Kia invited us to attend its 2024 Asia-Pacific EV Day, hosted in the Taipei Performing Arts Centre in Taiwan. We got to see some of the brand's upcoming EVs and concepts, and also learned about the company's plans for the future.

Expectedly, a huge part of those plans is about introducing more technological advanced EVs that will better meet the needs of consumers. But, here are a couple other things that also stood out to me at the event. 

Well, the lineup's mostly SUVs, you get the idea... but hey there's still a sedan!

A sedan in an SUV-dominated landscape

Let's face it, everyone loves SUVs. Despite the fuss that enthusiasts may kick up, the fact is that SUVs are flying off the shelves - even luxury and supercar brands have gotten on the bandwagon to improve their sales. 

The Concept EV4 has got to be one of the sleekest, coolest-looking concept from the brand in recent times

Naturally, it wouldn't be wild to assume that sedans and other body shapes would take a back seat in this SUV-driven climate. Imagine my surprise when I saw the beautiful Concept EV4. With a sleek silhouette that combines a fastback rear-end with smooth curves and sharp lines, this four-door sedan evokes a look that is reminiscent of sports cars.

Despite its sporty exterior, the suicide doors open up to a spacious and inviting interior akin to a living room - it seems that Kia hasn't abandoned the sedan body style, and that's great!

Meanwhile, the spacious and inviting interior is the exact opposite of what you'll expect in a sports car. Among the entire lineup of upcoming EVs and concept cars featured, the Concept EV4 resonates the most with my preferences, and is a pleasant surprise. I'm glad that the future in Kia's perception still consists of beautifully shaped sedans, and not just SUVs.

The concept of PBV - Platform Beyond Vehicle - was among one of the highlights of Kia EV Day

Going beyond the traditional concept of a vehicle - Kia's PBV

Another interesting vision that piqued my interest was Kia's Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV concept). Kia's PBV is a total mobility solution that includes software solutions to cater to business and lifestyle demands.

The MPV-shaped Concept PV5 will be the first PBV from Kia

The first step in the PBV plan is demonstrated with the with the Kia Concept PV5. This MPV-shaped EV concept car has a spacious and highly versatile cabin space that is designed with multiple configurations to suit various usage scenarios.

The futuristic interior of the passenger-carrying PV5 variant will include versatile seating options to suit individual and business needs

The interior in the passenger-carrying specification Concept PV5 will include configurable seating that could also be folded for additional storage space. This is designed for both individual, business and ride-hailing or sharing usage in mind.

The PV5 will also be offered in a van specification that offers maximised space for cargo transport and a Chassis Cab variant with a truck bed. Additionally, the brand is also working on autonomous driving technology with a goal of launching self-driving robotaxis in the late 2020s.

Kia's PBV plan isn't just about vehicles, it's also about software solutions - fleet management systems, autonomous driving solutions, as well as other segments such as robotics

As its name suggests, Kia's PBV plan doesn't simply stop at a range of PV EV models. Kia is also working with various partners and potential customers to offer various solutions. It is developing softwares solutions for various businesses and individual, including a smarter infotainment system, fleet management systems and an EV charging consulting program. The brand is also looking into developing Advance Air Mobility, Robotics, along with Autonomous Driving solutions as part of its PBV roadmap.

I am particularly intrigued by the Kia's PBV idea - looking at the spacious and cheerful-looking PV5, I can totally imagine these things running about on the road fulfilling various logistical and transportation tasks. With these plans, it is clear that the brand isn't just fixated on the short term goal of creating more electric cars, but actually venturing into much more.

It isn't end of the road for internal combustion engines just yet! Kia is still expanding its hybrid lineup!

Hybrid cars still have a future - at least according to Kia

While the future of Kia's EVs and PBVs clearly took centre stage, it wasn't all - the brand also mentioned that it will be expanding its HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) lineup with six models in 2024, 8 models in 2026 and 9 models in 2028.

Even though many speculate that full electric vehicles would be the only way forward (so many countries have plans for the eventual phasing out of internal combustion engines), Kia is expecting the demand for HEVs to continue and will be working to develop next-generation hybrid powertrains.

For those who enjoy the range and versatility of hybrid vehicles, and those whose usage scenarios aren't in line with what EVs currently offer, take heart in knowing that ICE engines clearly aren't going away so soon.

With so many plans, Kia's picture of the future of mobility sure seems promising and multi-faceted.