Kia has the ‘secret sauce’ for affordable EVs in the US
Cheaper electric vehicles are on the way, and Kia believes it has an advantage. With its own “secret sauce,” Kia is moving to launch a series of affordable EVs in the US.
“We’re ahead of most, and we’re trying to rush out ahead because our technology will be more evolved,” Kia America COO Steve Center told Automotive News.
Kia revealed a new range of low-cost EVs during its first annual EV Day in October, including the EV2, EV3, EV4, and EV5.
With an “EV for all,” Kia plans a wide-ranging lineup with prices from $30,000 to $80,000. To accelerate sales and compete with Chinese automakers like BYD, Kia is launching smaller, more affordable EVs.
Kia has already launched the EV5 in China, with starting prices around $20,000 (149,800 yuan). However, in Australia, where it’s imported, it will cost around $40,000 (70,000 AUS).
Although Kia has not announced plans to bring the EV5 to the US, it is planning to launch several affordable EVs and believes it already has a head start.
Kia to kick off affordable EVs in the US
“You can’t just jump in and catch up. You have to have your own R&D, your own secret sauce,” Center explained. Kia believes it’s ahead with new low-cost EVs on the horizon.
Next up for launch will be the EV3, Kia’s compact electric SUV. The EV3 is a shrunken EV9, taking the design and tech of the EV9 and putting them into a smaller, more affordable package.
Like the EV9, the smaller SUV features Kia’s new “Opposites United” design with a redesigned “Tiger Face” grille and wide wheel arches.
The concept featured a minimalist interior with plant-derived materials. Although the concept shown in October had a single screen for the driver display and infotainment, the production version is expected to feature Kia’s next-gen ccNC infotainment system.
Kia’s new EV3 is expected to debut this summer or by the end of 2024, with prices starting at around $30,000. It’s also due to receive a sporty GT Line model.
We’ve seen prototypes testing as the compact electric SUV nears its official debut. The EV3 is expected to be about the size of the new Volvo EX30 or Hyundai Kona at around 170″ long, 72″ wide, and 62″ tall.
The EV4, Kia’s take on an entry-level electric sedan, is expected to follow in 2025 or 2026 with prices around $35,000. Kia says the EV4 is an “entirely new type of sedan that stands as a symbol of innovation.”
Kia has already converted its West Point, GA facility to produce its three-row EV9 electric SUV. Although EV9 models are being shipped from Korea, Kia is expected to move production to GA this summer.
The Center said the sooner lighter, higher-density energy batteries are introduced, the sooner the cost can come down, adding, “That’s the holy grail.”
Kia’s EVs built at the facility are expected to qualify for the Federal EV tax credit. “When you’re building affordable EVs in the US, the rebate will appeal more to households with less income,” Center said.
Center said EVs offer automakers a fresh start. “Just because you’re great at something else doesn’t mean you’re going to be great at EVs,” he explained.
“If someone wants an EV, and their regular brand doesn’t have it, they’re going to have to look elsewhere. Right away, they will have to explore other brands.”
Center said Kia will be selling customers their “second and third EV when some other companies finally get in the game — and they’re going to have to conquest.”
Electrek’s Take
Most automakers, including Ford, GM, Volkswagen, Rivian, and others, have announced plans to introduce low-cost EVs.
However, if Kia can launch the EV3, priced around $30,000 this year, it will have most automakers beat.
GM is launching the Chevy Equinox EV with prices as low as $34,995, yet that’s for the 1LT model, which is also expected out later this year. For now, the cheapest Equinox EV starts at $43,295. With the $7,500 tax credit, prices could fall to as low as $35,795.
Volvo also launched the EX30, starting at $34,950 in the US and €36,590 in Europe. CEO Jim Rowan expects “tremendous growth” this year as the low-cost EV rolls out.
Ford is planning a new low-cost EV platform to underpin a smaller electric pickup and SUV. The first model is due out in 2026, and prices will start around $25,000.
Rivian unveiled its smaller, cheaper R2 electric SUV last month. The electric SUV will start at around $45,000, with production slated for early 2026.
With GM and Nissan phasing out the current Chevy Bolt EV and LEAF models, two of the most affordable EVs in the US, Kia has an opportunity to take advantage.
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Tesla’s sales have fallen 87% in Quebec in the first quarter 2025 compared to the same period last year.
The critical Canadian market has been wiped out, and Tesla is no longer importing new vehicles.
Quebec is the leading EV market in Canada, with the highest adoption rate of new electric vehicles.
That’s due to incentives, cheap hydro electricity, and a strong base of EV enthusiasts.
As the EV leader in North America, Quebec became an important market for Tesla.
However, Tesla’s market in Quebec is now gone.
We don’t have all Canadian data for vehicle registrations in the first quarter; however, Le Devoir managed to obtain data for Quebec from the Société d’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), which revealed that Tesla delivered only 524 vehicles in Quebec during Q1 2025.
That’s down 87% compared to Q1 2024.
The pause in the Quebec and federal EV incentive programs contributed to the sharp decline, but the pause also happened in the quarter, which helped sales by creating urgency to buy and take delivery.
However, it also created an awkward situation for Tesla in which it was accused of filing thousands of questionable requests for incentives worth $42 million CAD, which it later claimed was a backlog of deliveries that it hadn’t filed yet.
This controversy added to growing brand damage for Tesla in Quebec and the broader Canada due to its CEO Elon Musk’s backing of Donald Trump, who is openly calling for the US to annex Canada.
Tesla’s Canadian Troubles are not over
While Q1 2025 was bad, Q2 could prove even worse. Tesla had to increase prices in Canada in April due to the Canadian government slapping 25% tariffs on its vehicles in response to Trump’s trade war.
