuring a sleek design with a low front profile, sharp lines, and a futuristic interior. The challenge lies in whether Kia can achieve the target price point of $35,000, a common goal among many EV manufacturers, for any of these vehicles.
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