Kia has unveiled three new electric models at the brand’s first Kia EV Day in Korea, including two models which will slot beneath the EV6 and EV9 in the company’s line up.
The presentation featured the debut of the production version of the EV5, a compact electric SUV, as well as the introduction of two concept models. The Kia Concept EV3 aims to deliver the Kia EV9’s benefits in a compact SUV, while the Kia Concept EV4 in a Tesla Model 3 rivalling saloon.
The Kia EV5 uses the company’s dedicated EV platform, called E-GMP, which is also used in the EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6.
The Concept EV3 is described as a ‘compact CUV’ and resembles a shrunken EV9, with the windscreen pushed forward and the long sloping roofline. ‘
The EV4 is not confirmed for the UK, but despite the success of the Tesla Model 3 which is its main rival.
The brand has also unveiled plans to improve various customer experience offerings. This includes streamlining different functions into a user-friendly smartphone application and providing customers with in-vehicle artificial intelligence (AI) services.
“Kia aims to provide sustainable mobility solutions and fulfil the needs of our customers by eliminating perceived difficulties. We want to make the entire customer journey, from digital to offline to in-vehicle interactions, as effortless and enjoyable as possible. This includes the stages of pre-purchase, purchase and post-purchase,” said Charles Ryu, Head of Brand and Customer Experience Division.
The brand’s goal is to achieve an annual sales target of one million electric vehicles by 2026, increasing to 1.6 million units per year by 2030.
