Amidst growing consumer demand for fuel efficiency, automakers are increasingly turning to extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) and hybrids. This trend suggests a strategic recalibration in vehicle development, moving beyond pure internal combustion to embrace diverse electrified powertrains. Brands like Kia and Hyundai are experiencing significant growth, highlighting the market's readiness for these more efficient options.
Kia's upcoming PV7 electric van has been spotted during road tests, indicating its imminent debut. This larger vehicle aims to capitalize on the unexpected success of its smaller PV5 sibling, offering a spacious solution for various commercial and personal use cases.
The popular Kia Telluride SUV is slated to receive a hybrid powertrain option for the 2027 model year, a significant move for the brand's electrification strategy. This new variant is expected to expand the Telluride's market appeal by offering improved fuel efficiency alongside its established spaciousness and features. While details on the hybrid system's specifications are still under wraps, its introduction signals Kia's commitment to hybrid technology in its mainstream SUV lineup.
Kia experienced an impressive 88% surge in electric vehicle sales during the second quarter of this year, reaching 110,000 units worldwide. This growth is largely attributed to the successful launch of its new PV5 commercial van and an expanding lineup of more accessible, lower-cost EV options. The South Korean automaker anticipates continued strong demand into the second half of 2026 as it broadens its EV offerings to appeal to a wider market.
Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is consolidating its various vehicle-to-everything (V2X) offerings under a new global brand, "AllDayEnergy." This initiative will integrate smart charging (V1G), vehicle-to-grid (V2G), and vehicle-to-home (V2H) services, streamlining HMG's bidirectional energy solutions. The rollout is scheduled to begin in the UK in the latter half of 2026, starting with V1G smart charging via the Kia App.
Kia has ambitious plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup, with eight new models slated for release by 2026. This aggressive strategy aims to solidify the Korean automaker's position in the rapidly growing EV market, building on its current strong performance.
Kia is preparing to launch its EV4 GT, an all-electric performance hatchback designed to be a direct competitor to the Volkswagen Golf GTI in size and spirit. Expected in 2026, this model aims to fill a gap in the market for traditional, lower-slung electric family hatches, moving away from the prevalent crossover body style.
Kia has unveiled the pricing and trim levels for its upcoming 2027 Sportage Plug-in Hybrid. This updated PHEV model aims to offer a compelling option in the electrified SUV market, balancing efficiency and features at various price points.
Kia is expanding its performance-oriented GT lineup with the new EV3 GT, a compact electric SUV designed for spirited driving. This model aims to make EV performance more accessible, offering 288 horsepower and all-wheel drive, paired with a 311-mile range from its 81.4 kWh battery.
Kia's upcoming all-electric PV5 lineup, part of its 'Platform Beyond Vehicle' initiative, will include a spacious high-roof variant. This dedicated EV commercial van was recently spotted undergoing public road tests, revealing a significantly larger profile compared to the standard PV5 model. The PV5 series is anticipated to offer diverse configurations for various business applications.
In a modern twist on a classic man-versus-machine challenge, Autocar pitted a Kia EV4 Fastback against a sleeper train on a 650-mile journey from Paris to Berlin. While one journalist enjoyed a multi-country overnight rail journey, a colleague battled through the night behind the wheel of the electric vehicle, facing the realities of long-distance EV travel.
The Kia EV2 is now available with a new long-range battery, offering up to 281 miles on a single charge. This expanded lineup also introduces sportier GT and premium Black-Line trim levels, diversifying choices for potential buyers. The updates indicate Kia's commitment to enhancing its EV offerings.
Kelley Blue Book has published a listing for a hypothetical 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid, complete with trim levels and pricing. This premature listing for a model not yet officially announced suggests that Kia may be planning a plug-in hybrid version of its popular SUV, potentially hinting at future electrification for the brand's larger vehicles.
Kia has unveiled the PV5 LightCamp, a new electric camper van designed for compact adventures. Based on the upcoming PV5 platform, this innovative vehicle manages to sleep four people with its clever interior layout and pop-up rooftop tent, along with a removable kitchen.
Vantrack, a well-known conversion van builder, has announced plans to develop and produce an electric camper van based on Kia's upcoming PV5 Passenger platform. This initiative aims to deliver a production-ready 'vanlife' solution, building on the excitement generated by Kia's WKNDR concept but making it a tangible reality for consumers.
Hyundai is recalling a small number of 2022-2024 IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6/EV9 electric vehicles due to a potential battery defect that could lead to a fire. Owners are advised to park these specific EVs outdoors and away from structures until the issue is resolved. This recall addresses a critical safety concern across a limited range of popular EV models.
Kia's popular Niro is set for a refresh in 2027, bringing updated styling and enhanced technology. While the Niro family includes a BEV model, this article focuses on the conventional hybrid variant, which lacks a plug and cannot operate solely on electric power.
Kia is reportedly discontinuing its K5 sedan, a move that aligns with the automaker's strategy to concentrate resources on developing more efficient and cost-effective electric vehicles. This shift comes as Kia aims to bolster its competitive stance in the growing EV market with accessible options.
Kia's commitment to electric vehicles is yielding significant results, with its diverse EV portfolio contributing to the automaker's best-ever first-half sales performance. The company offers a wide range of electric models, from accessible SUVs to commercial vans, catering to various customer needs.
