Kia to launch even cheaper EV2 electric car that could serve as Soul EV’s spiritual successor
After revealing a slate of new electric models at the brand’s EV Day in Korea, Kia is already planning its next-gen lineup. Kia will launch an EV2 electric car starting at around $30,000 that could serve as a worthy follow-up to the Soul EV.
Kia revamps lineup at EV day
Kia teased three new electric models earlier this month, due to debut at its first annual EV Day. We knew one of the models would be the Kia EV5, revealed in China this summer.
The automaker revealed the final details for its compact SUV, which includes up to 447 miles (720 km) CLTC range, a spacious interior, advanced heat pump, and a load of new features.
The EV5 will start at around $35,000 for the base model. Equipped with a 64 kWh battery pack and 160 kW motor, the standard EV5 is expected to feature up to 330 miles (530 km) range. The longer-range model features an 88 kWh battery and the same 160 kW motor for an estimated 447 miles range.
Inside, the EV5 includes Kia’s connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment with a Panoramic Wide display and dual 12.3″ screens.
The EV5 will ride on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform – the same used for the EV6 and IONIQ 5. Kia is also planning to launch a GT version, which will be revealed later. Production will take place in both China and Korea, but it’s not likely to make the trip overseas to the US, unfortunately.
Kia’s new compact electric SUV will join the EV6 electric sedan and flagship EV9, the brand’s first three-row electric SUV, in its growing lineup.
At the event, Kia also introduced two new electric vehicles, the EV3 and EV4 concepts. The EV3 is a compact crossover that takes design cues from the EV9 and EV5 in an “accessible form.” It includes Kia’s “Opposites United” design and futuristic interior with a center console grown from mushrooms.
Meanwhile, the EV4 looks like a four-door sedan, but Kia says it’s “an entirely new type of EV sedan” as a symbol of its innovation.
Kia is launching a cheaper EV2 electric car
The new EV2 was confirmed at Kia EV Day Thursday with a target price of around $30,000. It will join the new EV3, EV4, and EV5 in the automakers growing lineup within the next three years.
Speaking to Autocar, Kia CEO Ho-Sung Song explained that providing affordable EVs is “very important” to the brand. Kia’s boss added that the EV2 is a “very unique and important model for the European market.”
The report suggests it could be an electric hatch, but given Kia’s emphasis on SUVs, it will likely include a crossover design. That said, it could serve as a modern Kia Soul EV successor.
You can expect Kia’s new signature design touches like its “Tiger grille” up front and dynamic lines. It will likely ride on an upgraded 400V E-GMP platform used for the models above.
The Kia EV2 will also receive a sporty GT version. A Kia official told Autocar that every model in its lineup will get a performance GT model.
Production is slated to begin in 2025, with deliveries following the following year. It will be built at Kia’s Slovakia plant, joining the other models.
The four new Kia models will join the EV6 and EV9 as Kia aims to sell 1.6 million electric cars annually by 2030.
Electrek’s Take
Kia is revamping its lineup to include a wide range of offerings in nearly all segments with prices between $30,000 and $80,000.
It will focus on the EV6 and EV9 in emerging markets with slower EV adoption while introducing new models in bigger markets. The brand said it’s establishing a reliable EV production network and battery supply chain. Kia aims to expand to eight production facilities by 2025.
In Europe, Kia will focus on building small and medium-sized EVs like the EV2, EV3, and EV4, while in China, the emphasis will be on mid to large electric models.
Kia says it will “introduce a diverse range of EV models in North America” to take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The automaker has yet to confirm which models that will entail.
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With its tire-blistering acceleration and record-setting performance, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has been getting attention throughout the auto industry, impressing everyone who’s seen it. That “everyone” now seems to include the OG supercar brand, itself.
CarNewsChina posted pictures from a Weibo user that reportedly show a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra exiting the storied Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. According to a Chinese blogger going by 西米露在博洛尼亚 (which seems to translate to “Sago Dessert in Bologna”), the prancing horse brand is actively benchmarking the Chinese hypercar for its own upcoming EV.
The SU7 Ultra was definitely coming from inside Ferrari’s facility. After verification, we learned this specific vehicle was officially purchased by Ferrari for testing, and the development of their next-generation electric platform.
Yet another Chinese auto blogger, 苏黎世贝勒爷, claims that Ferrari representatives visited Xiaomi headquarters last year, allegedly to discuss the joint development of next-generation high-performance EV motors.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra made its debut last year, promising 1,548 hp, sub 2.0-second 0-60 mph times, and a top speed well over 200 mph – all at a price lower than a Tesla Model S Plaid or Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. The car sold out almost immediately after it was unveiled, racking up some 50,000 orders almost overnight.
The new electric benchmark
In the automotive world, “benchmarking” is a process in which car companies systematically tear down each others’ competitive products to compare everything from sound insulation, vehicle ride and handling, component materials, and even manufacturing methods against their own or against other industry leaders. The goal is to evaluate performance, cost, quality, and other key metrics, effectively figuring out “where they stand” in the market.
If Ferrari really did buy an SU7 to benchmark it against their own upcoming electric supercar, it’s more than just a curiosity – it could mean that the highest tiers of automotive innovation have shifted from West to East. Maybe forever.
Featured image via Xiaomi; sources throughout the post.
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We’re finally getting our first teases of the upgraded 2027 Chevy Bolt, built on GM’s battery/motor platform formerly known as Ultium. So far, so good for the vehicle, which will be revealed later this Fall.
Chevy took to social media today to tease the 2027 Chevy Bolt, saying, “You asked, we listened. The #ChevyBolt is back and better than ever. More this fall. 👀”
Chevy ended the original Bolt program with the 2023 model, which was loved by a loyal group of customers (including myself). Some of the major gripes, including charging speed and rear brake lights, already look to be addressed. Also, a new more aggressive fascia is debuting.
Electrek’s take
GM has done an incredible job keeping the 2027 Bolt under wraps. It will be the first GM vehicle with a native NACS port after the Cadillac Optiq-V, which we spied in Seattle last week.
Hopefully, the new Bolt will have improved charging speeds over and above the 54kW that previous Bolts adhered to. One possible downgrade is that the old Bolt’s amazing wireless CarPlay/Android Auto system will likely be replaced by GM’s move to Android’s built-in experience. For a few years, the Chevy Bolt was the most affordable long-range EV, and it won our 2022 Electrek car of the year for its versatility and price.
I would, of course, like to see the new Bolt as a hot hatchback, but GM CEO Mary Barra has hinted that it will likely take more of the EUV’s SUV form factor. Things like AWD options, SuperCruise, pricing, power and range are yet to be revealed, but stay tuned to Electrek for the latest on Bolt developments.
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On today’s test-acular episode of Quick Charge, it’s a new day and a new Chinese ADAS test for Tesla to conquer – but this one’s got a LOT more pedestrian carnage to parse through! We’ve also got some great e-bike deals from Retrospec and a bladder-busting Hyundai.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec – the makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure! To that end, we’ve got a pair of Retrospec e-bike reviews followed up by the updated Hyundai IONIQ 6 with nearly 350 miles of range from its updated long-range battery. With that, Hyundai now has the longest range Korean EV on the market, while Texas is adding megawatts of battery energy storage to beef up its troubled grid, and it’s doing so faster and cheaper than ever before.
Plus: Quick Charge listeners can get an extra 10% off the price of their next awesome e-bike by using code ELECTREK10 at retrospec.com!
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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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