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Kia to launch seven electric cars by 2027, first model due here next year

Kia’s plan to become ‘a leading electric-car brand’


Kia has announced its intentions to launch seven new electric cars across several segments globally before 2027, with the first all-new model set to land in 2021 and an Australian electric-car launch also on the cards for next year.

During a recent event in South Korea, Kia revealed it is accelerating its efforts to become a "leading EV brand", kicking things off in 2021 with the launch of its first-ever dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV), code-named CV.

Although not commenting specifically on the CV, a Kia Australia spokesperson told Drive the brand's local arm was "aiming to release an EV during 2021".

When it lands, the CV will also reveal Kia's new design direction – which was also hinted at in a new sketch released during the September 16 event, held at the brand’s Hwasung plant.

The sketch previews seven incoming electric models – suitable for urban centres, long-range journeys and performance driving – as part of Kia's 'Plan S' strategy to have electric cars account for 20 per cent of the brand's total vehicle sales by 2025.

Built on Kia's new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), Kia claims the new models will also be able to provide "best-in-class interior spaciousness".

Drive

Kia's strategy also involves a holistic approach to improve charging infrastructure and offer more flexible ownership models to customers.

The announcement by President and CEO Ho Sung Song also pointed to Kia offering subscription services, as well as electric car battery leases and rental programs.

The brand said it plans to supply around 1500 chargers to the Korean market by 2030, as well as more than 2400 chargers to Europe and 500 for North America.

“Kia has sold more than 100,000 BEVs worldwide since the introduction of our first mass-produced BEV in 2011, the Kia Ray EV," Mr Song said.

"Since then, we have started to introduce a range of new BEVs for global markets and announced plans to accelerate this process in the years ahead. By refocusing our business on electrification, we are aiming for BEVs to account for 25 percent of our total worldwide sales by 2029.”

Kia's electrification plans in Australia

When asked about local plans for the seven new electric cars being released, a Kia Australia spokesperson said local buyers could expect at least one electric car to arrive in 2021.

"Kia Australia is consistently campaigning for greater availability of green vehicles – not limited to just EV and we recently announced our intention to launch Sorento Hybrids during next year," the spokesperson said.

"We are still in the planning stages of which models and timing, but aiming to release an EV during 2021."

Currently, Kia's only all-electric models – the e-Niro small SUV and e-Soul hatchback – are not sold in Australia.

As for why that is, a Kia spokesperson said local electric arrivals had been "delayed due to production capacity and battery supply – markets with stricter emissions regulations are prioritised".

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Susannah Guthrie

Susannah Guthrie has been a journalist for over a decade, covering everything from world news to fashion, entertainment, health and now cars. Having previously worked across titles like The New Daily, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, People Magazine and Cosmopolitan, Susannah now relishes testing family cars with the help of her husband and two-year-old son.

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