Kia to Unveil New EV(s) at LA Auto Present — Which One(s)?

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Kia has introduced that it’s going to launch 5 new fashions on the LA Auto Present. It shares that may embrace a wide range of powertrains — ICEV (100% gasoline powered), HEV (100% gasoline powered however considerably extra environment friendly because of a small battery and motor), PHEV (plugin hybrid), and EV (full battery electrical).

That’s 4 powertrains, so the primary thought is likely to be that one among them will get two fashions and the remainder get only one. Although, extra seemingly, some fashions might be supplied in a number of powertrains. That stated, it looks like Kia (like others) is previous the purpose of attempting to have fashions that embrace each EV and non-EV powertrains. So, I assume some fashions could have ICEV, HEV, and possibly even PHEV variations, whereas EVs might be their very own factor. So then the query is: what number of EV fashions might be unleashed?

I’m not getting my hopes up, particularly not contemplating how the month goes. Additionally, the US shouldn’t be the prime marketplace for EVs. It’s not even second. Really … it’s usually not even third. China, Europe, and Australia get many EV fashions earlier than the US. So, can we count on a completely new EV mannequin for the US? Possibly, however I wouldn’t guess on it.

My guess is that we’ll get one mannequin, and it’s one we’re already seeing launched into different markets. That will be the Kia EV3. And that may be nice information!

My concern has been that the US gained’t get the EV3 as a result of it’s “too small.” Small vehicles have been all however killed off within the US. Many automakers stopped promoting them. Those we do have are sometimes area of interest, premium small vehicles. The Kia EV3, as I’ve been saying for months, could possibly be a real mass-market EV, a sizzling commodity. So, if it seems we’re getting the EV3, that could possibly be an enormous deal for the EV market within the US.

The EV3 simply gained the Golden Steering Wheel Award in Germany, a prestigious award. It’s clearly a automobile Kia desires to promote in excessive volumes and thinks it may possibly. And it has a a lot better probability of that if it’s offered in additional massive markets. Additionally, frankly, this silhouette included in Kia’s announcement certain appears just like the EV3:

Listed below are some pics of the EV3:

Although, there may be one odd factor. Within the announcement, Kia writes, “The Opposites United design iconography was first launched on the EV6 in early 2021 and has since grown to embody a number of new autos from Kia. It was most not too long ago highlighted in the course of the world debut of the manufacturing model of the EV3 and can finally course by way of each upcoming mannequin from the South Korean mobility model.” It will be odd to say the EV3 in a press launch noting that 5 new fashions might be launched on the LA Auto Present.

So … I don’t know. I’d prefer to see the EV3 come to the US, however possibly we’ll get one thing else, just like the EV4?

I doubt we’ll get multiple EV. With the EV6, EV9, Niro EV, and another new EV, the corporate could have a fairly first rate unfold of EVs accessible by US requirements. (Although, the EV3/EV4 may simply substitute the Niro EV.)

Anyway, we’ll discover out quickly, however that is in all probability the LA Auto Present launch I’m most enthusiastic about.

Associated tales:

1. Kia US EV Gross sales Develop 70% in October
2. Kia Exhibits Its Adventurous Facet At SEMA
3. 12 Months with a Kia EV6 GT — Placing the Hoons in Their Place