An even smaller, lower-priced Kia EV is on the way. With the growing demand for more affordable EVs, Kia wants to be the one to offer them. Kia said we may even see it at its next EV Day. Here’s what we know about what will likely be called the Kia EV1 when it arrives.
What we know about the Kia EV1 so far
During its EV Day event last week (see our recap), Kia unveiled several highly anticipated models that are already creating a buzz.
We got our first look at the EV4, Kia’s first electric sedan and hatchback, and the PV5, its first dedicated electric business van.
Kia also shocked the crowd by previewing its smallest and newest model, the EV2 concept. The compact (B-segment) crossover SUV rounds out Kia’s “EVs for all” lineup, with models priced from $30,000 (EV2) to upwards of $80,000 (EV9 GT). But the company is not stopping here.
During the event, Kia’s CEO Ho Sung Song stressed the need for an even smaller, lower-priced EV slotted below the EV2.
“I think the EV2’s major target is early majority customers,” Song said (Via Automotive News), adding “But if we want to move to the late majority customer target, we definitely need a lower size and a lower price.”
According to Song, Kia is already “internally studying what will be our entry EV product, apart from the EV2.” We may even get to see it as early as next year.
“And maybe at the next EV Day, we will show you,” Song teased attendees. Although no other details were offered, prices are expected to start under €30,000 ($31,000), which will be about what the EV2 will cost when it arrives next year.
The EV2 will have two different battery options. One will be LFP with at least 190 miles (300 km) WLTP driving range, while the other, an NMC, will be offered on higher trim long-range models with up to 280 miles (450 km).
Kia hasn’t released full specs but with the EV3 sitting at 4,300 mm long, the EV2 is expected to be around 3,800 mm, or slightly smaller than the Hyundai Inster EV (3,825 mm). The EV1 will be even more compact at around 3,600 mm, or about the size of the Kia Picanto.
Electrek’s Take
Kia is laying the groundwork for significant growth over the next few years. Last year, it sold over 200,000 EVs globally.
With the EV3, EV4, EV5, EV9, and upgraded EV6 rolling out, the company expects to sell over 250,000 in 2025, and 2026 could be even bigger.
By 2030, Kia wants to sell 1.6 million electric cars, or about 30% of global sales. Not only is Kia launching affordable, mass-market models, it’s expanding commercial electric vans.
Kia’s PBV (platform Beyond Vehicle) is a total mobility solution, or “fit for purpose EVs,” that can be used for personal (Van life, anyone?) and business purposes (delivery, pop-up shops, logistics, ride-hailing, etc.).
Now, Kia wants to launch an even more affordable model. Lower-cost EVs, like Volvo’s new EX30, are proving there is demand. The EX30 was the third best-selling EV in Europe last year, starting around €36,00 ($37,200).
With an expected price under €30,000, the Kia EV1 will compete with Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.1, previewed last month.
Perhaps, more importantly, it will help Kia compete with the surge of low-cost Chinese EVs entering global markets.
What do you think of a smaller, Picanto-sized Kia EV? Would you buy one for under $30,000? Let us know in the comments.
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