Kia stands by major EV sales goal with new affordable models driving demand

As rivals like Ford and Toyota are pulling back major electric vehicle initiatives, Kia is plowing ahead as it looks to secure a leadership role. Kia is standing by its EV sales goal of 1.6 million models by 2030. With new low-cost EVs like the EV3 rolling out, Kia is already seeing strong demand.

Kia says 1.6 million EV sales goal for 2030 is still intact

Coming off back-to-back record global sales the past two years, Kia expects the momentum to continue.

However, “some difficulties” are expected in the short term. The Korean automaker sees shifting government policies and new tariffs on EV imports in the US and EU as potential headwinds this year and into 2025.

Despite this, Kia is sticking to its long-term sales goal of selling 1.6 million EV models in 2030. Kevin Ahn, CEO of Kia Asia Pacific, said at an event on Wednesday (via Reuters), “We’re not pushing volume to market. Especially this year, the market is changing very rapidly and there are so many uncertainties.”

“But our long term target is for 2030, 1.6 million EVs,” Ahn added. Kia expects “some chasms” on the way, but the goal is within reach.

Like most automakers, Kia is bracing for the impacts of the US election. “Recently, the U.S. has finished their election, and there are big changes and expectations,” Ahn said it was too early to discuss the matter but added the company still plans to assemble EVs in the US at its West Point, GA, plant.

New electric models en route

In May, Kia’s first three-row electric EV9 SUV rolled off the assembly line, a major milestone as the first EV built in Georgia.

The EV9 has helped push Kia to what looks like another record sales year in the US. With another 1,941 models sold in the US last month, Kia EV9 sales reached nearly 18,000 through the first ten months of the year.

Kia calls the EV9’s sub-$55,000 starting price tag a “wake-up call” for the industry. Meanwhile, even more affordable Kia EV models are on the way.

As part of its “EV for all strategy,” Kia is launching a series of low-cost models. The EV3, Kia’s compact electric SUV, is already generating strong demand in Korea. The company has called it a potential “game changer” in its home market.

The EV3 starts at just $30,700 (KRW 42.08 million) in Korea with up to 375 miles (605 km) driving range. With incentives, the electric SUV can be bought for under $30,000 (KRW 39.95 million).

Kia just launched the EV3 in Europe with “segment-leading range” of up to 375 miles (WLTP). Prices in Europe start at around 36,000 euros ($38,300). The electric SUV has been on sale in the UK since August, starting at £32,995 ($42,500).

Next year, Kia is launching the EV4, its take on an entry-level electric sedan. Despite its four-door design, Kia claims the EV4 is “an entirely new type of EV sedan.”

Its low-riding, wide stance gives off a sports car-like feel. It’s expected to start at around $35,000 to $40,000. Ahead of its debut, the EV4 was spotted in hatchback form on US streets for the first time last week.