Kia held the '2025 Kia EV Day,' an event to announce its electric vehicle strategy aimed at global media in Spain, unveiling three new models for the first time in the world.
On the 24th (local time), Kia conducted the EV Day with the theme 'Turn the tide of the electrification market' at the Taraco Arena in Tarragona, Spain. Approximately 500 participants, including Kia President Song Ho-sung and company executives, as well as the global press corps, attended the event.
During the event, Kia unveiled two new mass-production vehicles: the EV4, the brand's first compact electric sedan, and the PV5, the first model of the Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV). It also launched the concept electric vehicle, the EV2, which is a small sport utility vehicle (SUV) designed for overseas strategy.
◇ Kia unveils its first electric sedan EV4
The EV4 will be available in a long-range model equipped with an 81.4kWh battery and a standard model featuring a 58.3kWh battery. The combined efficiency of the long-range and standard models of the EV4 is 5.8km/kWh, the highest in Kia's lineup. Additionally, it secured the longest driving distance of 533km on a single charge among Hyundai Motor Group's electric vehicles.
Kia has equipped the EV4 with the Kia Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistant. Through a 12.3-inch infotainment display and a Harman Kardon premium sound system, users can access various content, including YouTube, Netflix, Disney Plus, games, and karaoke.
The interior of the EV4 is designed to ensure ample headroom and legroom, with dimensions of 4,730mm in length, 2,820mm in wheelbase, 1,860mm in width, and 1,480mm in height. The trunk has a capacity of 490 liters, which is among the largest in its class. Kia noted that it increased the opening area of the trunk to enhance loading convenience and usability.
Kia plans to launch the local strategic model EV4 hatchback in the European market and will operate a lineup suitable for various regions in the global market in the future.
◇ PBV, customized design according to customer needs
At this EV Day, Kia unveiled the PV5, the first model of the PBV. PBV stands for 'customized mobility solutions' that integrate vehicles and software developed according to customer needs.
Kia applied the PBV-exclusive platform E-GMP.S for the first time within Hyundai Motor Group. E-GMP.S is designed to reflect the needs of customers using PBVs based on the dedicated electric vehicle platform E-GMP of Hyundai Motor Group.
E-GMP.S has been developed as a 'skateboard platform' concept that can apply various upper bodies on a flat-shaped platform, enabling a wide product lineup ranging from small to large PBVs in the future.
Kia optimized the PE (Power Electric) room structure to provide spacious interiors and cargo space. It also applied a flat floor structure in the second and third rows and designed the vehicle body floor to be lower, enhancing convenience for passenger entry and exit as well as cargo loading and unloading.
Kia's PBV supports a variety of business-specific apps through an infotainment system based on AAOS (Android Automotive Operating System) and an app market.
Kia also explained that it plans to apply Samsung Electronics' Internet of Things (IoT) platform, 'SmartThings Pro,' to the PBV to support the connection between the vehicles of business customers and their business sites' IoT ecosystem.
◇ Small SUV EV2 set to launch in Europe next year
The concept EV2 is the concept model of the small SUV EV2 newly developed by Kia for overseas strategy. Kia plans to launch the production model of the concept EV2 in Europe next year.
The production model of the EV2 will be equipped with a front trunk and will apply various features such as V2L (Vehicle to Load) and wireless software updates that were previously used in higher vehicle classes.
Kia President Song Ho-sung said, 'The top priority target for the three newly unveiled electric vehicles is the European market,' adding, 'The goal is to sell 80,000 units of the EV4, focusing on the hatchback model, and 100,000 units of the EV2.'