Revolutionising the road: How Kia is shaping the future of EVs

Since its inception in 1944, Kia, the oldest vehicle manufacturer in South Korea, has been a trailblazer in the global automotive industry. From its humble beginnings crafting bicycles and motorcycles, Kia has evolved into a powerhouse within the Hyundai Motor Group.

Kia’s influence resonates worldwide, as more than 1.4 million vehicles roll off its assembly lines annually in 14 manufacturing hubs spanning eight countries. Supported by a vast network of more than 3,000 distributors and dealers across 172 countries, Kia’s reach extends far and wide, underpinned by a dedicated workforce of more than 40,000 individuals, driving annual revenues exceeding US$17 billion.

Yet, Kia’s aspirations transcend conventional metrics of success. In 2020, the company unveiled its ambitious “Plan S” strategy, signalling a strategic shift towards leadership in mobility services and the forefront of vehicle electrification, connectivity and autonomy.

In 2021, Kia embarked on a transformative journey, reimagining its brand with the captivating tagline “Movement that Inspires”. This ethos embodies Kia’s pledge to transcend traditional manufacturing boundaries, striving to resonate with individuals from diverse backgrounds while spearheading sustainable mobility solutions.

Building on its innovative drive, Kia accelerated its transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technologies. With plans to introduce 15 EV models by 2027 and achieve annual sales of 1.6 million EVs by 2030, Kia reaffirms its commitment to propelling the EV revolution forward.

Revving up the EV shift in Asia-Pacific

The establishment of Kia Sales (Thailand) marks a significant milestone for Kia in Asia-Pacific, expanding the brand’s influence and igniting inspiration across the region. Since its establishment in January 2024, Kia Thailand has achieved several noteworthy milestones.

A standout achievement was its debut at the Bangkok International Motorshow 2024, where Kia presented its captivating theme “Windows of Inspiration”, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and sparking discussions throughout the city. Furthermore, Kia Thailand played host to the Asean debut of the Kia EV5, a groundbreaking compact SUV.

The introduction of the EV5 underscores Kia’s steadfast commitment to leading the EV revolution in the Asean region through its “EVs for All” vision. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the accessibility of EVs, aligning with Kia’s dedication to shaping the future of electric mobility within the region’s automotive landscape. As a sustainable mobility solutions provider, Kia is dedicated to driving positive change and pioneering innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.

Kia EV5: Leading the charge towards electric mobility in compact SUVs

Inspired by the “Bold for Nature” design philosophy, a pillar of Kia’s “Opposites United” design approach, the Kia EV5 epitomises a harmonious blend of strength and emotion.

Available in three variations — Standard, Long-Range and Long-Range All-Wheel Drive — the EV5 offers remarkable range capabilities of up to 665km per charge for the 88.1kWH battery pack.

Its diverse battery options include a 64kWh battery pack and 160kW motor for the Standard version; an 88kWh battery pack and 160kW motor for the Long-Range variant; and an 88kWh battery pack with a 160kW motor on the front axle and a 70kW motor on the rear axle for the Long-Range All-Wheel Drive model.

Built on Kia’s proprietary Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) platform, the EV5 integrates advanced fast-charging technology, enabling it to charge from minimum state to *80% in just 38 minutes (based on 141kW [DC] chargers). This platform, derived from a skateboard chassis with an underfloor battery position, ensures exceptional handling and manoeuvrability by lowering the centre of gravity, providing a stable and agile driving experience.

Inside, the EV5 boasts innovative interior solutions aimed at enhancing the family experience. These include a full flat folding second-row seat with a multi-table luggage board, doubling as a convenient table for various activities. In addition, the centre console features a cooler and warming function, transforming into a refrigerator to store beverages or keep food warm during road trips.

To ensure seamless connectivity, the EV5 is equipped with the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC), providing access to Over-the-Air (OTA) services via the Kia Connect Store. This enables continuous upgrades to digital features and services without requiring visits to the dealership.

For safety and convenience, the EV5 comes equipped with Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA2) for autonomous parking manoeuvres. It also features Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), further enhancing safety and convenience while driving.

Kia EV9: The SUV set to dominate roads in Asia-Pacific

The Kia EV9 marks a significant milestone as Kia’s first three-row electric flagship SUV, leading the adoption of the brand’s innovative Design Sustainability Strategy. This strategy involves discontinuing the use of leather, integrating 10 essential sustainable features in all-new Kia models, and progressively incorporating bio-based materials such as corn, sugar cane and natural oils. Kia is committed to enhancing its use of recycled plastics, aiming for a 20% target by 2030.

The 2024 Kia EV9 made history by winning both the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle titles at the 2024 World Car Awards, announced during the New York Auto Show. This achievement adds to its growing list of accolades, including the “Family Cars” category at the Golden Steering Wheel Awards, 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, and “Best Premium SUV” at the 2023 Newsweek Autos Awards. As Kia’s pioneering three-row EV SUV, the EV9 has proven to be a game changer in the automotive industry.

Kia’s clear and ambitious strategy signals a bold step towards a future dominated by EVs. As Asia-Pacific emerges as a prominent area for EV expansion, all eyes are on Kia to see what exciting new models it will introduce. Recognition for Kia’s contributions to this evolving landscape is undoubtedly forthcoming.