Kia’s Tasman unveil offers a glimpse at what an all-electric pickup may look like
Kia has officially unveiled its first pickup truck, the Tasman before it hits global markets. Due to its worldwide availability, Kia will offer the Tasman in several powertrain configurations, including a diesel model. However, the Korean automaker is also developing two new all-electric pickups that will be sold in the US. Today’s images offer a look at what a BEV Kia pickup may look like.
The Tasman is the first-ever pickup truck from Kia set for a global launch in 2025. Per its makers, the truck pushed the boundaries of what a pickup truck can be and will invite customers to “dive into a new dimension.”
Kia began teasing the unveiling of the Tasman earlier this month ahead of the global reveal today during the Jeddah International Motor Show. To begin, this new pickup will launch in Korea with a 281PS 2.5-liter gasoline engine as well as Australia with a 2.2-liter diesel version. Customers in the Middle East and Africa will be able to choose from either configuration.
The ICE versions will be sold in various trims, including Base, X-Line, and X-Pro, with single- and double-cab variations. So why are we talking about gas cars? It’s weird, but it’s because Kia is also working on an all-electric version of the Tasman pickup we saw being tested this past May.
While we await the arrival of Kia’s first all-electric pickup, unveiling the combustion versions of the Tasman offers hints as to what a more sustainable model may look like. Here are some fresh images:
Kia’s first pickup has arrived, but where’s the electric one?
What was interesting about Kia’s press release following the global reveal of the Tasman was that there was no mention of any BEV models. That could be because the news came from Kia Global, not Kia US, so the news pertains to other markets that will see the gas versions.
We’ve known about Kia’s plans for at least two all-electric pickups since 2022 when it shared plans for one dedicated EV model as well as a “strategic model for emerging markets.” At the time, Kia confirmed that “electric versions of these models will be produced locally (in the US) from 2024.”
However, we previously reported a camouflaged version of the Tasman being tested in California, hinting that the combustion version might also make its way to the US. Here’s an image of a camo’d model being tested for comparison to the versions shown above:
Furthermore, Kia was spotted testing an electric pickup in the US over the summer, but it does not appear to be the same design as the Tasman and more closely resembles the EV9. It doesn’t appear that Kia will hit the 2024 production target for the all-electric pickup but there are still two months left to unveil it to the public.
Kia has not yet shared any specs pertaining to the all-electric pickup, but it should be built atop Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, which is likely to deliver at least 300 miles of range.
We will learn more as the all-electric pickup nears production and Kia begins sharing details of its performance and other features before sales start in the US. We will closely monitor this one and report back as we learn more.
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Leading yard operation 3PL YMX Logistics has announced plans to deploy fully twenty (20) of Orange EV’s fully electric Class 8 terminal trucks at a number of distribution and manufacturing sites across North America.
As the shipping and logistics industries increasingly move to embrace electrification, yard operations have proven to be an almost ideal use case for EVs, enabling companies like Orange EV, which specialize in yard hostlers or terminal tractors, to drive real, impactful change. To that end, companies like YMX are partnering with Orange EV.
“This relationship between YMX and Orange EV is a significant step forward in transforming yard operations across North America,” said Matt Yearling, CEO of YMX Logistics. “Besides the initial benefits of reduction in emissions and carbon footprint, our customers are also seeing improvements in the overall operational efficiency and seeking to expand. Our team members have also been sharing positive feedback about their new equipment and highlighting the positive impact on their health and day-to-day activities.”
This Orange looks good in blue
One of the most interesting aspects of this story – beyond the Orange EV HUSK-e XP’s almost unbelievable 180,000 lb. GCWR spec. – is that this isn’t a story about California’s ports, which mandate EVs. Instead, YMX is truly deploying these trucks throughout the country, with at least four currently in Chicago (and more on the way).
“Our collaboration with YMX Logistics represents a powerful stride in delivering sustainable yard solutions at scale for enterprise customers,” explains Wayne Mathisen, CEO of Orange EV. “With rising demand for electric yard trucks, our joint efforts ensure that more companies can access the environmental, financial, and operational benefits of electrification … this is a win for the planet, the workforce, and the bottom line of these organizations.”
We interviewed Orange EV founder Kurt Neutgens on The Heavy Equipment Podcast a few months back, but if you’re not familiar with these purpose-built trucks, it’s worth a listen.
HEP-isode 26
SOURCE | IMAGES: YMX Logistics.
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On today’s thrilling episode of Quick Charge, we’ve got the all-new Hyundai IONIQ 9 and its “a “rolling living room” pivoting captain’s chairs, Kia gets a go-fast 7 passenger SUV and an updated EV6, while Honda announces plans to start producing solid-state batteries at its new facility in just a few weeks.
We’ve also got big news for American workers – a Minnesota power company is ditching coal for solar while ExxonMobil and LG Chem get to work extracting thousands of tons of lithium out of Tennessee’s soil.
Today’s episode is sponsored by BLUETTI, a leading provider of portable power stations, solar generators, and energy storage systems. For a limited time, save up to 52% during BLUETTI’s exclusive Black Friday sale, now through November 28, and be sure to use promo code BLUETTI5OFF for 5% off all power stations sitewide. Learn more by clicking here.
You can watch the episode, below.
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Read more: Farm-fegnugen? Volkswagen rolls out an electric tractor.
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Arevon Energy has kicked off operations at Vikings Solar-plus-Storage – one of the US’s first utility-scale solar peaker plants.
The $529 million project in Imperial County, California, near Holtville, features 157 megawatts of solar power paired with 150 megawatts/600 megawatt hours of battery storage.
Vikings Solar-plus-Storage is designed to take cheap daytime solar power and store it for use during more expensive peak demand times, like late afternoons and evenings. The battery storage system can quickly respond to changes in demand, helping tackle critical grid needs.
Vikings leverages provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act that support affordable clean energy, strengthen grid resilience, boost US manufacturing, and create good jobs.
The Vikings project has already brought significant benefits to the local area. It employed over 170 people during construction, many local workers, and boosted nearby businesses like restaurants, hotels, and stores. On top of that, Vikings will pay out more than $17 million to local governments over its lifespan.
“Vikings’ advanced design sets the standard for safe and reliable solar-plus-storage configurations,” said Arevon CEO Kevin Smith. “The project incorporates solar panels, trackers, and batteries that showcase the growing strength of US renewable energy manufacturing.”
The project includes Tesla Megapack battery systems made in California, First Solar’s thin-film solar panels, and smart solar trackers from Nextracker. San Diego-based SOLV Energy handled the engineering, procurement, and construction work.
San Diego Community Power (SDCP) will buy the energy from the Vikings project under a long-term deal, helping power nearly 1 million customer accounts. SDCP and Arevon have also signed an agreement for the 200 MW Avocet Energy Storage Project in Carson, California, which will start construction in early 2025.
Vikings is named after the Holtville High School mascot, and Arevon is giving back to the local community by funding scholarships for deserving Holtville High students.
Arevon is a major renewable energy developer across the US and a key player in California, with nearly 2,500 MW in operation and more than 1,250 MW under construction.
Read more: Minnesota’s largest coal plant goes solar: Sherco Solar comes online
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