New Kia Pickup Arriving in America, Unlike the Tasman | Carscoops

      The new electric pickup from Kia is anticipated to be a mid-size truck and will have a Hyundai counterpart.

      Kia has announced plans to create an electric pickup targeted at the North American market. This vehicle will utilize a new EV platform and will offer ample space to compete with rivals. The automaker promises advanced infotainment, safety features, and off-road capabilities.

      Kia's expansion into electric vehicles continues unabated, with the company unafraid to delve into new segments, including electric trucks. The South Korean manufacturer has confirmed the launch of an electric pickup in North America, expected to arrive within the next few years.

      Related: Kia Confirms First Midsize Pickup For America

      Trucks are among the top-selling vehicles in the US. While Kia does not currently have any available in the country, it recently unveiled the visually unappealing Tasman, which is already planned for release in Australia, another country with a strong truck culture.

      Bypassing the Tasman straight to EV

      However, it seems Kia prefers not to introduce the Tasman, which competes with the Ford Ranger, in the US. Instead, they plan to directly enter the electric pickup space with a different model altogether. A spy video from last year by Kindel Auto revealed that an EV is in progress, showcasing a more traditional Kia front-end design, with indications of body-on-frame construction.

      No size details have been released as of yet, but Kia CEO Ho Sung Song previously indicated an interest in offering a mid-size truck in the US, likely to be manufactured domestically at Hyundai's plant in Georgia. This move is intended to circumvent the older Chicken tax on imported light trucks and Trump's new tariffs. Hyundai is also expected to produce its own version of the pickup.

      According to Kia, this new pickup will be built on a novel platform and designed for both urban and outdoor use. The model is described as innovative, with claims of best-in-class interior and cargo space, a strong towing system, off-road capabilities, and advanced media and safety systems.

      Ambitious Goals in a Limited Market

      Kia aims for a long-term target of 90,000 annual sales and a 7 percent share of the overall truck market. In comparison, Ford sold just 7,187 F-150 Lightning units in the first quarter, while Tesla managed under 12,000 Cybertrucks. Thus, Kia's aspirations for its new electric pickup are quite ambitious.

      Currently, there are very few options available in the electric pickup sector, especially for those interested in a midsize or smaller electric truck. This means Kia could be well-positioned if they can bring their product to market swiftly.

      However, the timeline for the release remains unclear. Given last year's spy images, a realistic debut could happen in 2026 or 2027. There are hopes that the new pickup will embody some of the rugged spirit of the new Tasman Weekender concept introduced this week, although the design is still uncertain.