Kia Reveals Its Seven-Year-Plan for EVs

Kia Motors' president and CEO, Ho Sung Song, has unveiled its seven-year-plan for electrification. The automaker is already producing three EVs (the Niro, Optima, and Soul) and two plug-in hybrids (versions of the Niro and Optima). And they now have pledged for seven dedicated fully electric vehicles. These vehicles will be a part of Kia’s lineup by the end of 2027, and the first model should debut this year.

Although Song didn’t reveal any details of the upcoming EV, it reportedly has a code-name CV. It will be an electric crossover sharing its features with the Imagine concept that the company showcased at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show. The production model should offer over 300 miles of range on full juice and a 20-minute fast-charging time.

With a plan to launch 11 zero-emission models by 2025, the best bet for Kia is to produce EV versions of its current gas-powered vehicles. The company aims to create different models for different markets. For instance, electric city cars might not reach the U.S., where people focus more on long cruising ranges.  

Of course, a part of the company’s push toward electrification is seeing the markets where they can sell them. Kia plans to improve its EV sales to 25% of worldwide sales in the next eight years. Kia has so far sold 100,000 electric vehicles and hopes more and more people will buy EVs this decade.

Another aspect Kia is working on, which obviously is mandatory for any EV manufacturer, is the servicing and charging infrastructure. The objective is to grow its servicing and charging network in Korea first and then expand it to other regions in the world. For this purpose, Kia is seeking partners in the U.S. and China. Recently, they joined hands with a European charging infrastructure company Ionity.

Source: CarandDriver