A Vision Toward Electrified Mobility
Kia EV Day has quickly positioned itself as one of the most significant annual events in the automotive industry, showcasing Kia Corporation’s commitment to advancing electric vehicle (EV) technology, design, and usability. The event serves as a platform for unveiling new EV models, concepts, and strategies, while emphasising Kia’s vision of sustainable mobility and electrification, and yesterday the event came to New Zealand.
Bringing together key executives, industry experts, and the public to showcase Kia’s innovative approach to electric mobility, the Kia EV Day debuted in South Korea in 2023. Fast forward to the 2025 edition, where the Tarraco Arena in Tarragona, Spain, further solidified Kia’s global EV ambitions, and Kia NZ opted for the elegant Formosa estate in Auckland to host their own take on this highly informative event.
The ‘Spanish’ 2025 Kia EV Day revolved around three main themes: expanding Kia’s electrification strategy, unveiling groundbreaking new EV models, and introducing a visionary approach to Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs). And with that in mind, numerous new models were unveiled.
The Kia EV4: This electric crossover builds upon the design philosophies established by earlier models like the EV6, offering advanced EV technology, an impressive electric powertrain, and enhanced user experiences. Originally teased during Kia’s first EV Day, the EV4 made its global debut. The Kia Concept EV2: A compact electric vehicle aimed at urban users, the EV2 represents the newest addition to Kia’s dedicated EV model lineup. Its innovative design and affordability are likely to appeal to a broad customer demographic.
Last but not least, the Kia PV5: As Kia’s first dedicated PBV “Platform Beyond Vehicle”, the PV5 provides a modular platform for business and personal needs. It highlights Kia’s focus on flexibility and innovation in developing utility-driven, multipurpose vehicles.
Unfortunately, the PV5 and EV2 failed to make the trip to the other side of the planet, however, the EV4 did and it brought along some friends, including the EV3 (which we got our first drive of), the EV5, the EV6 (including the GT model), the EV9 and a customised EV5 that came complete with toolboxes and drawers.
Although in pre-production/handbuilt guise, the EV4 looked impressive on its plinth. It’s a sporty looking EV and a definite step away from the latest SUV line-up but its family lineage is more than apparent. The jury is still out on its rear end for me though.
On the matter of sporty, the EV6 GT was an off-the-line stomach churner. I missed the chance to review the GT when it was first launched, so I seized the opportunity with both hands and a heavy right foot. Its speed and agility was a bit of a highlight.
We managed to spend about an hour behind the wheel of the new EV3 and in its ‘fleet spec’ it more than delivers the goods. It’s got great range, oodles of tech and rides very, very well.
But while on the matter of having the goods, Sortimo had been given the opportunity to kit out an EV5 and they happily obliged. After removing the rear seats, they replaced it with a clever racking system that would double as an engineer’s home from home.
Lastly, the EV9. the big grandaddy of the fleet and carries the flagship moniker. It’s still larger and yet still very capable, room for the crew and all their gear too!
Kia’s ultimate objective is to democratise electric mobility by making EVs accessible to a wider audience. As part of its roadmap, the brand aims to offer an expansive EV lineup ranging from inexpensive to luxury, catering to diverse markets and income groups. Smaller and affordable electric cars like the EV3, EV4, and EV5 are being developed to appeal to the growing mass-market adoption rates, while higher-end models like the EV9 target premium buyers.
Kia also plans to increase global EV production capacity by 2025, with key manufacturing hubs in Korea, Europe, China, and India. The company projects annual EV sales of 1 million units by 2026, with a goal of reaching 1.6 million units by 2030.
Kia EV Day embodies the company’s vision of sustainable, design-forward, and accessible mobility solutions for a diverse global audience. With each passing year, it is shaping into a pivotal event that not only transforms the EV market but also inspires a shift toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
