Kia unveils three new EV models
19 October, 2023
Kia have unveiled three new small to medium sized electric models at the brand’s annual EV day, held in Korea, including the all new EV5, reaffirming its ambitious global strategy to lead and accelerate the EV revolution. At the event Kia presented its EV for all strategy to expand its EV model line up significantly and rapidly. After successfully establishing itself as an electric vehicle brand with the launch of the EV6 and EV9, they illustrated how they are broadening their model line up further with
three new small to medium sized electric models that offer more people greater options and access to EVs.
Kia unveiled the EV5, a compact electric SUV for millennial families, and introduced two concept models. The Kia Concept EV3 aims to deliver the Kia EV9’s benefits in a compact SUV, while the Kia Concept EV4 reimagines electric sedans with a striking design.
The brand has also unveiled plans to improve various customer experience offerings. This includes streamlining different functions into a user-friendly smartphone application, introducing new services at their physical locations and providing customers with in-vehicle artificial intelligence services.
In emerging markets with slower EV adoption rates, the initial launch will focus on the EV6 and EV9, with subsequent releases of strategic models including the EV5, EV4 and EV3. This approach aims to diversify product offerings and cater to various customer preferences.
While each model is created uniquely to meet specific and diverse customer needs, they share common elements such as the brand’s cutting-edge electric platform technology, the Opposites United design philosophy and the brand’s sustainable colour, material and finish strategy.
The Kia Concept EV3: The Concept EV3 represents the brand’s vision for an electric compact CUV that effortlessly blends practicality with the joy of driving. The EV3 offers users the technology, practicality and design of Kia’s flagship SUV, the EV9, in a compact and accessible form. With the Concept EV3, the Joy for Reason pillar of the Opposites United design philosophy is evident in the contrasting qualities of a robust body combined with a dynamic silhouette.
The design treatment of the cabin, with the windscreen pushed forward and the long sloping roofline, creates a unique silhouette. The robust architecture of the squared wheel arches, cut with asymmetrical angles, results in an unexpected logic and a strong impression. This is contrasted by the wrap around windscreen and disconnected C pillar which link the glasshouse surfaces and give the roof a floating effect.
Inside, the Concept EV3 blends exceptional practicality with a transformative cabin ambience and design. The design philosophy merges seemingly opposing values to execute a precise product design language, resulting in a cabin that feels joyful to travel in. Enhanced by soft mood lighting, the compelling, ultra-clean shape and surface of the dashboard, crafted through exquisitely refined character lines, creates an expansive visual sense to offer up the possibility of boundless opportunities on every journey. An advanced ergonomic seat design and environmentally friendly materials combine with mini tables that rotate in length, position and angle. In conjunction with the movement of the seats, the tables support four customer experience-enhancing modes, Focus, Social, Refreshing and Storage. The folding bench-type rear seat is equally flexible and can be folded forward to store bulky items such as electric scooters and bicycles.
The Kia Concept EV4 redefines the essence of the EV sedan: The Concept EV4’s four-door format might suggest that it should be categorised as a sedan, however, the model’s potent and impactful lines represent an entirely new type of EV sedan that stands as a symbol of innovation. Inspired by the Power of Progress and manifested through a harmonious fusion of confident, geometric diagonal character lines and rich yet technical surfaces, the Concept EV4 represents a new value, approach, customer experience and typology. Aspects such as the evocative sleek low nose, the elongated, dynamic long-tail silhouette and the technical roof spoiler are all attributes reminiscent of sports and racing cars and affirm the EV4’s status as an entirely new type of EV sedan.
An aggressive facial expression compliments the Concept EV4’s progressive, technological silhouette. Featuring a wide, imposing stance, with headlamps located vertically at the extreme outer edges of the bonnet and front bumper, the model further symbolises the brand’s determination to push boundaries and accelerate the EV revolution.
The interior features a sleek and spacious horizontal layout, incorporating stylish design elements that prioritise the driving experience without obstructing the view. This was achieved by placing an air conditioning panel that can be neatly stored in the centre console when not in use and applying pin style air vents that offer the flexibility to change patterns, amongst other refinements to the interior design.
The cocoon like ambience of the cabin enables the driver to engage with the vehicle in a new and unobtrusive way. Presented via twin digital screens, a slimmed down instrument panel delivers subtle levels of driver orientation, helping clear the mind from distractions and preparing it for upcoming tasks. The Concept EV4 features a new Mind Modes that adjust ambient lighting and animated ventilation patterns. In Perform mode, the driver is presented with all the information they require to perform at their optimum and get the most out of their day. Serenity mode offers a range of digital graphics that create a more relaxed ambience for reflection and restoration.
Kia’s new EV experience: To accelerate the EV revolution Kia will leverage all aspects of the customer journey in order to ensure that the adoption of EVs is as convenient and effortless as possible. This strategy involves optimising every single customer touchpoint, from pre-purchase to ownership experience. Kia is set to embrace generative AI technology to revolutionise the in-vehicle experience, including partnering with top generative AI model providers to roll out innovative services. This will allow customers access to a wide range of services like schedule management, electric vehicle route optimisation, travel planning, entertainment and emergency support by simply engaging in conversations with the generative AI assistant.
Local availability: Kia’s EV range is yet to be confirmed for South African introduction.
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