South Korea’s Kia announced on Wednesday that it aims to sell 1.26 million pure EVs by 2030, a 21.2% cut from the previous goal of reaching 1.6 million units.
At its annual CEO Investor Day, the brand also trimmed the overall sales target from 4.3 million to 4.19 million vehicles, a 2.6% reduction. Of those, the company aims to sell 933,000 hybrid vehicles
In a press release, the company’s chief executive Ho Sung Song stated that Kia has “continuously progressed to become a provider of sustainable mobility solutions”.
Kia is betting on increasing “global production capacity by 17% to 4.25 million units” in the next five years, as well as “diversifying hybrid lineup, expanding EV and PBV [Platform Beyond Vehicle] ranges”.
Lineup Expansion
The South Korean company’s EV lineup until 2030 will include the recently launched EV3 and EV4, the EV5 and “another volume model, the EV2”, which is expected to launch early next year.
Three new Kia models, including “two fully electric powertrains” and the brand’s first pure electric sedan, the EV4, will be showcased at the upcoming New York International Auto Show next week. Kia’s EV4 orders opened in South Korea last month, starting at 41.92 million won ($28,400).
Until 2030, Kia’s hybrid lineup will include from compact to full-size models and “vehicles such as the Seltos and Telluride SUVs”.
Kia’s EV Portfolio in America
The brand announced it is planning to launch a midsize pickup in the U.S., following its Tasman model’s success. CEO Ho Sung Song stated that the model will be fully built specifically for the market, and is planning for long-term annual sales target of 90,000 units.
Kia America is currently selling the pure electric Niro, EV6 and EV9 SUVs, with prices starting at $39,600, $42,600 and $54,900 respectively. The lineup includes the Sportage, Carnival MVP and Sorento hybrid models, as well as hybrid versions of its Niro model.
Kia’s refreshed version of the EV6 arrives with a more powerful battery that extends its driving range to as much as 319 miles. The model has been overhauled inside and out, and can now access Tesla’s Supercharger network thanks to the addition of a built-in NACS charging port.
Meanwhile, the three-row electric SUV EV9 will feature a standard NACS port as well. The 2025 lineup introduces a new GT variant, marking the first time the EV9 gets a high-performance trim.
Tariffs
As the United States confirmed the application of extra tariffs on all imported products, with a 25% rate on South Korean imports, South Korea’s government has reached out to the U.S. administration to make a deal.
On the brand’s presentation slides for investors at the event, Kia mentioned increasing uncertainty over U.S.policy on the auto industry. Kevin Ahn, president and CEO of Kia Asia Pacific, had previously brought up the recently elected President Donald Trump at an event in Taipei, in November.
“We’re not pushing volume to market. Especially this year, the market is changing very rapidly and there are so many uncertainties,“ he stated. “Recently the U.S. has finished their election and there are big changes, expectations”.