Is this the Ford F-150 Lightning rival we’ve been waiting for? The first Kia electric pickup was spotted testing in the US as the brand gears up for an EV offensive.

Kia has already confirmed it will launch an electric truck in the US. During its investor day in 2022, Kia revealed plans to launch two electric pickup trucks: one dedicated EV pickup and the other a strategic model for emerging markets.

The electric trucks are part of Kia’s plan to launch two EVs a year and build a complete lineup by 2027.

Kia confirmed in the US, where mid-size SUVs and pickups are popular, “electric versions of these models will be produced locally from 2024.”

After launching its EV9 late last year, the larger electric SUV is already off to a hot start. With a record 1,572 EV9s sold in April, the electric SUV pushed Kia to a new monthly EV sales record, up 144% YOY.

Kia is offering a $7,500 Customer Cash credit, which can amount to $12,400 in savings until US production begins. Meanwhile, Kia is expected to start building the EV9 at its West Point, GA facility this month.

Kia is testing a mysterious electric pickup in the US

Is a new Kia electric pickup set to follow? For the first time, Kia’s EV pickup was spotted testing in the US.

The video from KindelAuto shows a larger-looking pickup with a bold face, similar to the Ford F-150 Lightning. You can clearly see design features pulled from the rugged, big-body EV9.

On the back end, you can see the test model is fitted with lights similar to the Hyundai Santa Cruz. These will likely be updated in the production version.

It will likely include several new Kia design elements, like its new signature “Digital Tiger Face” grille, replacing its old “Tiger Nose” design.

Kia’s new EV will join a growing US electric pickup market with the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Chevy Silverado EV.

Although Kia has yet to confirm specs, it’s expected to ride on Hyundai’s next-gen EV platform, which is expected to boost range (the EV9 gets up to 304 miles EPA-est range) while slashing costs (the EV9 starts at $54,900).

If you can’t wait for Kia’s electric pickup, Kia is offering massive savings of up to $12,400 on select EV9 models. You can use our link to view deals on the 2024 Kia EV9 at a dealer near you.

Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) is putting data at the heart of its decarbonization efforts as it invests in advanced telematics and beefs up its carbon footprint reporting.

Volvo Group has purchased a 22% ownership stake in VizaLogix, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that specializes in vehicle telematics and data collection. In addition to providing real-time machine monitoring and enhanced technical support capabilities, the telematics data will help to inform the industry’s most extensive catalogue of Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) reports – making it easier for customers to take active steps to reduce their environmental impact.

“VizaLogix provides brand-neutral SaaS solutions that are easy to integrate and use, helping fleets, dealers and OEMs make smarter decisions,” said Scott Young, head of region North America, Volvo, in a statement. “Volvo recognizes that services are growing to be just as important to fleets as their machines, and our investment in VizaLogix extends our commitment. It’s by combining the right machine with the right services that users get the best solution for their needs.”

The PCF reports released by Volvo confirm that electric machines are a more sustainable choice compared to conventional, diesel-powered machines (which, it should be noted, Volvo also sells — and at a higher per-unit profit than EVs). The reports look at a vehicle’s greenhouse gas emissions throughout its projected life cycle, and cover all steps from the extraction of raw materials, component manufacturing and machine assembly, through to battery recycling and end-of-life salvage. The principles of the methodology are based on both the global ISO standard for Life Cycle Assessment and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

“Customers are now rightly looking with absolute scrutiny at carbon performance – on a par with other considerations like cost and quality,” says Rickard Alm, Head of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) program at Volvo CE. “With our Product Carbon Footprint reports, we are making it easier to have quick access to the information needed and enabling them to act on their decarbonization ambitions.”

You can explore Volvo’s initial PCF reports here. Be sure to bookmark the page, though — there will be more to come.

