EV North Newsletter: Kia EV Day Recap

Hello, and welcome to an out-of-the-ordinary-programming email from the EV North. This special issue of The EV North Newsletter will recap the events and conclusions of Kia EV Day 2023.

Let’s start:

Kia EV Day 2023 - October 12, 2023 recap.

Kia Corporation is driving the 'EV revolution' forward with the unveiling of three new small- to medium-sized electric models that were presented at its annual Kia EV Day in Korea. The brand's ambitious global strategy focuses on expanding its EV model line-up and charging infrastructure, making electric vehicles more accessible to customers.

New Electric Models: Kia EV5

During the event, Kia introduced the EV5, a compact electric SUV designed for millennial families, along with two exciting concept models: the Kia Concept EV3, aiming to deliver the benefits of the Kia EV9 in a compact SUV, and the Kia Concept EV4, redefining electric sedans with striking design. These additions to the line-up broaden options and access to EVs for a wider audience.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Kia's goal is to provide customers with a seamless and enjoyable EV journey. The brand will streamline various functions into a user-friendly smartphone application, introduce new services at physical locations, and offer in-vehicle artificial intelligence (AI) services to enhance the overall customer experience.

Kia's focus is on making every step of the customer journey, from pre-purchase to post-purchase, effortless and enjoyable. The brand aims to fulfill customer needs through digital platforms and technologies, offering advanced sustainable mobility solutions to improve lives.

Sales Targets and EV Strategy

Kia has set an ambitious target of achieving annual sales of one million electric vehicles by 2026, increasing to 1.6 million units per year by 2030. This target is supported by the products and initiatives revealed at the event.

The brand's EV strategy involves expanding the EV line-up with models priced from $30,000 to $80,000, catering to various customer segments. Kia is introducing smaller EVs like the EV5, EV4, and EV3, priced from $35,000 to $50,000, to drive widespread EV adoption.

In emerging markets with slower EV adoption rates, the initial focus will be on the EV6 and EV9, followed by the strategic launch of models like the EV5, EV4, and EV3 to diversify product offerings.

Kia is also working on establishing a reliable system for EV production and battery supply, aiming to expand global EV production facilities to eight by 2025. These facilities will encompass research, development, production, and supply, with a focus on different markets.

Comprehensive EV Range

Each Kia EV model plays a crucial role in accelerating the EV transition by broadening the appeal and democratization of EVs. These models share common elements, including cutting-edge electric platform technology, the innovative 'Opposites United' design philosophy, and sustainable color, material, and finish (CMF) strategies. Kia is committed to sustainability, using items like bio plastic, bio paint, and recycled materials in the construction of each model.

The Kia EV5 is a pioneering electric vehicle (EV) designed to meet the evolving needs and desires of millennial families. As the third dedicated Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in Kia's lineup, the EV5 showcases an extraordinary blend of electric mobility, striking SUV design, and forward-thinking features. Guided by the brand's unique design philosophy 'Opposites United,' this vehicle offers versatility, comfort, advanced technology, dynamic performance, and top-notch safety to create a well-balanced driving experience.

Electric Powertrain and Driving Experience

The EV5 is built on Kia's dedicated EV platform, E-GMP, providing a robust foundation for exceptional performance. Production takes place in both China and Korea, catering to various market demands with different configurations:

1. Standard model: Equipped with a 64kWh battery and a 160kW motor, offering an impressive driving range of 530km per charge (per China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle standards).

2. Long-range model: Featuring an 88kWh battery and the same 160kW motor, it aims to achieve a remarkable range of 720km per charge.

3. Long-range AWD model: Equipped with an 88kWh battery pack and a combined output of 230kW, this model is designed for a driving range of 650km, adhering to CLTC standards. Additionally, it offers fast-charging capability, with a 30% to 80% charge in just 27 minutes.

