Get ready for a shocker: Kia isn't slowing down on its EV revolution! Just when you thought they had every niche covered, a mysterious new electric vehicle, codenamed 'CB,' is about to enter the scene. Buckle up, because this could change everything you thought you knew about Kia's electric future.
Kia recently solidified an agreement with its labor union, and buried within that deal was a golden nugget: the commitment to produce this brand-new EV right in South Korea. At a time when some automakers are pumping the brakes on their EV ambitions, Kia is flooring the accelerator, investing heavily in electric vehicles, cutting-edge battery technology, and all things EV-related. It's a bold move, but could it pay off?
Now, before you jump to conclusions and assume it's just another addition to their already extensive lineup (EV2, EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, and EV9), think again! This 'CB' is something completely different. So, what exactly is this 'secret' new electric car? Okay, 'secret' might be an overstatement, but details are definitely scarce. According to whispers from local sources, the project is still in its infancy. Kia is still figuring out the size, the target market, and even the overall vibe of this new vehicle. Could this be a sign of a lack of direction, or a calculated approach to ensure the end product is perfect?
Production of the CB is slated to begin by 2030 at their Hwaseong Plant 2 in South Korea. But the CB wasn't the only exciting announcement from the agreement. Kia also confirmed plans to manufacture their second electric van, the PV7, at the dedicated Hwaseong EVO plant, starting in 2027. The PV7 will join the already-in-production mid-size PV5 van, the inaugural model in Kia's innovative Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) lineup. Think of the PV5 as a blank canvas, ready to be customized for various business and personal needs. The PV7, at a length of 5.9 meters, will be slightly longer than the PV5's long-wheelbase version (up to 4.7 meters), offering even more space and versatility.
Kia's ambitious agreement is driven by their desire to dominate the electrification landscape in the coming years. But here's where it gets controversial... Kia also outlined plans to enhance battery packs, power electronics (PE) modules, and other crucial EV components, all in an effort to establish a robust domestic supply chain. While supporting local economies is generally positive, some critics argue that prioritizing domestic sourcing could potentially limit access to the best and most cost-effective global technologies. Is this a smart long-term strategy, or a risky gamble?
Kia isn't just focusing on Korea. In Europe, they're planning to almost triple their EV production within the next two years. Kia's CEO, Ho Sung Song, revealed plans to build approximately 100,000 EV2 models annually at their Zilina plant in Slovakia by 2027. The EV2 is poised to be their smallest electric car, targeting the budget-conscious consumer. Adding to the European output, Kia anticipates manufacturing over 80,000 EV4 models, their first electric hatchback, at the same facility by 2027. When combined with the EV4 Fastback (the sedan version produced in South Korea), global EV4 production is projected to reach around 100,000 units annually. The first European-made EV4 rolled off the assembly line in Zilina in August, marking a significant milestone as Kia's first European-produced EV.
Their efforts are clearly paying off. Through August, Kia sold a remarkable 71,179 EVs in Europe, a staggering 56% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The EV3 has been a runaway success, becoming Kia's second-best-selling vehicle, trailing only the ever-popular Sportage. It's also the seventh best-selling EV in Europe, competing with giants like the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, and Volkswagen's ID.3, ID.4, and ID.7. Kia has already sold over 45,000 EV3s in Europe in the first eight months of the year.
With the EV4 and EV5 currently being launched and the EV2 on track for a 2026 debut, Kia is poised to capture an even larger slice of the electric vehicle market.
Electrek's Take: Kia is rapidly assembling a comprehensive EV lineup, covering nearly every conceivable segment with the EV2, EV3, EV4 (hatchback and sedan), EV5, EV6, and EV9. But this is the part most people miss... The new EV, codenamed CB, presents some intriguing possibilities. Could it be an even smaller, more affordable EV1, designed to make electric mobility accessible to a wider audience? Or perhaps it's an EV7 or EV8, strategically positioned between the EV6 and the spacious EV9, catering to families who need more room than the EV6 offers but don't require the full-size EV9? Given the early stage of development, the CB could truly be anything: an electric pickup truck to challenge the Ford F-150 Lightning, a rugged off-roader for adventurous souls, or even a luxurious flagship sedan to rival established premium brands. The possibilities seem endless.
So, what do you think (or hope) the 'CB' will be? A budget-friendly city car? A rugged off-roader? A luxurious sedan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We're eager to hear your predictions and expectations for Kia's mysterious new EV. We should learn more about it as it gets closer to launch, so stay tuned for updates!
