Kia is following in the footsteps of Ford, GM, and Rivian as it prepares to “be reborn as a central brand.” With plans to build a second factory for purpose-built EVs, Kia aims to take advantage of the growing need for PBVs.
The South Korean automaker proposed the plan during wage talks with union workers Friday, according to industry sources.
Kia looks to compete in the emerging tailor-made vehicle segment over the next several years. In a keynote speech this week, Song Ho-Song said that to sustain growth, “transformation of the entire business is necessary.”
He emphasized Kia’s transition from an auto manufacturing business to a “mobility solutions” brand. The brand will spearhead Hyundai’s expansion into new segments.
Kia will not only sell electric cars but also new services like purpose-built EVs, car sharing, and car-hailing.
In April, Kia began construction on its first PBV factory (and the first all-EV plant in South Korea). The company invested roughly $758 million (1 trillion won) with plans to produce 150,000 units annually, starting in the second half of 2025.
(Source: Kia)
Kia will begin building purpose-built EVs in 2025
The company’s first purpose-built EV, codenamed “SW,” will be revealed in 2025. Kia says the mid-sized PBV will be based on a new dedicated platform for purpose-built EVs.
According to Kia, the electric SW model will support delivery, ride-hailing, and B2B with a spacious interior and optimized load structure.
(Source: Kia)
Following that, Kia plans to expand into large-size PBVs that will be used for fresh food delivery, logistics, shuttles, mobile offices, and stores. The company will also launch smaller PBVs and robotaxis.
The larger models will be built at Kia’s second electric PBV plant starting in 2028. Kia’s new facility is expected to be at its production center 50 miles southwest of Seoul.
Post 2025 electric EDV plans (Source: Kia)
Kia sees larger purpose-built EVs as a potential revenue driver in the future. Automakers like General Motors sell PBVs to major corporations like FedEx and Walmart.
GM established Brightdrop, an all-electric delivery business, in 2021. Companies like FedEx and Ryder have already begun deploying Brightdrops electric last-mile delivery vans.
Meanwhile, Ford’s E-Transit was the best-selling electric cargo van in the US in September and has also been leading in Europe.
Amazon Rivian EDV version (Source: Amazon)
California-based Rivian has also made progress with its electric delivery van (EDV). The EV maker earned a commitment from e-commerce giant Amazon to purchase 100,000 EDVs by the end of the decade. Rivian’s EDVs even reached Europe this summer with a new design for city travel.
Kia wants to lead the segment with over 1.5 million PBV sales by 2030. It has already secured several customers, including CJ Logistics and Coupang.
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Save an exclusive $1,700 on Anker’s SOLIX F2600 power station with an expansion battery at a new $1,799 low
We’ve secured an exclusive deal from Wellbots on the Anker SOLIX F2600 Portable Power Station with a BP2600 expansion battery for $1,798.56 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5F2600 at checkout. You’d normally have to shell out $3,499 for this bundle at full price, which we’ve seen go as low as $2,399 in the past. You’re looking at a combined 49% markdown that cuts $1,700 off the tag in all, giving you the best price we have tracked on this expanded backup power solution.
A successor to the F2000 model, Anker’s SOLIX F2600 power station starts at an increased 2,560Wh LiFePO4 capacity that is then doubled thanks to the expansion battery inclusion to 5,120Wh. There are twelve output ports (including a TT-30 port for RV support) to connect devices and appliances, with the unit delivering up to 2,400W of continuous power that can surge as high as 2,800W – all within a convenient suitcase-like design complete with wheels for easier transport.
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The two main ways to recharge Anker’s SOLIX F2600 power station are either by utilizing its max 1,000W solar input that can have it back to 80% in around two hours, or you can activate its HyperFlash mode to charge to 80% via an AC outlet in one hour and 40 minutes. It comes rated for a 10-year lifespan of continuous use, so using it less often just means extended support for your backup needs, and offers the full array of remote smart controls through its companion app that you would expect.
Segway’s ZT3 Pro e-scooter brings Apple Find My and proximity locking to all-terrain adventures for $900
Following right alongside a similar deal we saw on Segway’s new F3 Electric KickScooter that is still going strong through August 17, the brand is offering a promotional discount on its ZT3 Pro Electric Scooter at $899.99 shipped through August 31, after using the code ZT3AUG100OFF at checkout, beating out Amazon pricing by $100. This model carries a $1,300 MSRP directly from the brand, but keeps down at $1,000 normally over at Amazon. We saw it hit a new $850 low last month during Prime Day, with the deal here being the next-best rate that matches its preorder launch deal from September for the first time. You’ll be saving $100 off the going rate ($400 off the MSRP), landing it just $50 above the one-time low.
Tote Anker’s PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh station through the rest of summer and beyond for $80
By way of its official Amazon storefront, Anker is offering its popular PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh Power Bank Station at $79.99 shipped in both colorways, which comes in $1 under the brand’s direct website pricing. You’d normally have to spend $150 for this model at full price, though discounts have been regularly keeping the costs down between $110 and $90 on average, with some falls lower to $80, like today, and one previous drop to the $75 low during Prime Day. Aside from that one-time appearance, you’re otherwise looking at the best price we have tracked, which gives you $70 off the going rate and lands it $8 under our previous mention from three weeks ago.