The combination of the end of some incentive programs, the higher prices, and the degrading sentiment for Tesla in Canada and Quebec is leading to very few sales in the market.
A source familiar with the matter said that Tesla doesn’t plan to import more vehicles in the country this quarter due to low demand.
The broader EV market in Canada declined 45% in Q1 due to the pause in the incentive program, but Tesla’s decline was much sharper, indicating larger issues than just the lack of incentives.
Electrek’s Take
The situation for Tesla in Canada is even worse than in Europe right now. It’s not the largest market in terms of size, but it has a significantly higher EV adoption rate than the US and has helped Tesla in North America.
As long as the tariffs are in place, there’s little hope for Tesla in Canada.
Even if they are removed, which I hope happens soon, as it would mean a de-escalation of Trump’s dumb and illegal trade war, Tesla is still going to have major brand issues due to Musk’s backing of Trump and him saying some foolish things like “Canada is not a real country.”
All of those factors add to Tesla’s aging and limited lineup, which too heavily relies on Model Y, which had a refresh that wasn’t significant enough to revitalize sales.
It’s really hard to be optimistic about Tesla right now.
In Canada, Tesla currently has some inventory of the new Model Y, which it managed to secure before the tariffs. If you’re interested in a Cybertruck, there are plenty available. Although, I have a feeling that you are better off waiting a bit as I assume prices will come down.
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![Here's a closer look at Kia's low-cost EV2 [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Kia-EV2-closer-look.jpeg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Kia’s smallest and most affordable EV is already creating quite the buzz. The EV2 will sit below the EV3 in Kia’s expanding EV lineup. With its official launch approaching, the Kia EV2 was spotted on public roads, giving us a closer look at the upcoming electric SUV.
Take a closer look at the Kia EV2 caught on public roads
Although the EV2 will likely only be around 4,000 mm (157″) long, Kia promises it won’t feel so small when you’re actually in it.
Last month, we got a sneak peek of the interior at Milan Design Week. During an exclusive event, Kia showcased the EV2 concept and revealed a few new details we can expect to see.
Kia designed the EV2’s interior to be a relaxing retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, sort of like a porch or balcony. Thanks to its flat floor layout, the SUV offers flexible seating. By folding the second-row seats and pushing the front seats forward, the EV2 offers an open space to stretch out or “enjoy a meal,” according to Kia.
Although no other details were offered, like Kia’s newer EVs, you can expect to see its new ccNC panoramic infotainment system with dual 12.3″ driver and navigation screens.
After the EV2 was spotted driving on public roads, we are getting a better look at Kia’s upcoming electric SUV. The video from ShortsCar reveals a front-end design similar to that of the EV3, EV5, and EV9, featuring its signature vertical daytime running lights (DRLs) and Star Map lightning.
Despite its small size, the EV2 has a surprisingly large presence on the road, thanks to its upright stance and broad wheel arches, reminiscent of the larger EV9.
A production version of the EV2 was also spotted in Germany this week, with its European debut just around the corner. The images by SH Proshots (via TheKoreanCarBlog) show a similar design to the model caught driving in Korea.
Kia will launch the EV2 in Europe and other regions in early 2026. Prices and final specs will be revealed closer to then, but the EV2 is expected to arrive with a WLTP range of around 300 miles (483 km). Smaller battery options could offer less range at a lower price.
Since it’s slated to sit below the EV3, which is 4,300 mm (169″) long, the EV2 is expected to be closer to 4,000 mm (157″) in length.
Like Kia’s other electric vehicles, it will be based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which also underpins its IONIQ series.
Kia’s CEO, Ho-Sung Song, told Autocar that the company plans to launch the EV2 in the UK with prices starting at about £25,000 ($32,000). Since that was a few years ago, plans could have changed. We will learn more soon. Check back for the latest.
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Voltpost, a startup that turns existing lampposts into EV chargers, has officially launched its first public charging site in Oak Park, Illinois. The curbside charger, installed in partnership with the Park District of Oak Park and utility ComEd, brings easy, affordable EV charging access right to the neighborhood.
Instead of building entirely new charging stations, Voltpost retrofits existing lampposts with a modular Level 2 charging platform. That means less construction, lower costs, and quicker deployment – Voltpost says its EV charger can be installed on a lamppost in minutes. It’s controlled via a mobile app, and it’s designed to serve public spaces like curbs and parking lots, as well as private locations like university campuses and apartment complexes.
“The deployment of a Voltpost charger in Oak Park will expand EV charging access for the local community and help catalyze the transition to sustainable transportation,” said Voltpost CEO and cofounder Jeffrey Prosserman. “This builds on our work in New York and Michigan, and it’s a step toward scaling our platform nationwide.”
Voltpost says its approach is more sustainable and equitable, since it’s using infrastructure that’s already there instead of building from scratch. And it opens up EV charging to more people who don’t have a private driveway or garage.
Kassie Porreca, president of the Park District Board of Commissioners, said, “Ensuring the residents of Oak Park benefit from affordable access to EV charging infrastructure is vital to fulfilling our commitment to serving the needs of our community.”
Najwa Abouhassan, senior manager at ComEd and a liaison for the 2c2i climate tech initiative, said this project connects innovation with community impact. “We’re proud to support Voltpost’s mission to bring sustainable, street-level charging to the places people live and work.”
With this first public site now live, Voltpost says it’s aiming to expand across the country, turning more streetlights into smart charging hubs for EV drivers.
In 2023, Voltpost participated in the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Studio program, a collaboration between the NYC DOT and Newlab. In its pilot, Voltpost installed chargers on lampposts at Newlab in Brooklyn and in a DOT parking lot. The chargers were installed in an hour, operated with a high uptime, and got positive feedback from EV drivers.
Read more: This lamppost EV charger just went commercial in the US
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