Kia Is All Set To Launch Its Future Concept Cars Kia EV5, EV4 and EV3 But Only In China and Korea
Kia’s recent announcement has captured the interest of electric vehicle enthusiasts as the company unveils production parameters for its future Kia EV5, EV4 and EV3 model in China and Korea.
Unfortunately, information for the US market is still protected. The EV5 is Kia’s first dedicated electric car, and it is built on the same Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) as the Hyundai Ioniq 5. This game-changing EV will be available in three tantalizing variants: conventional, long-range, and long-range all-wheel-drive.
What We Know So Far From Kia Day Event
During Kia’s major EV Day event, the company unveiled the much-anticipated EV5 as well as two visionary concepts aimed at making cutting-edge technology accessible to the masses. The company’s ambition includes a wide EV lineup, ranging from the EV6 to the future-ready EV9, all of which promise Level 3 autonomy and a 336-mile range. Kia’s goal is to make the EV5 and succeeding models, such as the EV4 and EV3, affordable, with prices ranging from $35,000 to $50,000, so stimulating the mass adoption of electric vehicles.
The EV5 SUV is Kia’s third 100% electric gem, meticulously constructed on their specialized electric vehicle platform, the E-GMP. Kia intends to build and distribute this EV primarily in China and Korea, customizing the characteristics to each market’s individual needs. In China, a conventional version with a 64kWh battery pack and a 160kW motor will be available, with a range of 530 km (329 miles).
Image Credit: Kia
The long-range model will have a larger battery and will have a range of 720 km (447 miles) on a single charge. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) type will have a range of 650 km or 404 miles and fast-charging capabilities. The EV5’s range will be tailored to local demands in the Korean market. Kia has also hinted at a performance-oriented GT edition, which has piqued the market’s interest.
While the EV5 is nearing completion, other electric vehicles presented at the event, such as the EV3 and EV4, are still in the idea stage. The EV3 is intended to be a smaller, more affordable counterpart of the EV9, while the EV4 is a stylish sedan with an aerodynamic design and a futuristic interior. Any of these vehicles’ ability to reach the $35,000 pricing point, a common goal among EV manufacturers, remains a question mark.
Will the Kia EV5 be launched in the US?
During the EV Day presentation, Kia’s president and CEO, Ho Sung Song, confirmed that the EV5 would be available in “America,” with a representative from the product planning department speculating on a mid-2025 release date. However, Kia later clarified that the EV5 is meant for North America, not the United States. This minor distinction suggests that it is available in Canada and/or Mexico rather than the United States.
The choice to exclude the United States may have been motivated by the poor performance of two-row midsize crossovers such as the Honda Passport, while American customers prefer three-row versions such as the EV9. Furthermore, due to Kia’s manufacturing intentions, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides a $7,500 tax credit for EVs, may not be applicable to the EV5. However, it’s important to remember that things can change, and 2025 is still a few years away.
Kia EV5 Specification for China & Korea Market
The EV5 is based on Kia’s flexible E-GMP architecture, which also underpins the EV6 and EV9, as well as the two new entrants, the EV3 and EV4. It is similar in size to a Sportage but has a boxier and more futuristic look. The eye-catching aero wheels on the Chinese-spec model have gotten a lot of attention and are eagerly awaiting manufacturing.
Inside the EV5, comparisons with the EV9 are unavoidable due to the two vehicles’ strikingly identical layout and style. The dash is dominated by a large screen housing two 12.3-inch screens, which are supplemented with a 5.0-inch screen for climate control features.
The Chinese market, on the other hand, receives an intriguing design feature: front seats that resemble a raised-up bench. This is a Chinese-only design; the rest of the world will have a more standard two-seat arrangement. It’s perplexing because there’s no obvious reason for this bench-style arrangement, especially without a seatbelt for a prospective middle passenger.
Image Credit: Kia
The EV5 will be offered in normal, long-range, and long-range AWD variants in China. The base model comes with a 64-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a 214-horsepower front motor. The long-range variant includes an 88-kWh battery as well as the same motor. Kia believes that the long-range model will have a driving range of roughly 447 miles; however, this figure is based on the Combined Charging and Load Cycle (CLTC), which is approximately 35% more lenient than the EPA test regimen. An EPA range closer to 290 miles would be more reasonable.
The Chinese-spec, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive EV5 is expected to have 308 horsepower and a CLTC range of 404 miles. The Korean-spec EV5, on the other hand, will be available in the same number of vehicles but with different battery packs, customized to market demands.
The EV5 will offer vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capabilities, similar to the EV6. This demonstrates Kia’s dedication to cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, it will include Kia’s full array of driver-assist technology, including enhanced versions of Highway Driving Assist and Remote Smart Park Assist functionalities.
The EV5 represents an important milestone in Kia’s mission to make electric transportation accessible and thrilling as the company’s EV adventure continues. While the EV5 may not be available in the United States at first, Kia’s forward-thinking strategy promises an electrified future for North America and beyond.
Image Credit: Kia
Technologies Highlighted on the Kia EV5
HDA2 (Highway Driving Assist 2): The EV5 will be equipped with HDA2, which assists in maintaining a safe distance from the car in front, maintaining the set speed, and keeping the vehicle centered in the lane while driving on highways.
Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA2) : RSPA2, a highly accurate and convenient parking aid function that recognizes parking lines on its own, has improved parking convenience.
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) : The EV5 has V2G functionality, which allows it to supply and sell charged electricity to the power grid even when the vehicle is not driving.
Connectivity : The EV5 has an innovative entertainment system that intuitively distributes information to the driver thanks to an improved ccNC (connected car navigation cockpit).
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Conclusion
The Kia EV5 is a promising new electric vehicle that outperforms its competitors in several ways. The EV5 features a long range, quick charging, a sleek exterior, and a big and comfortable interior. The EV5 is also reasonably priced. Overall, the Kia EV5 is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a new electric vehicle.