In Korea, all EV5 variants are under development, with potential adjustments to battery size and motor configurations to cater to specific market demands. The vehicle's battery is engineered to perform effectively in extreme weather conditions, thanks to an advanced heat pump system that ensures consistent battery performance.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Inside the spacious and well-ventilated cabin, the EV5 boasts cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity features designed to enhance efficiency and convenience. The vehicle is equipped with the connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system, offering over-the-air software updates and a Panoramic Wide Display, combining a 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment system. The brand's new Unified Graphical User Interface (GUI) simplifies navigation and provides essential information, enhanced by an optional Head Up Display (HUD).

To streamline the driving experience, physical buttons are kept to a minimum, with a clean and efficient layout. The three-zone climate control system ensures personalized comfort for all occupants.

Furthermore, the Kia Connect Store allows customers to continuously upgrade digital features and services, eliminating the need for dealership visits.

Safety and Convenience Features

The EV5 is committed to safety, featuring seven airbags, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and the Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) for a safer and more comfortable driving experience. The Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2) system, activated by the Kia Digital Key 2, allows for effortless parking with minimal driver intervention.

The EV5 also introduces Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functions to enhance energy utilization. V2L enables the high-voltage battery to supply power to external devices, while V2G shares surplus battery energy with the grid where infrastructure allows.

Multiple Seating Configurations

The EV5 offers a range of seating options, including eco-friendly recycled PET fabric and Bio-PU leather coverings. Front bench-type seats (available in the Chinese market) create a comfortable space for occupants, while the reclining seats and relaxation seats offer enhanced comfort and relaxation during charging.

The vehicle's versatile features extend to the rear, where a 0-degree, full-flat folding second-row camping seat transforms the space into a practical bedroom. An integrated rear console refrigerator/warmer ensures food and beverage storage, maintaining the perfect temperature for various needs. The Multi Table luggage board further enhances the in-cabin dining experience.

Kia Concept: EV3 - A Compact CUV with Technology and Style

Kia's Concept EV3 is a visionary electric compact CUV, offering a blend of technology, practicality, and design inspired by the flagship EV9 SUV, all in a compact and accessible form. Embracing Kia's 'Opposites United' design philosophy, the Concept EV3 is a creative masterpiece that brings together seemingly opposing qualities to create a compelling driving experience.

Unique Exterior Design

The Concept EV3's design captures the essence of 'Joy for Reason' through its dynamic silhouette, robust body, and unexpected treatment of volumes and graphics. The cabin's design pushes the windscreen forward and features a long sloping roofline, creating a distinctive silhouette. Squared wheel arches with asymmetrical angles add to the car's unexpected logic and strong presence. The wrap-around windscreen and disconnected C pillar give the roof a floating effect, adding to the overall appeal.

Transformative Cabin Ambience and Practicality

Inside the Concept EV3, 'Joy for Reason' continues to influence the design, merging opposing values to create a cabin that's both joyful and practical. The cabin offers ample space to support an active lifestyle, making it a pleasant place to travel in.

The cabin promotes emotional wellbeing with soft mood lighting and an ultra-clean dashboard crafted with refined character lines. This design language creates a spacious visual sense, offering boundless possibilities on every journey.

Advanced ergonomic seat design and eco-friendly materials align with Kia's sustainability ethos. Mini tables that rotate in length, position, and angle provide versatile support for various customer experiences, including Focus, Social, Refreshing, and Storage modes. The folding bench-type rear seat can be effortlessly folded upward, making it easy to store bulky luggage like electric scooters and bicycles.

Kia Concept: EV4 - Redefining the Essence of the EV Sedan

The Kia Concept EV4 is a groundbreaking EV sedan that redefines the very essence of this vehicle category. Rooted in the 'Power to Progress' pillar of Kia's 'Opposites United Untied' design philosophy, the Concept EV4 embodies innovation, creativity, and a commitment to pushing boundaries.

