Kia eyes even cheaper $22K entry-level EV and new brand-building Stinger GT-like model
Kia wants to change the game with a series of cheaper EVs set to hit the market. Several are already rolling out, like the new EV3, but Kia aims to lower the bar further with a new entry-level EV, starting around $22,200 (€20,000). On the other end of its EV lineup, Kia is eyeing a new Stinger GT-like model.
We got our first glimpse into Kia’s electrifying future during its first annual EV Day last October. Kia revealed several new low-cost concepts, including the EV3, EV4, and EV5.
Kia is already calling the EV3 a “game-changer” as it rolls out to new markets. After opening EV3 pre-orders in Korea starting at just $30,700 (KRW 42.08 million) in June, Kia’s compact electric SUV secured over 10,000 reservations in 23 days.
Last month, Kia opened EV3 orders in the UK. Starting at $42,300 (£32,995), Kia deemed it the “brand’s most adorable EV yet.”
Based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform with its fourth-gen batteries (81.3 kWh), the EV3 offers up to 372 miles (600 km) WLTP range. In Korea, it gets up to 311 miles (501 km) driving range.
Next year, Kia will follow it up with the EV4 hitting the market. The EV4 is Kia’s take on an electric sedan. It’s expected to start at around $35,000 to $40,000.
Although these prices are already below or on par with a comparable gas-powered model, Kia plans to lower the threshold with even cheaper EVs set to join the lineup.
Kia targets cheaper EVs with new segments
Kia has already confirmed that it will launch an EV2 model, priced around $30,000, within the next three years. However, the brand is eyeing an even lower-priced model.
CEO Ho-Sung Song told Autocar during an EV3 test drive that Kia wants to launch an entry-level EV priced around $22,200 (€20,000).
Kia trademarked the names EV1 through EV9, opening up the possibility for cheaper EVs following the EV3. Song said the entry-level EV was the brand’s “next, next target” as it looks to lower the threshold for driving electric.
According to Song, an EV priced below €20,000 would not be likely until after 2030. As new battery and EV powertrain tech emerge, Kia plans to continue lowering the price tag.
The EV3 starts at around €35,000 ($39,000) in Europe, while Kia’s EV2 is expected to start below €30,000 ($33,400).
“Our next target is an EV model starting from €30,000,” Song said. Yet Kia still believes “we need sub-€25,000 in our EV cars, and maybe we can leverage around €20,000,” Song explained. That “cannot happen in the next two years,” Kia’s CEO added.
Kia is also considering a brand-building electric car, like the Stinger GT, to top off the other end of the lineup.
“What kind of model can help build the brand? This is what we are now studying,” Song said. While more incentives are needed, Song explained, “most OEMs are trying our best to reduce the cost of EVs” in the meantime.
Song also confirmed that Kia is developing solid-state batteries that look “in every aspect quite better” than current EV battery tech. However, Kia’s CEO did not say when the company would put electric cars with solid-state batteries on the road.
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On today’s battle-ready episode of Quick Charge, it’s Elon Musk vs. the world as big players position themselves for control of enough lithium to build 600 million electric cars and the rest of the industry squares up to Tesla in the battle for market leadership.
While Windrose is making sales and expanding into new markets, the Tesla Semi is still in limited tests, Robotaxi launches as a “ride hailing service” in California with randos in the drivers’ seat and Academy Award nominated actor/noted college football analyst Timothée Chalamet teams up with Lucid to steal (even more) sales from the embattled Model S and X lines.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec, the makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure. Quick Charge listeners can get 10% off their next e-bike ride through August 14 with the exclusive code ELECTREK10 only at retrospec.com.
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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.
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EV charging company ezVOLTz has partnered with Driivz, the EV software arm of Vontier, to make its “Charging as a Service” platform even smarter and more reliable for fleets, businesses, and state and local governments across the US.
If you’re not familiar with ezVOLTz, it’s a full-service EV charging provider. It handles everything, from installing hardware-agnostic chargers to managing the backend with its software platform, ezCONNECT. Now, ezVOLTz is plugging into Driivz’s charging and energy management tech to help run things even more smoothly.
With Driivz’s help, ezVOLTz plans to keep its network humming with 24/7 monitoring and real-time issue detection. Driivz’s Alert Management System can auto-fix up to 80% of charger hiccups remotely without sending a tech on-site. That means more uptime and fewer headaches for drivers and site owners.
“EV adoption is surging, and drivers and the companies and entities that serve them need smart, connected, and reliable charging options,” said ezVOLTz CEO Sam Malhotra. “The Driivz team and their smart charging and energy management solutions are a natural fit in bolstering our services.”
The partnership also gives ezVOLTz new tools to grow its network. Driivz’s software tracks usage patterns and charger performance, helping pinpoint the best spots for new installations. Driivz will also support the ezVOLTz app, letting users plan road trips and find chargers nationwide.
“Reliability and ease-of-use are two of the most important considerations for EV drivers,” said Andrew Bennett, CEO of Driivz. “We’re proud to partner with ezVOLTz in delivering seamless and reliable charging to their customers.”
As more businesses, fleets, and municipalities plug into EVs, partnerships like this one aim to make sure the charging experience keeps up.
Read more: Driivz expands in the US EV charging market with a new HQ
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. 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.
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The Subaru BRZ may live on as an EV after all. Subaru wants its share of the sports car market, and an electric BRZ could hit the sweet spot.
Is Subaru launching an electric BRZ?
Subaru discontinued the BRZ in Europe in 2020 after the first generation. Although its twin, the Toyota GR86, was sold until the 2024 model year, the BRZ was released as a US-only model.
In its third generation, it could return as an EV. Speaking with Autocar, Subaru’s European head, David Dello Stritto, said, “Our options are open,” hinting that the BRZ could make a comeback in electric form.
Subaru’s global EV product boss, Inoue Masahiko, confirmed an electric version of the sports car “was under consideration.” He added that Subaru has extensively looked into an EV version of the BRZ with its partner, Toyota.
Masahiko explained that “We did consider electrifying the BRZ and GR86, but the win-win relationship is more important.” So far, “We can’t get the kind of benefits from both sides,” he added.
Subaru is already launching several new electric vehicles in Europe, including the new Uncharted, E-Outback (known as Trailseeker in the US), and an updated Solterra SUV.
Stritto said that an electric sports car will depend on the success of these models first, especially the Uncharted. According to Subaru’s European boss, the Japanese automaker feels “very positively about Subaru enthusiasts, but we need to see how Uncharted does first.”
As for an “electrified” powertrain, or hybrid, Masahiko said the vehicle’s packaging “would make it difficult,” adding an EV version would be “easier” to create.
The comments come after Stritto told Autocar last week that a new entry-level EV could also be in the works. However, that will also depend on how well the Uncharted sells.
For those in the US, don’t worry – Subaru is not planning to discontinue the BRZ. If it did launch as an EV, would you consider one? It would go up against the new Hyundai IONIQ 6 N and Tesla Model 3 Performance.
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