As part of its commitment to an all-electric strategy, Kia Corporation introduced the PV5, EV2 concept, and EV4 at its annual EV Day in Tarragona, Spain, on Thursday. The event showcased a total of nine electric vehicle (EV) variants.

However, there are no specific details regarding the launch of these models in India. The South Korean automaker currently sells two EVs– EV6 and EV9– in the India portfolio.

Kia said it has selected Spain as the location for this year’s EV Day due to its strategic importance in the company’s electrification efforts.

The company’s EV Day focused on new models for the Korean and European markets, with Europe representing the company’s largest overseas EV market, accounting for about 34% of its global EV sales.

“Kia remains committed to becoming the world’s leading EV brand and sustainable mobility solutions provider,” said Kia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song.

“The auto industry is experiencing growing uncertainty, with many competitors revising their EV plans. However, we won’t change our electrification strategy,” Song said, as per a Korean business daily.

This comes as the slowing growth of EV sales has led to a series of U-turns by major automakers. Volvo Cars has decided to sever ties with its premium EV brand, Polestar. Meanwhile, Renault scrapped plans to spin off its EV unit, Ampere, and Volkswagen's proposed initial public offering for its battery unit now appears to be further off.

Several companies, including Stellantis, Toyota, and Ford, have scaled down their electrification targets due to slowing demand for EVs. Contributing factors include the lack of affordable models, slow rollout of charging infrastructure, growing trade tensions, and increased competition from cheaper Chinese rivals.

However, this may be seen as the market overestimating the pace of the transition, rather than the momentum entirely stalling in the EV segment.

Kia EV Lineup

Kia introduced the PV5, its first production model based on the dedicated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy. Four variants of the commercial PV5 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were displayed– PV5 ‘Cargo,’ PV5 ‘Passenger,’ PV5 ‘Wheelchair Access Vehicle’ (WAV), and PV5 ‘Crew.’

The automaker’s PBV-dedicated E-GMP.S (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service) architecture allows for flexible configurations through its modular body system.

The PV5 was first showcased as a concept at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Next, the concept EV2 is a new B-segment SUV.

The EV4 is Kia’s first electrified saloon and hatchback, set to enter the US market. It was showcased in four variants – two four-door saloons and two five-door hatchbacks. The EV4 was previously unveiled as a concept at Kia’s 2023 EV Day in Seoul, Korea.