Distinctive Exterior Design

The Concept EV4 breaks free from traditional sedan stereotypes with its four-door format. It introduces a new type of EV sedan, characterized by potent and impactful design lines. These lines, inspired by the 'Power of Progress,' create a harmonious fusion of confident, geometric diagonal character lines and rich, technical surfaces. This combination represents a fresh approach to customer experience, value, and vehicle typology.

Notable features like the sleek low nose, dynamic long-tail silhouette, and technical roof spoiler draw inspiration from the world of sports and racing cars, marking the Concept EV4 as a revolutionary EV sedan.

The Concept EV4 makes an aggressive impression with its wide stance and vertically positioned headlamps at the extreme edges of the hood and front bumper. This design symbolizes Kia's determination to lead the way in the EV Revolution.

Thoughtful Interior Design

Inside the Concept EV4, the design focuses on providing a sleek and spacious horizontal layout that enhances the driver's experience. An air conditioning control panel that can be discreetly stored in the center console and pin-style air vents, allowing flexibility to change patterns, are some of the refined interior design elements.

The cabin creates a cocoon-like ambiance, enabling the driver to engage with the vehicle seamlessly. Twin digital screens on a slimmed-down instrument panel offer subtle driver orientation, minimizing distractions and preparing the driver for upcoming tasks.

Innovative 'Mind Modes'

One of the standout features of the Concept EV4 is the introduction of 'Mind Modes.' These modes adjust ambient lighting and animated ventilation patterns to cater to the driver's state of mind. In 'Perform' mode, the driver receives essential information to optimize their performance and make the most of their day. In contrast, 'Serenity' mode presents soothing digital graphics to create a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for reflection and restoration.

Kia's EV Revolution: Expanding Charging Infrastructure and Elevating the Customer Journey

Kia is committed to driving the electric vehicle (EV) revolution forward by expanding its charging infrastructure and enhancing the customer journey. In this article, we'll explore how Kia is making EV ownership more accessible and convenient for its customers.

Expanding Charging Infrastructure

Addressing the challenge of reliable charging infrastructure, Kia is actively expanding global charging networks. In North America, starting from the fourth quarter of 2024, Kia will adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its EVs. This strategic move will provide Kia customers with access to around 12,000 Tesla Superchargers.

Kia is also part of a coalition comprising six OEM groups, working to deploy 30,000 fast-charging stations across North America by 2030, ensuring charging accessibility. In Europe, Kia has collaborated with four OEM groups to create IONITY, with 2,800 fast-charging stations already installed along key highways. The goal is to have a total of 7,000 operational stations by 2025, offering efficient charging options for Kia's EV owners.

Elevating the Customer Journey

To accelerate the EV revolution and provide a comprehensive offer to its customers, Kia is enhancing the entire customer journey, making EV adoption as convenient as possible.

In the first half of 2024, Kia will launch the 'Kia App,' designed to offer customers a hassle-free experience, from vehicle research to contract finalization. The app features an AI chatbot for quick responses, insurance premium discounts, and a unique 'E-routing' function that suggests the best routes considering charging stations. It also provides location-based information to enhance the user experience and allows customers to manage their charging and monitor real-time status.

Kia is also enhancing offline customer experiences with initiatives like the 'Digital City Store' and 'EV Unplugged Ground' in Korea, and the 'City Store' outside Korea. The brand plans to establish exclusive EV stores in the United States, Europe, China, and India, offering immersive experiences through virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies.

Kia is harnessing generative AI technology to revolutionize the in-vehicle experience. This technology will enable customers to access various services, including schedule management, route optimization, travel planning, entertainment, and emergency support through conversations with a generative AI assistant. This innovation will debut in the 2024 EV3 model and expand to the EV4 and EV5, with continuous enhancements via over-the-air updates.

Future EV Days

Kia is dedicated to showcasing new electric models, concepts, and groundbreaking technologies at EV Day each year. This annual event serves as a platform for Kia to present its progressive EV strategy and vision for future mobility.

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