Kia unveiled its vision for electric vehicles aimed at the Chinese market during the opening of the ‘2023 Shanghai International Automobile Show’ at the Shanghai Convention Center on April 18 (local time).

At this motor show, Kia shared its achievements including record sales last year and a successful electrification setup, declaring a strong determination to reclaim its position as a leader in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market in China.

Kim Kyung-hyun, CEO of Kia’s China division, stated, “Success in the Chinese automotive market is a key element of Kia’s global strategy,” and “We aim to sell 450,000 units annually in the Chinese market by 2030, with 40% of those being electric vehicles.”

Kia plans to introduce at least one new electric vehicle model annually, starting with the EV6 this year, building a total of six electrified models by 2027.

By the end of this year, Kia will launch the EV5, the first compact electric SUV to be produced in China, followed by the launch of its flagship electric SUV model, the EV9, next year.

They aim to rapidly increase electric vehicle sales in the Chinese market by continuing to release electrified models, including an entry-level SUV in 2025, a premium sedan in 2026, and a mid-sized SUV in 2027.

To achieve this, Kia will intensify its electric vehicle model development, while expanding research and development investments in advanced technology fields such as mobility, electrification, connectivity, and autonomous driving.

Collaborating with global energy companies like Shell, Kia is also promoting the expansion of charging networks through partnerships with local charging companies in China.

This year, Kia plans to launch a comprehensive application that allows customers to manage everything from vehicle purchases to services and infotainment, providing quicker access to various information and enabling efficient vehicle management.

On that day, Kia also presented a competitive lineup of EVs, including the high-performance electric vehicle EV6 GT, the concept large electric SUV EV9, and the concept compact electric SUV EV5, garnering enthusiastic responses.

The EV6 GT is a high-performance version of the EV6, based on the dedicated electric vehicle platform E-GMP, combining high-performance motors with high-output batteries to achieve the highest level of power performance in its class.

It features a rear motor with a maximum output of 270 kW and maximum torque of 390 Nm, along with a front motor producing 160 kW and 350 Nm of torque, totaling 430 kW (585 hp) and 740 Nm (75.5 kgf·m) of maximum torque.

This allows explosive acceleration performance, reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in just 3.5 seconds, and a dynamic driving performance with a top speed of 260 km/h.

The concept EV9 is a model that encapsulates the main features of Kia’s first large electric SUV, the EV9.

Built on Kia’s electric vehicle dedicated platform E-GMP, it includes distinct features like a digital tiger face, swiveling seats that can change orientation based on driving or stationary situations, and materials made from sustainable resources such as fishing nets and plastic bottles.

The compact electric SUV concept EV5 exhibits a bold, futuristic style and interior space that breaks boundaries, presenting a vision of innovative mobility life.

The concept EV5 reflects Kia’s design philosophy of ‘Opposite United,’ particularly the ‘Bold for Nature’ direction, featuring an exterior that is both modern and unique, an interior themed around the coexistence of nature and people, 10 eco-friendly materials, and a leather-free design that avoids the use of animal hides.

Additionally, Kia showcased a facelift model of the compact SUV ‘Seltos’.

The facelift model of the Seltos features a dynamic and modern exterior alongside a future-oriented interior equipped with advanced conveniences.

This includes navigation-based smart cruise control, highway driving assistance, surround-view monitors, a 10.25-inch high-resolution display, and wireless software updates to enhance driving safety and convenience.

The facelift model operates with two powertrains, adding a 1.4-liter gasoline turbo model to the existing 1.5-liter gasoline model.

Kia has set up a 2,025 m² (approximately 613 pyeong) exhibition space at the 2023 Shanghai International Automobile Show, running from the 18th (Tuesday) to the 27th (Thursday), showcasing a variety of attractions.

Visitors can see the electric vehicle dedicated platform E-GMP, EV6 GT, concept EV9, concept EV5, as well as the facelifted Seltos model and vehicles like the Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, K3, K5, and Carnival, all targeting the competitive segment favored by the youth in China.

Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr