Kia "Absolutely Requires" a Smaller, More Affordable $25K EV1 to Compete with VW ID.2 | Carscoops
The Korean automaker aims to attract "late majority" customers with more compact and affordable electric vehicles by 2026.
Kia intends to sell 1.6 million battery electric vehicles (BEVs) worldwide by 2030, with a goal of increasing its market presence.
The introductory EV may utilize the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform to enhance efficiency.
The anticipated EV1 could compete with the VW ID.2, with a target price of under €25,000 to ensure it is budget-friendly.
It has been just a few days since Kia introduced the EV2 Concept, which offers a glimpse of its upcoming small electric SUV expected in 2026. However, the company is already looking at developing an even smaller EV. While details remain limited, this new model may resemble the compact Kia Picanto and could be showcased as a concept as soon as early next year.
Following the unveiling of the EV2 at Kia’s EV Day in Tarragona, Spain, CEO Ho Sung Song emphasized the need for an electric vehicle that is both smaller and more affordable. This model could be named the EV1, and while General Motors might not be pleased with Kia using that name, the American automaker has not held the EV1 trademark for several years.
Kia has ambitious plans, aiming to sell 1.6 million EVs globally by 2030, with the EV2 expected to start around €30,000 (~$31,400) in Europe. A more affordable and compact EV would enable them to attract more “late majority” customers, in addition to the “early majority” adopters predicted to purchase the EV2.
“I think the major target for the EV2 is the early majority customers,” he mentioned to Auto News. “However, to reach the late majority target, we certainly need a smaller size and a lower price. We are currently exploring what our entry-level EV product will be, apart from the EV2, and we may reveal it at the next EV Day.”
If Kia intends to design it roughly comparable to the Picanto in size, it will likely require an even more compact version of the E-GMP platform and probably a smaller battery. Currently, Kia's EVs are available with single- and dual-motor configurations, but since the EV1 could be priced under €25,000 ($26,000)—approximately the same as the planned VW ID.2—it is unlikely to come with a twin motor option.
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Kia "Absolutely Requires" a Smaller, More Affordable $25K EV1 to Compete with VW ID.2 | Carscoops
The Korean automaker aims to attract "late majority" consumers with more affordable, compact electric vehicles by 2026.