Kia Motors has continued its electrification journey with the unveiling of its latest concept, the EV5 electric SUV. The South Korean automaker is looking to expand its line-up of electric vehicles and accelerate its position in the zero-emissions vehicle market. The EV5 concept offers a glimpse of what we can expect from Kia’s next all-electric production SUV, set to be released later this year.
Kia has been reimagining itself in the new era of electric vehicles, experimenting with eco-friendly transport options for several years now. Its latest generation of electric vehicles has taken the brand to new heights, with models like the Niro crossover EV and the EV6 built on the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform. The EV6 has been a hit, selling over 80,000 units last year and putting Kia on the map as a legitimate EV contender, with a range of up to 310 miles.
Following the success of the EV6, Kia released the EV9 SUV last week, after testing it for several months. The EV9 is the company’s first seven-seater, set to become the brand’s flagship EV when it goes on sale later this year. And now, just a week later, Kia has unveiled its latest electric SUV concept, the EV5.
The EV5 is influenced by the same “opposites united” design philosophy instilled in the EV9 SUV, giving an intriguing glimpse into the brand’s future electric plans. The concept takes influence from the contrast and complementarity of natural landscapes and man-made architecture, and it is designed to inspire customers on every journey, while providing sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions.
The EV5 will be a smaller electric crossover alternative to the highly anticipated EV9 SUV, with a spacious interior that Kia claims creates a “space of coexistence” with nature, people, and technology. The interior is rather futuristic, with swivel seats (like the EV9) and it’s likely that some features will not make it to the production version.
Kia has not yet disclosed specifications for the EV5, but it’s likely to ride on the same 800V E-GMP platform as other new Hyundai and Kia models, offering high-range abilities, ultrafast charging, and V2L.
The production model of the EV5 is set to be released later this year, first in China, with plans for global markets to “be made in due course.” The EV5 will follow Kia’s EV6 as part of the automaker’s recent push into China. With the EV5, Kia is showing that it is serious about electric vehicles and is committed to creating innovative, user-focused designs that provide sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions.
