Kia Motor’s Grand EV Plans: Will Launch 7 New Electric Cars By 2027

The first dedicated battery-powered vehicle has been codenamed CV

• Kia has released more details about its future plans for electric mobility.

• A new sketch teases Kia’s first seven battery electric vehicles across segments.

• Kia’s first indigenous battery electric vehicle (BEV) will be revealed in 2021.

• Kia will be investing in the EV infrastructure like charging stations as well.

At the start of the year, Kia announced its plans to transition towards electric mobility. The carmaker has now stated that it will be launching seven new dedicated battery electric vehicles (BEVs) across different segments by 2027 and has released a teaser sketch as well.

 Kia has also revealed the codename for its BEV that will be developed from the ground up. Called the CV, this BEV will be unveiled in 2021 and could offer upto 500km of range. It’s likely to allow a faster charging time of less than half an hour thanks to Kia’s new charging systems. Based on the early teaser, it could be a compact crossover. Kia also stated plans to offer best-in-class cabin space thanks to its new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Based on the teaser sketch, we expect these EVs to come in more than one body type.

Kia’s current range of EVs are based on models that were primarily designed for internal combustion engines. The carmaker aims to have a total of 11 BEV models in its lineup by 2025. Kia has also stated its intent to invest in the infrastructure needed to support EVs both in Korea as well as global markets. That includes the infrastructure for charging stations and service bays with specially trained staff. It will look into offering subscription services, EV battery leasing and rental programs, and post-EV battery-related businesses too. Kia will also rope in parent company Hyundai to help set up fast chargers in Korea to promote EV adoption.

With this plan in place, Kia will be aiming for 25 percent of its total sales by 2029 to come from EVs. Kia’s latest offering for India, the Sonet sub-4 metre SUV, could be adapted for electrification. But since the brand is focussed on building its dedicated BEV portfolio, it is unlikely to push for an electrified Sonet in a country where EV infrastructure is still in its infancy. Instead, Kia could enter the EV segment in India with something like the Soul EV premium crossover which shares its mechanicals with the Hyundai Kona Electric.

Also read: Kia Not Working On Tata Nexon EV Rival In India Yet