Kia aims to get 40% of annual China sales from EVs by 2030

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Kia Corporation (Kia) on Mar. 20 launched a mid-to-long-term strategic blueprint set for the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) market, with three heavyweight vehicle models displayed at the same time.

Under the brand new strategy, the South Korean automaker plans to introduce six EV (electric vehicle) models to the Chinese market by 2027. It expects its annual EV sales in China to reach 180,000 units by 2030, which should account for up to 40% of its overall yearly sales in the world’s largest auto market.

Photo credit: Kia

Kia added it will step up its investment in EV technology R&D, and continuously develop more EV products that meet the demands of Chinese users through its China advanced digital research center.

Regarding sales network construction, Kia will also accelerate the SI 2.0 upgrade of its dealerships nationwide, and cooperate with large domestic dealer groups to establish and operate Kia City Stores in the core business districts of China’s first- and second-tier cities.

In terms of charging infrastructure deployment, in addition to providing home charging piles and basic charging services from domestic mainstream charging operators, Kia also plans to work with Shell to build branded fast-charging stations equipped with 800V fast-charging piles, which can charge the battery from 10% to 80% of its capacity in just 18 minutes.

At the strategy launch event, the Kia EV5 all-electric concept model made its world’s debut. The EV9 flagship SUV concept and the EV6 GT were also on display.

Kia EV5 concept; photo credit: Kia

The Kia EV5 concept car is built on the brand-new "Opposites United" design philosophy, showcasing the futuristic and technological sense of Kia's EV products with a new digital tiger-roar front design. Its interior features rotatable seats and adopts ten types of eco-friendly materials such as bio-polyurethane, reflecting Kia's sustainable development concept. The EV5 also boasts an ultra-long range of over 700 kilometers, said the carmaker.

It is worth mentioning that the EV5 will be Kia's first global model to debut in China and is expected to hit the Chinese market in November this year.

Kia EV9 concept; photo credit: Kia

It is the first time for audiences in China to see the Kia EV9 flagship SUV concept. The new model measures over 5,000mm long with a wheelbase of 3,100mm. It adopts a three-row six-seater arrangement. With a large-sized HUD, the model will be equipped with the HDP (Highway Driving Pilot) system.

The mass-produced EV9 will go on sale in China next year.

Kia EV6 GT; photo credit: Kia

As the first BEV model to ride on the E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), the EV6 GT can zip from 0-100km/h within only 3.5 seconds and run at a top speed of 260km/h. It is expected to be introduced and sold in China in August this year as an imported model.