EV Canada Newsletter Special Edition Issue #9

You may (or may not) have noticed that while Kia made many announcements last week related to the direction they are headed with EVs, that they were not mentioned in the weekly newsletter (other than a YouTube clip). That’s because there was so much coming from the South Korean manufacturer that I decided to release this special issue to put it all together and provide my 2 cents on the news and hopefully provide you with some interesting take-aways, something learned and enjoyment.

If you like (or dislike) this sort of thing or have any suggestions definitely let me know!

Let’s begin with a little history lesson, in point form, on the Kia motor company, from where it was (bankruptcy) to where it is today!

Kia History

• Founded in 1944 as “Kyungsung Precision Industry”.

• Manufactured steel tubing and bicycles.

• 1952: Kyungsung Precision Industry changed its name to Kia Industries.

• 1957: Built Honda licensed small motorcycles.

• 1962: Built Mazda licensed light trucks.

• 1973: The company opened its first automotive assembly plant: the Sohari Plant.

• 1974: Built Mazda licensed cars.

• 1981: Military dictator Chun Doo-hwan enforced industry consolidation forcing Kia to focus on light trucks and zero cars.

• 1986: Kia partners with Ford.

• 1992: Kia Motors America was incorporated in the United States and opened 4 dealerships to sell the first Kia branded vehicles.

• 1995: Over 100 Kia dealerships operated in the US.

• 1997: Asian financial crisis causes Kia to declare bankruptcy.

• 1998: Comes to agreement with Hyundai for 51% ownership, outbidding Ford.

• 2005: Heavy focus towards European market.

• 2006: Hiring of Peter Schreyer in as chief design officer and his subsequent creation of a new corporate grille known as the 'Tiger Nose'.

• 2010: $1-billon dollar Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia plant opens.

• 2014: Receives international attention as Pope Francis travels in the Kia Soul during visit to South Korea.

• 2016, Kia Motors model reliability was ranked first in the United States by J.D. Power and Associates, becoming the first non-luxury automaker since 1989 to top that list.

• 2022: Release of the fully electric EV6.

Okay, so now that we have most of Kia’s history covered let me give you my 2-cents. When I first heard of Kia, back in junior high school (~2003-2004) it was known as a “cheap vehicle”, not luxurious in any way and because it was seen as cheap vehicle, people often assumed terrible reliability and durability. Fast forward to today and I have owned both a 2019 Kia Sorento (90,000 kms) and 2015 Kia Forte (85,000 kms), not only due to affordability but due to the high level of reliability and durability. Aside from regular maintenance, the vehicles have not required anything extra. This year, Kia ranks first among all automotive brands in J.D. POWER 2022 vehicle dependability study.

What is Kia doing in the EV space?

Firstly, Kia has released the EV6 which has received high praise from critics and everyday users as well. Let’s take a quick peak at what the EV6 has to offer:

At first look, the EV6 looks absolutely amazing. I feel it has great hints of both sport and luxury. The Kia EV6 is the company's first step into the electric vehicle space. Kia plans to offer 11 new electric vehicles by 2026. The Kia EV6 is a sleek crossover and is built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). E-GMP is the platform that will serve as a foundation for all new Kia EVs. The Kia EV6 is a welcomed addition to the family of EVs that are currently being offered (although, like many other EVs, availability is limited) such as the Hyundai Ionic 5 and Tesla Model 3.

The EV6 comes in a variety of trims that offer rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, as well as longer range options as well.

Here is a table summarizing the specs for each trim level of the KIA EV6.

Interior, Passenger Space, and Cargo

The inside of the EV6 seems to match the outside with attractive and futuristic features. The EV6 boasts the latest in tech with features like a digital dashboard along with practical elements such as a floating center console with lots of storage and a large storage bin underneath it. Other features that are sure to catch your eye are the two-tone, two-spoke steering wheel, the start button on the center console, and the gold accents throughout the cockpit. The EV6 has a flat floor and a wheelbase as long as the three-row, mid-size Kia Telluride, so plenty passenger space. There is also a ton of space with a volume of 1,322 liters behind the front row and 690 litters behind the second row. There is additional storage space in the frunk (front trunk), but it's not as big as you may expect.

Infotainment

The EV6 infotainment system display is a 12.0-inch touchscreen that's an extension of the EV6's 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster. The EV6 is capable of accepting over-the-air updates and respond to voice commands. The system includes popular features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Safety

Kia packs the EV6 with a variety of standard driver-assistance technology that includes automated emergency braking and automatic high-beams. There are several other optional assists that can be added for an even safer experience. Key safety features include:

• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

• Standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist

• Available remote parking assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Kia provides one of the best warranty plans in the industry with a imited warranty covers five years or 100,000 kms.

You can find a detailed EV6 overview/review here:

What’s next for Kia?

Kia will debut their full size electric passenger SUV, the EV9, in 2023.

Kia has developed a 2030 roadmap for their future with the goal of being a leader in the sustainable mobility industry. Kia has identified key business targets to successfully achieve by 2030. These targets are guided by 3 main pillars: People, Planet and Profit with the goal of enhancing value while nurturing talent, reduce carbon emissions and generate profits while being a responsible corporation.

In preparing for these increased sales, Kia will evolve the roles of its production sites. Korea will serve as a global hub for research, development, production and supply of EVs, while other global production sites will produce strategic EVs for each market.

Kia is also working to establish a battery supply and demand strategy while upgrading its battery technologies. It plans to supply batteries from its battery cell joint venture with LG Energy Solution, while also establishing a stable battery supply and demand system by outsourcing to global battery companies. Through these efforts, Kia is expecting to increase the energy density of its batteries by 50%, while reducing system costs by 40% to enhance performance while reducing prices.

Kia will also continue offering the GT level trim to all of their BEV offerings for those looking for higher performance EVs.

In conclusion, it seems like Kia is positioning themselves ahead of other manufacturers when it comes to getting their vehicles to market, developing technologies and if the EV6 is any indication of things to come - Kia will set itself apart from other manufacturers and be a major player in the EV industry.

If you like (or dislike) this sort of thing or have any suggestions definitely let me know!

PS: Don’t forget to add us to your safe senders list to avoid us landing in your junk folder.

Sources:

Kia Canada

Telematics News

Greencar Reports

CarAndDriver.com

"Kia History"