Kia goes all-in on EVs with new EV5

A wave of new cars is on the horizon, with three new models set to come from one of Australia’s favourite car makers that’ll revolutionise its line-up.

Kia has well and truly flipped the switch to focus on electric cars.

The manufacturer is gearing up for an electric assault in the near future, reinforcing the impressive EV6 SUV and soon-to-arrive EV9 seven-seater with a compact EV5 model similar in size to the Kia Sportage or Toyota RAV4.

Kia has confirmed the EV5 electric vehicle for production.

New concept cars suggest those models will be followed by a smaller Kia EV3 with similar dimensions to the Kia Seltos or Mazda CX-30, along with a new Kia EV4 sedan.

The Kia EV4 sedan is a concept car … for now.

The big news for now is confirmation the brand will introduce the new Kia EV5 to sit alongside larger EV6 and EV9 models.

Kia says the car will be built on a dedicated EV platform, with a 64kWh battery mated to a 160kW motor delivering about 530 kilometres of range.

The new EV5 is a smaller cousin to the EV9.

A premium version will pair an 88kWh battery with the same motor to deliver about 720km of range, while an all-wheel-drive version marries the big battery with a 160kW front motor and 70kW rear motor to deliver 230kW of punch and 650km of range.

Kia says the EV5’s battery is compatible with vehicle to load and vehicle to grid technology that could reduce household energy bills.

A high-performance EV5 GT will follow in the wheel tracks of the EV6 GT later on.

Kia’s EV3 concept points to a fun-sized EV.

Kia executive Spencer Cho says the EV5 helps shift electric vehicles from “the smaller early-adopter group to a more broader mass majority of customers”.

“The Kia EV5 is not just the next addition to our rapidly expanding EV line-up, but also the embodiment of how we will accelerate the EV revolution,” he says.

“For us, it is the perfect representation of both our future EV strategy and our commitment to accelerating the worldwide transition to EVs.”

Kia says sustainable materials are central to its EVs.

Like the latest Kia Sportage and Sorento, the new Kia EV5 has twin 12.3-inch displays for the driver and front passenger.

A head-up display and new 5-inch digital climate control panel are also part of the deal, along with a modern suite of driver assistance features.

The interior also includes a flip-out table making it easier for passengers to dine while inside the car.

The new EV4 looks likely to head into production.

New EV3 and EV4 concepts were designed from the inside out, with plant-based materials that are grown from natural fibre.

The models have mushroom-based leather in place of animal hides, and cotton dyed using walnut seeds and root extract instead of man-made chemicals.

Originally published as Kia goes all-in on EVs with new EV5