Kia has officially confirmed plans to launch an all-electric version of its Tasman pickup truck, marking its entry into the competitive electric truck segment. The announcement comes shortly after the Tasman’s debut in October as a diesel-powered model, raising anticipation for an EV variant.
Kia’s head of marketing for South Africa, Christo Valentyn, confirmed the development during a recent media event, stating, “I’m probably not supposed to say this, but… an electric one is coming,” as reported by CarBuzz. This confirmation aligns with Kia’s 2022 Investor Day plans, which included two electric pickups—one for emerging markets and another as a dedicated EV truck.
The Tasman, with dimensions slightly smaller than the Ford F-150 Lightning, is poised to rival models like the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Hilux, and other EV trucks such as the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T. Measuring 5,410 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,870 mm in height, the Tasman’s design and modular platform offer flexibility for electric powertrains, although an EV version was not initially detailed during its unveiling.
Production of Kia’s electric pickups in the United States remains unconfirmed, but with parent company Hyundai Motor Group’s new manufacturing facility in Georgia, speculation about a U.S. launch continues. Kia is already building its EV9 SUV in Georgia, signaling that local production of the Tasman EV could follow. Valentyn acknowledged the competitive landscape, noting that “you have to be respectful of the segment leaders,” such as Ford and Toyota.
The Tasman EV is slated for a 2025 launch in Korea, followed by rollouts in Australia, Africa, the Middle East, and other markets. Plug-in hybrid versions are also anticipated for regions like Australia. Kia’s entry into the electric truck market highlights its ambition to compete in a growing sector dominated by established players.
