Kia’s Sportage-sized EV has all the right ingredients
The EV5 is the electric SUV we want, but can’t have. Kia’s new mid-size EV has it all: long driving range capabilities, fast charging, a spacious tech-oriented interior, and all of that at a competitive price. Sadly, those in the US won’t get to see it.
Why is Kia’s Sportage-sized EV skipping the US?
It’s official. The EV5 is not coming to the US. We knew it was unlikely after Kia revealed the Sportage-sized electric SUV in Canada in July, saying it would be “exclusive to Canada for the North American market.”
That didn’t stop the rumors from spreading after a few EV5s were caught testing on US streets. After kicking off sales in Europe and South Korea, Kia said the global rollout of the EV5 will extend to Canada in early 2026. Again, there was no mention of the US.
Kia built the EV5 with young families in mind, offering its latest connectivity tech, a spacious interior, and more than enough driving range.
Like Kia’s latest electric vehicles, including the EV9 and EV3, it features Kia’s new style. The biggest change is the new digital tiger face at the front, featuring Kia’s signature Star Map daytime running lights.
The EV5 is 4,610 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750mm, or about 10 mm wider, 70 mm longer, and 30 mm taller than the Kia Sportage.
A spacious interior, advanced tech, and more
With an extended wheelbase, the electric SUV offers “best-in-class” rear passenger space, featuring 1,041 mm of second-row legroom.
Inside, the EV5 features Kia’s new panoramic connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system. The setup includes nearly 30″ of screen space, including a dual 12.3″ instrument cluster and infotainment screens, plus an additional 5″ climate control display.
The electric SUV offers Kia’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Highway Driving Assist 2 and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2.
Kia also introduced Pet Mode in the EV5 (a feature that should be standard on all vehicles, not just EVs) that maintains the cabin temperature while you leave the car.
Powered by Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the electric SUV delivers a WLTP range of up to 329 miles. It can also recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes, getting you back on the road in no time.
How much does the EV5 cost, and where will it launch?
In the UK, the EV5 starts at £39,295 ($53,000), on-the-road (OTR). In Kia’s home market of South Korea, prices start at 48.55 million won ($35,000). However, with subsidies, Kia expects the EV5 will be available for around 40 million won ($28,800).
So why is Kia skipping the US? The EV5 launching in Canada will even feature a built-in NACS port to enable charging at Tesla Superchargers.
Although Kia didn’t specifically say it, we have a good idea that it’s thanks to the new US policy changes. The EV5 is built at Kia’s Autoland Gwangju plant in South Korea for export to global markets. It also produces the EV5 in China, mainly for domestic buyers, but it also exports to Australia and New Zealand.
After the US slapped a new 15% tariff on auto imports from South Korea, Kia is already facing billions in extra costs. Kia currently builds the EV6 and EV9 at its West Point, Georgia, plant and is launching its first electric sedan, the EV4, in early 2026.
Although I do think Kia could sell a Sportage-sized electric SUV in the US, would it be able to offer it at a competitive price? That’s the question.
Would you buy the EV5 in the US for around $40,000 to $50,000? The new Tesla Model Y Standard RWD starts at $39,990 with an EPA-estimated range of 321 miles. That might be hard for Kia to beat.
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Ford is cutting prices on the electric pickup by up to $4,000 to offset the loss of the federal EV tax credit. The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning now offers more driving range at a lower price.
2026 Ford F-150 Lightning prices and range by trim
After the Tesla Cybertruck took the title as America’s best-selling electric pickup last year, the Ford F-150 Lightning is back on top in 2025.
Ford sold over 10,000 Lightnings in the third quarter, nearly double the roughly 5,400 Tesla Cybertrucks sold. Through September, Ford has sold over 23,000 electric pickups. According to Cox Automotive, Tesla has only sold 16,097 Cybertrucks this year, 38% fewer than it did during the same period in 2024.
After the $7,500 federal EV tax credit expired at the end of September, many automakers, including Ford, are bracing for less demand.
To keep the momentum going, Ford is reducing prices for the 2026 F-150 Lightning by up to $4,000. Company spokesperson Martin Günsberg confirmed with Electrek that Ford is cutting prices on the flash trim by $4,000 and the Lariat by $2,000.
Ford introduced a new base STX model that replaces the XLT for 2026. The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX starts at $63,345, the same as the 2025 STX, but it delivers an extra 50 miles of driving range.
A 123 kW extended range battery powers the STX, providing an EPA estimated 290 miles of range. In comparison, the XLT delivered 240 miles of range from a 98 kWh battery.