Anker’s SOLIX C300 power stations are portable 90,000mAh backup companions that start from $150
By way of its official Amazon storefront, Anker is offering its SOLIX C300 DC Portable Power Station at $149.99 shipped, matching the brand’s direct website pricing. You’d have to pay $250 for this unit at full price regularly, though discounts in 2025 have seen it go as low as $150, which was last seen in July’s Prime Day Sale event, with things otherwise seen repeating to $170 since June. You’re looking at another shot at the second best price we have tracked, giving you $100 off the going rate that is only beaten by the $140 low we last saw during Black Friday and Christmas sales.
Score up to 61% total savings on EcoFlow 220W and 400W solar panels and bundles at lowest prices starting from $254
As part of its current Home Backup Sale running through August 17, EcoFlow is offering an additional 15% off promotion on 220W and 400W solar panels (plus dual panel bundles). Things start at their lowest with the NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel at $254.15 shipped, after using the code ASOLAR15OFF at checkout for the extra savings, beating out Amazon’s pricing by $75. It’s already down from its full $649 price tag thanks to the sale, with the price having stayed above $300 with discounts until today. Not only has the brand dropped the initial pricing from $329 to $299, but the extra savings make the deal all the sweeter, cutting a total $395 off the going rate for a new all-time low price, alongside the other lows we’re seeing on the 220W bundle and 400W offers.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
It’s only a matter of time before the Genesis G70 sedan will no longer be offered. Genesis is reportedly planning to kill off its most affordable model as it shifts its focus to SUVs and electric vehicles.
The most affordable Genesis model is on the way out
Starting at $42,500, the G70 is the most affordable Genesis vehicle offered. But that might not be the case for long.
According to a new Automotive News report, the Genesis G70 sedan will be retired after the 2027 model year. Although it was the luxury brand’s third-best-selling vehicle last year, Genesis is moving away from sedans, with more buyers opting for SUVs and EVs.
The report said that industry analysts don’t believe the G70 is on track for a second generation. And that’s not just the US, Genesis expected to kill off its most affordable model globally.
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Genesis has yet to confirm the news, but a company spokesperson said, “We have no plans to discontinue the G70 at this time.”
The keyword is “at this time.” The G70 underwent a major refresh for the 2022MY. Much like its newest models, Genesis fine-tuned the exterior design and added more luxury to the interior, featuring a larger infotainment system and new features.
2025 Genesis G70 (Source: Genesis)
Genesis already dropped one model this year. Earlier this month, Genesis confirmed to Car and Driver that it will no longer sell the Electrified G80 in the US, its luxury electric sedan.
The electric G80 has already been pulled from its US website, leaving only the GV60 and Electrified GV70 as purely electric options.
Genesis Electrified G80 updated model (Source: Hyundai)
Genesis said that “the customer is at the core of every decision we make, and we remain flexible as we adapt to ever-changing consumer needs and market conditions.”
If Genesis kills off the G70 sedan, it will leave the GV70 SUV as its most affordable model, with starting prices from $47,985.
Genesis Neolun ultra-luxury electric SUV concept (Source: Genesis)
While Genesis is trimming sedans from its lineup, it’s planning to trade up for a new flagship electric SUV. The GV90 will be the production version of the Neolun concept (shown above) revealed last March.
Genesis is expected to introduce the GV90 next year as its new ultra-luxury SUV to rival the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Last month, we caught a sneak peek of it for the first time with Rolls-Royce-like coach doors.
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We are finally getting our first look at the IONIQ 2, the smaller sibling to the Hyundai IONIQ 5. Hyundai is expected to reveal the new EV next month, but after it was spotted driving near its tech center, we are already getting a sneak peek. Check it out for yourself in the video below.
Here’s your first look at the Hyundai IONIQ 2 out in the wild
Hyundai is betting on more affordable EVs to drive growth. It’s already finding success with the Inster EV, its cheapest electric car.
Hyundai is preparing to introduce another low-cost EV as part of its expanding IONIQ lineup. The IONIQ 2 will sit between the Inster EV and Hyundai Kona Electric in an increasingly popular segment.
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Hyundai is expected to introduce the IONIQ 2 next month at the Munich Motor Show, with sales set to begin in mid-2026.
Although we caught a glimpse of a camouflaged model last month in a South Korean parking lot, a new video reveals the IONIQ 2 testing on the road.
The video from CarSpyMedia offers a good look at the new EV from all angles. As with the EV2, the IONIQ 2 will feature a taller, more SUV-like profile.
It’s still covered, but you can expect to see new design elements, such as redesigned LED headlights, featured on the new IONIQ 6.
Kia Concept EV2 (Source: Kia)
The interior will undergo a “step change” from current models, according to Autocar, with new software, features, and an updated infotainment system.
The interior of the new Hyundai IONIQ 6 (Source: Hyundai)
Like most Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis electric vehicles, the IONIQ 2 will be based on its E-GMP platform. It will likely be offered with different battery pack options, similar to the Kia EV3. The EV3 is available with 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery packs, providing WLTP range of 267 miles and 372 miles respectively.
You can also expect it to share parts and similar styling to Kia’s upcoming EV2. The EV2 is scheduled to go on sale a few months ahead of the IONIQ 2.
Hyundai has yet to announce the price range, but it’s likely to start at around 30,000 euros ($35,400), which is slightly less than the Kia EV3’s price of 35,990 euros ($42,500).
Unfortunately, the IONIQ 2 is not expected to launch in the US. Hyundai is doubling down on SUVs after ramping output of the three-row IONIQ 9 and 2025 IONIQ 5 at its Georgia EV plant.
What do you think of Hyundai’s new low-cost EV? Would you buy one for around $35,000?
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