Kia has just hosted its second EV Day—yes, that’s really a thing—where it updates the world on its latest electric vehicle (EV) news (funnily enough). This comes ahead of what’s set to be a record year for Kia in the UK, with new car registrations growing from 100,191 to 107,765 in 2024—more than 50% (50.3%) of which were electrified models.
The key takeaway from EV Day? The Korean brand is still going big when it comes to electric vehicles. The Korean brand's executives outlined their bold vision for its all-electric future, unveiling several new models along the way. Among them were the Concept EV2 and the Kia EV4—both of which are confirmed for the UK.
The Concept EV2 will be Kia’s smallest EV in the range, and is set to rival compact models like the Citroën ë-C3, Jeep Avenger, Hyundai Inster, Renault 5, and the upcoming Škoda Epiq. And if previous Kia concepts—like the EV3 and EV9—have taught us anything, it’s that this is likely to stay very close to the final production model.
A little more controversial is the EV4. As its name suggests, it slots into Kia’s lineup between the EV3 and the new EV5, which will arrive in the UK later this year. But unlike any previous Kia EV, this one comes in two distinct body styles: a hatchback and a saloon. The hatchback is relatively conventional, but the saloon? Well… let’s just say it won’t be to everyone’s taste.
In a new twist, Kia is also making its commercial EV debut with a lineup of modular "Platform Beyond Vehicles" (PBVs). The first model unveiled at EV Day was the PV5, set to rival the Volkswagen ID.Buzz.
All Kia PBVs, including the PV5, are built on a dedicated electric skateboard-style platform, allowing for flexible body configurations. This so-called ‘Flexible Body System’ is like a giant puzzle, enabling Kia to create multiple variations for different needs.
The standard lineup includes Passenger, Cargo, Chassis Cab, and Family models. But Kia is also offering conversion models, including the Crew, Drop Side, Box Van, Freezer Box, and even a Camper—which will no doubt excite the Electrifying.com gang! Even more important? The introduction of a much-needed Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV). Accessibility in vans has been long overdue, so hats off to Kia for making it a priority.
Kia isn’t just dipping its toes into the EV market— as you can see, it’s making serious moves. As part of Hyundai Motor Group’s larger electrification strategy, Kia has been ahead of the game in platform technology. Their dedicated E-GMP platform, supporting 800V and 400V architectures, has been a game-changer for Hyundai and Kia.
The company has already seen huge success with the EV6 and EV9, the latter being crowned World Car of the Year 2024. Their latest arrival, the EV3, is currently shortlisted for the 2024 awards, with the winner to be announced in New York this April. Meanwhile, the EV3 is also the Electrifying.com Car of the Year.
