Kia showcases electric future with three new models
Korean car giant Kia plans to launch three new electric models by the end of 2026, with the first car set to arrive later this year.
Kia EV3
The Kia EV3 SUV will launch in 2024 and is set to replace the Kia Soul as a more affordable model in the brand’s electric line-up.
The sub-£30k B-segment EV features boxy styling of the current Soul EV, but has gained some of the design language of the larger EV5 and EV9 SUVs. For example, the new EV gets a bespoke version of Kia’s Tiger face’ front end, and a distinctive LED headlight design.
The small EV is set to sit on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP architecture, and while Kia is yet to confirm technical details, it is likely that the EV3 will be offered with a choice of battery sizes and both single-motor and dual-motor powertrains.
Inside the EV3 exudes a minimalist philosophy, with a long, horizontal touchscreen for the driver display and infotainment. The steering wheel, which has a unique shape, features an offset Kia logo which could be adopted on future models.
Kia EV4
In 2026 the Korean marque will launch the bold EV4 electric saloon, with this concept very close to how the future EV will look.
The Tesla Model 3 rival features a distinctive design which draws in elements of the current EV6 and larger models such as the EV9.
Details on the EV4’s powertrain remain under wraps, but the electric saloon will likely be able to accept a number of battery sizes and technology, and various single- and dual-motor setups. It will sit on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform.
Move inside the and the interior is strikingly similar to the EV3 concept shown earlier, and takes on a minimalist approach with greater focus on space and sustainable materials.
The brand’s colour, materials and finish division used the EV4 concept to showcase a number of sustainable materials. For example, recycled cotton dyed with madder roots for the interior trim.
Several features shown in the EV4 are set for production, such as the innovative table-style centre console, beneath which sits a large storage compartment.
Up front, the bonnet features a sharp slope and its own bespoke version of the ‘Tiger grille’, with the headlights pushed out right to the edge.
The EV4 also gets broader shoulders above the wheel arches and a sleek, more rakish roofline with a small roof-mounted spoiler. Intriguingly, the rear end slopes down and then back upwards to optimise aerodynamics.
Kia EV5
The Kia EV5, shown for the first time in full production guise, will land on UK shores in 2025 where it will rival the inbound Ford Explorer.
It will be the third bespoke electric Kia to sit on the E-GMP platform and will arrive after the Kia EV3, sitting below the flagship EV9 SUV in the brand’s EV range.
Unlike the EV6 and EV9, the EV5 will use a 400V architecture which will reduce costs but will mean it won’t be able to charge as fast as other models.
Chinese market cars will be produced in that country, while models for the rest of the world will be built in Korea, with big changes to the technical specification.
In keeping with Kia’s EV design language, the EV5 gets its own interpretation of the Tiger Grille, while the wheels are pushed to the corners to allow for greater space inside.
The interior draws more parallels with the EV9 than Kia latest concepts, and features a twin 12.3in display, with a separate screen for climate controls.
The seats are finished with a recycled PET and bio-leather fabric, with reclining seats fitted with a massage and relaxation function.
