KIA EV5— A NEW ELECTRIC SUV MARKETED IN CANADA, NOT THE U.S.

By Piero Facchin

Kia is on a roll with its electric vehicle (EV) models. Drawing on the unique aesthetics of the EV9, the automaker’s new eye-catching EV5 features unique headlights and angular styling. What’s most remarkable about the SUV’s recent full reveal is that Kia has confirmed that the model will arrive in Canada, and not in the U.S.A., according to Autoblog. The publication was first informed at Kia’s EV Day that the EV5 would be marketed in North America, before going on to finally learn that this only applies to Canada and Mexico.

This choice is probably due to the fact that two-row mid-size crossovers like the EV5 don’t sell well in the U.S.A., unlike the EV9, which is fast becoming Kia’s big seller south of the Canadian border. This uniquely styled EV is built on the same E-GMP platform as Kia’s EV6 and Hyundai’s Ioniq 5. Although the EV9’s specifications differ from each market, the version offered in China includes Level 3 autonomous driving, a 530 km range, a 64 kWh battery and a 160 kW motor (the Canadian version will probably feature similar specifications). There is also an extended-range variant that can travel up to 720 km on a single charge, and an AWD iteration that can reach 650 km.

The interior features a duo of 12.3-inch screens, plus an additional 5-inch screen for climate control functionality.

Alongside the EV5, Kia has also unveiled the EV3 and EV4, two concept vehicles with an ambitious starting price (US$35,000, or around C$47,917). The EV3 appears to have a similar design to the EV5/EV9, while the EV4 is a sedan similar to the Ioniq 6.

The EV3, EV4 and EV5 will be priced between $35,000 and $50,000 US (approx. $41,000 CAD – 68,440). The EV9 will go on sale in China later this year, before making its way to other markets.

The EV3 and EV4, on the other hand, are currently only at the design stage. It is not known when, or even if, the vehicles will actually be produced.