There are more electrified Kias coming. That statement is for readers who need the short-form version of the article — think of it like an FB or IG reel.
If you prefer the long-form, there is more 'movement that (not only) inspires,' but is guaranteed to be electric, especially for markets in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), so read on.
Technically, the 2024 Electric Vehicle (EV) Day on November 13 wasn't the brand's first. Its debut was last year, the global edition, in Korea. The event was a resounding success and gave Kia the perfect platform to introduce new models and auto technology, including the roadmap to its electrified future.
Kia celebrated its first-ever regional EV Day last week, emphasizing the vibrant APAC market. Like last year, the Korean automaker unveiled concept models and production-ready vehicles and showcased the familiar EV9 mid-size crossover SUV.
"Our inaugural Asia Pacific region EV Day is a testament to Kia's unwavering dedication to sustainable mobility and our relentless commitment to driving the EV revolution forward," said Ki Seok Ahn, President & CEO of Kia Asia Pacific HQ.
We’ll give you the good stuff first. The model that elicited the most oohhs and aahhs was the Concept EV4. It is a sedan with neutral hues inside and out and organic interior materials. It isn't a sports car — producing just 201-HP and 283-Nm of torque — and will come with long- and short-range models, which means you could be looking at the future of Kia sedans.
If your business needs electrification, Kia has the PV5 Concept. It is a total mobility solution minivan using Kia's first dedicated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV), incorporating spatial versatility and software technology. Its simple design belies a customizable model that can be tailor-fit t for your business, whether it is ride-hailing, logistics, or personal lifestyle activities.
Two models that debuted at the 2023 EV day in Korea joined this year's festivities. These nameplates are already in the market or will be in a dealership near you soon, so if you're in the market for a new model, this is what you earmark your savings for.
Already a production-ready model since 2023, the EV5 is Kia's electric compact SUV. It has two powertrain options: the 160-kW motor with 215-HP and 310-Nm of torque and the 230-kW motor with 308-HP and 480-Nm of torque. It is already in several APAC markets, including Thailand, New Zealand, and Australia.
Kia is really excited about the EV3. It was a concept last year, but because of the model's potential, Kia got it ready for this year's EV Day celebration. It uses technology from the flagship EV9 SUV while adopting the 'Opposites United' design philosophy to show design cues such as its boxy rear fenders, sloping roofline, and planted stance. Other features include Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control (eDTVC) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The EV3 is slated to be sold in select Asia Pacific countries, counting the Philippines, in 2025.
Completing the five-model lineup at the 2024 EV Day is the EV9. This mid-size crossover SUV debuted at the recently concluded Philippine International Motor Show 2024. Its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup gets 378-horsepower, 700-Nm of torque, and a 505-kilometer range. Kia PH will offer it in the GT-Line variant only for P5.888 million.
Along with the new EV concepts and models, Kia also announced that it is working on a new line of electrified vehicles for emerging markets, which includes the Philippines. That means you can expect new EVs and (probably) hybrids that could be priced below P2 million. Model names and segments were not disclosed.
Even if the day should have been all about EVs, Kia mentioned ICE (internal combustion engine) models by saying that it will balance offerings, especially in emerging markets, with a core composed of internal combustion engine vehicles.
Kia also intends to stabilize its EV production and battery supply system by operating six global EV production bases by 2025. Last month, the automaker opened its Gwangmyeong EVO Plant, the first electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility designed to produce 150,000 EV3 and EV4 units annually.
Also in the pipeline are digital initiatives such as enhanced customer experience through premium and personalized technologies deployed across all customer touchpoints, from in-store to in-car and even at home or when on mobile.
Whether you're an early adopter of electrified vehicles or in wait-and-see mode, there is plenty to be excited about after Kia's 2024 EV Day. You could go all-in on the EV9 mid-size SUV or the EV6 compact crossover, hold out for the EV3 (sometime 2025), the EV5 (no timetable yet), or wait for the upcoming electrified models (maybe hybrids too) for emerging markets, which should come with lower price points.
With news like that, you'd wish every day was EV Day.