Kia is brewing up a secret formula for affordable EVs and they’re confident it will give them a big edge in the US market.
The company’s American Division COO, Steve Center, told Automotive News that they’re “ahead of most” competitors and are ramping up production to get these affordable EVs on the road sooner. They’ve already shown off a range of new electric vehicles at their first EV Day event, including the EV2, EV3, EV4, and EV5.
The car manufacturer’s plan is to offer something for everyone, with electric cars ranging from $30,000 to $80,000. They’re particularly focusing on launching smaller, more budget-friendly options to take on the growing competition from Chinese automakers like BYD. This could be a game-changer in making electric cars accessible to more Americans.
While Kia has already launched the EV5 in China for a very attractive price tag of around $20,000, it’s important to note this price might jump significantly in other markets. For instance, the EV5 is expected to cost nearly double that price in Australia.
There’s no official confirmation yet on whether the EV5 will be included in Kia’s US lineup, but they’ve definitely signaled their focus on launching a series of budget-friendly electric vehicles there. They seem confident they have a head start in this race towards affordable electric cars for American drivers.
Kia Charges Forward with Affordable Electric Cars
The motor Company isn’t just following the electric car trend, they’re aiming to lead it with their ‘secret sauce’ for affordability, according to Kia America COO Steve Center. “You can’t just copy others,” he said, emphasizing the importance of Kia’s own research and development.
The first wave of this affordability strategy is about to hit the road with the upcoming EV3. This compact electric SUV is like a miniaturized version of Kia’s larger EV9, offering the same design and technology in a smaller, more budget-friendly package.
Both the EV3 and EV9 share Kia’s new “Opposites United” design language, featuring a revamped ‘Tiger Face’ grille and bold wheel arches.
While the initial concept of the EV3 showcased a minimalist interior with eco-friendly materials and a single infotainment screen, the production version is expected to have Kia’s latest ccNC infotainment system.
Kia plans to launch the EV4, an all-new electric sedan, sometime in 2025 or 2026. This entry-level option is expected to be priced around $35,000, making it another attractive choice in Kia’s lineup. They describe the EV4 as a symbol of innovation, suggesting it will offer exciting features despite its affordability.
They’re taking concrete steps to ramp up their electric car production in the US. Their West Point, Georgia facility has already been converted to produce the larger EV9 SUV. While some EV9 models are currently being shipped from Korea and they expect to begin US production this summer.
An additional perk for US buyers?
Kia’s electric vehicles built in the US are expected to qualify for the federal EV tax credit. This, as Center points out, can be a game-changer for affordability, especially for those with lower incomes. The tax credit can significantly reduce the upfront cost of buying an electric car.