A Google News aggregation error incorrectly cited a Kelley Blue Book article about a recall for the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid. There is no such recall, as the 2026 model has not even been released. The error has been corrected; the original article made no such claim.
The Kia Telluride Hybrid, set to arrive in 2027, is a conventional hybrid vehicle that cannot operate solely on electric power. As such, it does not fit the EV Digest's taxonomy, which is strictly limited to battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), range-extended electric vehicles (EREV/REEV), and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV).
Kia has unveiled the refreshed 2027 Niro, bringing a host of technological improvements to the popular compact crossover. However, the update comes with a significant change for EV enthusiasts, as the battery-electric variant will no longer be offered in certain markets, focusing instead on hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The Kia Niro Hybrid, a popular compact crossover, has been confirmed to remain in production through the 2027 model year. This ensures the continued availability of the fuel-efficient hybrid for several more years, alongside its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) counterpart, which is also slated for the 2027 model year.
Kia has unveiled a unique application for its upcoming PV5 electric Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV), showcasing a concept that converts the van into an off-grid mobile racing simulator. This innovative setup highlights the PV5's adaptability and V2L capabilities, featuring a large 55-inch screen and a sophisticated racing rig powered entirely by the vehicle's battery. The PV5, part of Kia's new PBV lineup, is designed for extensive customization, underscoring its potential beyond traditional commercial uses.
The refreshed 2027 Kia EV6 has been caught undergoing testing, heavily camouflaged, hinting at an updated design for the popular electric crossover. While details are scarce, the images suggest a more angular and aggressive styling, aligning it with Kia's latest EV models.
Kia plans to phase out the Niro EV from its U.S. lineup by 2027, focusing instead on the hybrid variant. The automaker is set to replace it with the new EV3, which will serve as Kia's most affordable all-electric offering, hitting the market later this year.
Kia's refreshed Niro, expected in 2027, is set to streamline its powertrain offerings, moving to a hybrid-only setup. This change means the popular subcompact SUV will no longer be available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), aligning its design with Kia's other models but limiting electric-only driving capabilities for future buyers.
The Kia Niro continues its evolution with a redesigned model anticipated for 2027. While details remain speculative, this popular compact aims to build on its reputation for efficiency and practicality, potentially offering updated hybrid and PHEV powertrains to meet future market demands.
Kia reported its strongest June sales ever, largely propelled by a significant surge in demand for its hybrid electric models. While specific EV sales figures were not detailed in this report, the brand's diverse electrified offerings are proving highly popular with consumers.
Kia has enhanced its popular EV6 lineup, bringing an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option to more trims. Additionally, the automaker is introducing a new 'Storm' special edition, promising added value and unique features for buyers.
Kia's new EV9 GT, set to launch in January 2025 as the brand's most powerful production vehicle, will boast over 600 hp and advanced handling features. This performance-oriented variant of the three-row electric SUV aims to bring a sportier driving experience to the family-friendly segment, drawing technology from its EV6 GT and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N siblings. With a focus on enhanced dynamics and speed, the EV9 GT signifies Kia's continued expansion into high-performance EVs.
Kia has unveiled the pricing strategy for its upcoming PV5 electric van in Canada, positioning it as an accessible option within the burgeoning EV market. Slated for a 2026 release, the PV5 is expected to bolster Kia's portfolio of more affordable electric vehicles, broadening consumer choices for eco-friendly transportation.
The all-electric Kia PV5 Cargo has secured the prestigious Small Van of the Year award from Auto Express for 2026, highlighting its innovative design and suitability for urban logistics. This recognition signals Kia's growing influence in the commercial EV sector, with the PV5 expected to be a key player in the evolving electric van market. The vehicle's modular platform allows for various configurations, catering to diverse business needs.
The Kia PV5 Passenger, an upcoming purpose-built electric vehicle, has received the prestigious Family Car of the Year award from Auto Express for 2026. This recognition highlights the highly anticipated PV5's potential as a versatile and family-friendly BEV solution, even before its official market launch. Expected to offer adaptability through its 'flexibility by design' approach, the PV5 is geared to redefine family transportation in the electric era.
Kia's innovative PV5 electric cargo van, part of its new 'Platform Beyond Vehicle' line, has officially qualified for Canada's federal and provincial EV incentive programs. This makes the versatile commercial vehicle a more appealing option for Canadian businesses looking to electrify their fleets, offering substantial cost savings at purchase.
Kia is set to expand its purpose-built vehicle (PBV) lineup with the introduction of three new PV5 electric van derivatives at the upcoming Busan International Mobility Show. Among these new offerings is a highly anticipated 7-seater passenger version, signaling Kia's commitment to diverse electric mobility solutions. These additions aim to cater to a broader range of everyday and business applications.
Kia's new purpose-built PV5 electric van is experiencing overwhelming demand, prompting the automaker to implement rationing for international markets. This surge in popularity highlights the growing global appetite for commercial electric vehicles, challenging Kia to ramp up production to meet customer needs effectively.
Kia has unveiled early concepts for its upcoming PV7 electric van, a larger sibling to the PV5. This new model will be part of Kia's 'Platform Beyond Vehicle' (PBV) strategy, focusing on highly customizable and modular designs for various commercial and individual needs.
