Connect with us

Published

on

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-affordable-EVs-US
Kia EV lineup from left to right: EV6, EV4, EV5, EV3, EV9 (Source: Kia)

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.

Kia-affordable-EVs-US
Kia EV3 concept (Source: Kia)

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.

Kia-affordable-EVs-US
Kia EV4 concept (Source: Kia)

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.

Kia-EV4
Kia EV4 concept (Source: Kia)

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.

Kia-EV9-discount
2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line (Source: Kia)

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.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Honda really wants to sell you a hydrogen fuel cell, today [part 5]

Published

on

By

Honda really wants to sell you a hydrogen fuel cell, today [part 5]

Honda came to this year’s ACT Expo in Anaheim, California with the perfect follow-up to the jaw-dropping hydrogen fuel cell-powered semi truck they showed off last year. This year, the company’s fuel cell is in series production – and available now.

“Honda hydrogen is open for business,” says David Perzynski, assistant manager of hydrogen solutions development at American Honda. “(We have) the fuel cell technology, the expertise, and the supply chain to power a variety of zero-emissions products, including commercial trucking and stationary power generation.”

The company arrived with a more developed version of its Peterbilt 579EV-based HFC semi concept, which is based on one of that brand’s existing BEVs and uses the Honda fuel cell as a range-extending generator for its 120 kWh battery … or, rather, it would – if it was ever plugged into a charger.

On battery power alone, the big Pete is good for up to 150 miles of fully loaded range. With the fuel cell along for the piggyback ride, however, the truck’s range climbs to more than 500 miles at an 82,000 lb. combined vehicle weight.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

More than just a range-extender

Honda envisions a world where its hydrogen fuel cell is used in much more than transportation and logistics applications. At the ACT Expo, Honda had a scale mock-up of what a hospital-sized hydrogen backup generator could look like – and hinted that such an installation might soon become a reality.

This is all very normal for Honda

Honda FCX hydrogen fuel cell concept; via Honda.

If it seems weird that Honda is pushing hydrogen so hard these days, it shouldn’t. Honda’s been developing hydrogen fuel cells for nearly forty years, and put its first hydrogen fuel cell car (the FCX concept, above) all the way back in 1999.

Since then, it’s put a number of hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles into series production, including the innovative Honda CR-V HFC hybrid that lets you fill the car’s 17.7 kWh battery with electrons at home for up to 29 miles of all-electric driving, then fill up the hydrogen tank for another 241 miles of driving … and they’re not stopping there.

We had a chance to chat with David Perzynski on Quick Charge last year, where he talked us through some of Honda’s hydrogen plans in more detail. You can check it out, below.

Hydrogen had a wild ride last year

Original content from Electrek.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

ID. Buzz recall: VW’s third-row bench is too big for its own good

Published

on

By

ID. Buzz recall: VW’s third-row bench is too big for its own good

Volkswagen of America is recalling nearly 5,700 2025 VW ID. Buzz vans because the NHTSA says the third-row bench seat is too spacious. (For real.)

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the third-row bench is physically wide enough for three people, but it’s only designed to hold two, so it’s only equipped with two seat belts. That mismatch violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, which covers occupant crash protection. A bench that invites three passengers but only protects two isn’t just awkward – it’s a safety risk. It simply makes it too easy to squeeze that third person in the back “just that once” without a seatbelt, and that’s inviting trouble.

Volkswagen will fix the ID. Buzz issue by having dealers install “fixed unpadded trim parts” that adjust the seat’s usable width, and they’ll do it for free, because recall repairs are always free. It’ll probably be hard plastic on the seat to ensure a third person can’t squeeze in. Owner notification letters are expected to go out starting June 20, 2025.

Volkswagen has reported that, to date, there have been “no field claims known” of safety issues caused by the extra-wide third row bench seat. 

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Read more: This is the 2025 VW ID. Buzz’s Electrify America charging package


If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Zenobē arrives in North America with a 500 unit EV deal in Canada [part 4]

Published

on

By

Zenobē arrives in North America with a 500 unit EV deal in Canada [part 4]

Electric vehicle charging and battery storage specialists Zenobē have inked a deal with Canadian leasing company 7Gen to fund more than 500 commercial EVs and their associated charging infrastructure.

Last week, Zenobē agreed to provide up to $48 million (Canadian) in debt financing to 7Gen to help expand its vehicle-as-a-service electric truck leasing program across Canada.

7Gen supports fleet operators with a comprehensive set of vehicle leasing and financing solutions that cover EV charger deployment, energy management systems, and ongoing operational support for Canadian fleet customers operating electric trucks, vans, and school buses.

Zenobē secured $1.6 billion in equity from its joint majority shareholders KKR and M&G Infracapital to fuel its global expansion into EVs and grid-scale batteries back in 2023. Since then, it’s grown to support more than 2,000 EVs and 120 charging depots across markets in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

We’re bringing our innovative funding approach to Canada and specifically to 7Gen,” says Steven Meersman, Co-Founder and Director of Zenobē. “We see momentum behind decarbonization in Canada’s supportive government policies and the clean, affordable power that will ensure a lower total cost of ownership for zero-emissions vehicles. We look forward to sharing our global experience electrifying over 120 depots to benefit 7Gen, its fleet customers and the wider electric fleet market in Canada.”

That innovative funding strategy is something Steven and I had a chance to discuss this week at the ACT Expo in Anaheim, California. “We’re being very careful in the way we approach the North American market,” he said (paraphrasing). “The market is fairly littered with the graves of other UK EV companies that have tried to find a foothold here and failed, so we’re being very careful about our partners.”

Despite living just a few minutes from his Chicago HQ, I’d never met Steven before this week. He’s a super-interesting guy and you will definitely learn a thing or two about how to build a multimillion dollar energy management company like Zenobē from our upcoming podcast (stay tuned for that). But the news here is 7Gen.

“Zenobē’s debt financing supports 7Gen’s next growth step and allows us to help our customers step up the pace of their EV adoption and benefit immediately from operational cost savings,” says Frans Tjallingii, CEO, 7Gen. “Zenobē’s team is well aligned with ours and we are thrilled to partner to scale our impact in Canada together.”

The company will begin rolling out its Zenobē-funded electric trucks in the coming weeks, with new partners and projects set to be announced shortly.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Zenobē.


If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

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.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending