Kia accelerates transformation into global EV brand

Kia Motors Corporation has shared a glimpse of its global Electric Vehicle (EV) business strategy, revealing an early sketch of several of the brand's future dedicated Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).

Under Kia's 'Plan S' strategy, announced at the start of 2020, the brand plans to expand its BEV line-up to 11 models by 2025. Over the same period, Kia is aiming for BEVs to account for 20% of the brand's total vehicle sales in advanced markets, including Korea, North America and Europe. Seven dedicated BEVs in the sketch revealed will be launched by 2027.

The first of these BEVs, code-named CV, will be revealed in 2021 as the brand's first dedicated BEV, destined for many regions globally. The new model will offer the same competitive product quality and eye-catching design as Kia's other vehicles, with high-performance driving and recharging characteristics.

In addition, Kia Motors plans to expand its global after service infrastructure for EVs. Worldwide, Kia will increase its number of EV work bays to 600 by the end of this year, and more than 2,000 by 2023. Kia also plans to develop its own programs to train EV maintenance professionals.

Kia is also establishing more than 2,400 EV chargers in Europe and around 500 in North America, partnering with its dealer networks. Kia plans to continue to increase its charging infrastructure in line with the growing market for EVs.

Furthermore, Kia is striving to secure a comprehensive charging infrastructure for customers through strategic alliances, starting with a strategic investment in Ionity, an European company specialising in high-speed EV charging.