Why the VizaLogix thing is cool

As for VizaLogix, their acquisition is going to enhance not just Volvo CE’s reporting, but their ability to support their machines in the field and, ultimately, keep them running longer. The company’s products enable support for mixed fleets and mixed data connections, including:

• Vantage Point: a mining app that provides real-time data on crucial site metrics like idle times, cycle counts, and tonnage delivered
• TethrIT Now: a real-time collaboration tool that works over multiple channels, allowing augmented reality video calls that featuring helpful overlays that let users visually point, highlight, or mark areas of focus for technicians on either end of the call
• TechnicianNow: it’s telehealth for your equipment, enabling a technician to troubleshoot and diagnose machines through a mobile app that connects them with real-time parts availability to give fleet managers a comprehensive understanding of what’s happening, why, and when it will be fixed

Moving forward, the information gathered with these digital tools will help inform parts purchasing and technician training, and ultimately help build confidence in electric equipment — a crucial step in convincing fleet operators to buy electric.

Electrek’s Take

Volvo is serious about decarbonization and sustainability, and they’re pushing hard to have electric options in all their CE product lines.

The Heavy Equipment Podcast was recently joined by Mats Sköldberg, head of technology for Volvo Construction Equipment, to chat about the company’s all-new, battery-free EW240 Electric material handler (above), the expansion of their electric offerings, and more.

You can check out that HEP-isode, below, and let us know what you think of Volvo’s commitment to data in the comments.

Honda is done standing by while rivals like Tesla and BYD steal market share. To stay competitive, Honda is doubling its investment in EVs to $65 billion (10 trillion yen) through 2030. The plans include slashing costs and launching seven new electric models.

Honda doubles its investment in EVs to $65 billion

CEO Toshihiro Mibe laid out the automaker’s new strategy Thursday, claiming Honda has not “changed its belief that EVs are the most effective solution.”

Honda believes it can compete in the small electric vehicle and motorbike segment. In the long term, Honda is confident that EV adoption will continue to rise. The company wants to take advantage of the “period of EV popularization,” which will happen in the second half of the 2020s.

To do so, Honda will introduce new EVs, establish a comprehensive supply chain (including batteries), and advance EV technology and facilities.

Through its new strategy, Honda aims for a 5% return on sales for its EV business in 2030, aiming to make it self-sustaining.

Honda’s new 0 series is expected to play a key role. Two new concepts, the Saloon and Space-Hub, were unveiled at CES in January.

The Saloon is set to become Honda’s new flagship EV with a model very similar to the concept launching in 2026. It will launch in North America first ahead of its global rollout.

Following the Saloon, Honda plans to launch seven EV models globally, from small to large. In China, Honda will introduce ten new EVs by 2027, representing 100% of auto sales in the region by 2035. It also unveiled its new “Ye Series” EVs to take on Chinese automakers like BYD.

Honda will launch a series of smaller EVs, starting with the N-Van e, a commercial mini EV. After it goes on sale in Japan this fall, Honda will introduce a series of small-size EVs in the region where needed. This will include personal mini-EV models in 2025.

Building an EV supply chain for the future

Regarding its supply chain, Honda will start by strengthening its partnerships for lithium-ion batteries while holding costs down. Starting in mid-2020, Honda will begin producing batteries with its JV partners.

In the US, Honda’s JV plant with LG Energy Solution will begin production with up to 40 GWh battery capacity annually. The lightweight and compact battery packs will be used for its 0 series EVs.

In the second half of the decade, Honda plans to further expand its battery business by building a vertically-integrated supply chain.

To do so, Honda will begin in-house production with GS Yuasa for EV batteries. Honda also plans to secure battery materials in Canada, like cathode materials from POSCO Future M and separators from Kasei at new JV plants.

By 2030, Honda aims to reduce the cost of EV batteries built in North America by over 20% compared to current costs. Honda already has enough secured to produce around 2 million EVs planned in 2030.

Honda aims for EVs and FCEVs to account for 40% of global auto sales in 2030 and 100% by 2040.

Electrek’s Take

Despite the recent “EV slowdown” the media continues to report, several automakers are increasing their investments now as they look toward the future.

Honda is the latest, joining Toyota, which has made a series of investments in new EVs, including a large electric SUV for the US and next-gen battery tech.

Although Japanese automakers have been laggards in the industry’s transition to EVs so far, with Ford, GM, VW, and others pulling back, could they turn things around? That’s what Honda (and Toyota) hope for with new investments in EVs.

Meanwhile, Honda and Toyota’s EV sales share is currently well under that of their rivals. While Toyota’s EV sales share is around 1%, many automakers are already achieving double-digit or 100% EV sales.

Will the new investments be enough? Drop us a comment below to let us know your thoughts.