Ford also raided the F-150 parts bin to add a few off-road goodies like running boards from the Tremor, new wheels, and more.
The 2026 F-150 Lightning Flash will start at $65,995, down from $69,995. Meanwhile, the 2026 Lariat and Platinum trims will be priced from $74,995 and $84,995.
| Ford F-150 Lightning trim | 2025 Starting Price | 2026 Starting Price | Range (EPA-est miles) |
| XLT | $63,345 | N/A | 240 |
| STX | N/A | $63,345 | 290 |
| Flash | $69,995 | $65,995 | 320 |
| Lariat | $76,995 | $74,995 | 320 |
| Platinum | $84,995 | $84,995 | 300 |
Although Ford decided not to move forward with plans for a program to extend the $7,500 EV tax credit, the company is still offering significant incentives to compensate for the loss of it.
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lighting STX is eligible for up to $11,500 in savings in California and other ZEV states. Ford is offering a $9,000 lease cash bonus and an additional $2,000 Ford Power Promise cash bonus. Alternatively, Ford is offering 0% APR financing for 72 months plus an extra $2,000 Power Promise bonus nationwide.
With the 2026 Lightning arriving, Ford is offering big savings on 2025 models. The 2025 F-150 Lightning XLT is currently listed for lease as low as $279 per month in California. You can use our link to find offers on the Ford F-150 Lightning near you (trusted affiliate link).
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Global EV sales passed the 2 million mark for the first time in September 2025, according to new data from EV research house Rho Motion – here’s how it breaks down.
A record-breaking September
Rho Motion’s data shows that 2.1 million EVs were sold worldwide in September, the highest monthly total ever recorded. The US, UK, South Korea, and China all hit major milestones, with tax credit deadlines, new registration cycles, and local incentives fueling the global boom.
“Global EV sales topped 2 million units in a single month for the first time, driven by record-breaking demand across major markets,” said Rho Motion’s data manager Charles Lester. “The US surged ahead as buyers raced to claim expiring tax credits, the UK hit new highs on the back of fresh registration plates and the Electric Car Grant, and South Korea set records thanks to Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, and rising BYD imports. Year to date, EV sales have reached 14.7 million – up 26%.”
EV sales by the numbers YTD (Jan–Sept 2025)
- Global: 14.7 million (+26%)
- China: 9.0 million (+24%)
- Europe: 3.0 million (+32%)
- North America: 1.5 million (+11%)
- Rest of World: 1.2 million (+48%)
Europe surges on incentives
Europe had a record-breaking month with 427,000 EVs sold, up 36% year-over-year and 55% from August. The UK led the charge with record demand tied to the launch of new license plates and the government’s Electric Car Grant, introduced in July. BEV sales rose 30% year-over-year, while PHEVs jumped nearly 60%.
Germany’s EV market is expected to get another boost in 2026 after the government approved a new €3 billion ($3.5 billion) incentive package targeting low- and middle-income households. It replaces the subsidy scheme that expired in December 2023. Italy and Spain also continue to see strong growth, with sales up two-thirds and more than double, respectively, compared to 2024.
US buyers rushed to beat tax credit deadlines
In North America, EV sales soared 66% year-over-year in September as US consumers scrambled to take advantage of federal incentives before they expired on September 30. The tax credits supported both purchases and leases.
But Rho Motion expects Q4 2025 demand to dip sharply as those credits disappear. Some automakers are already taking defensive steps: Hyundai has cut prices, while Mercedes-Benz has paused production of four EV models. GM has suspended a production shift at its Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant, and Volkswagen is stopping ID.4 production in Tennessee in October. Nissan has gone further, scrapping its plans to manufacture EVs in the US altogether.
China is the world’s EV powerhouse
China still dominates the global EV market, selling 1.3 million EVs in September, a record-breaking month powered by strong BEV demand. Pure-electric sales rose 28% year-over-year to 800,000 units, while PHEVs and range-extended EVs dipped by 2% to 470,000.
China has sold nearly 9 million EVs YTD, up 24% from 2024, cementing its position as the world’s largest and most mature EV market.
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.
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On today’s hyped up hybrid episode of Quick Charge, we’ve got the first extended range electric Jeep in North America – the 500-mile new Grand Wagoneer PLUS news that Mazda is getting into the plug-in price war, and a whole lot more.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Climate XChange, a nonpartisan nonprofit working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies. The nonprofit just kicked off its 10th annual EV raffle, where participants have multiple opportunities to win their dream model. Visit CarbonRaffle.org/Electrek to learn more.
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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.
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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