Kia EV5 production specifications revealed – at least for China and South Korea

Kia first teased its upcoming EV5 electric SUV in August, but the Korean automaker left us in the dark.It just shows its shapeand chose not to issue any specifications at that time. Now, at its Electric Vehicle Day event, Kia has decided to give us some bones — sort of.

In addition to offering smallerElectric car 3 AndElectric car 4 Concept, Kia’s EV Day event gives us a clearer idea of ​​what to expect from electric vehiclesElectric car 5After the EV6 and EV9, this is the third model in Kia’s electric family. Since these vehicles will be manufactured in China and South Korea, and that these two markets will receive the vehicle first, most of the specifications discussed here relate to China and South Korea.

The EV5 runs on the same E-GMP platform as the EV6 and EV9. In China, the EV5 will be available in three variants: short-range front-wheel drive, long-range front-wheel drive, and long-range all-wheel drive.

The basic specifications come with a 64.0 kilowatt-hour battery, which sends power to the front wheels via a 215-horsepower electric motor. By China’s very optimistic CLTC standards, Kia’s estimates range between 329 miles. The long-range EV5 single-motor model increases battery capacity to 88.0 kWh while retaining the same 215-hp electric motor on the front axle; Here, the balloon’s range is up to 447 miles according to CLTC standards. Long-range all-wheel drive versions have a second, less powerful rear-mounted engine, increasing total output to 308 horsepower. Using the same battery as the single-motor Long Range model, the CLTC has a range of 404 miles. The EV5 in the Korean market will be available in the same version, but with a slightly smaller battery and lower output.

We also know more about what features the EV5 will include. In addition to tri-zone climate control, a heat pump will be available. On the dashboard, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is combined with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, while climate functions have been moved to a separate 5.0-inch display. Aside from the steering wheel, Kia promises the fewest possible physical buttons in a car.

The interior has a few other neat tricks. While Kia advertises a bench seat up front, it’s not so much a three-person seat as a driver and passenger seat that’s spacious enough to replace a traditional center console — at least in China; Other markets will get a traditional armrest-style center console. The seating surface can be made from recycled PET plastic or vegan leather. Massage seats will also be available. But when it’s time to camp under the stars, the interior decor gets interesting. The second row folds completely flat, turning the back half of the car into what Kia calls a bedroom (although we bet it’s a little cramped). The raw design doesn’t look too rough, thanks to details like the refrigerator and heater combination and a luggage divider that can be used as a table.

Kia also confirmed that an EV5 GT-equipped vehicle is in the works, but declined to reveal further information. We believe that patience is a virtue.

Now, when it comes to the US market, things are getting a little bleaker. At Kia’s EV Day press conference on October 10, President and CEO Ho Sung-sung told reporters that the EV5 would be available in the U.S. — and another senior Kia employee confirmed that view at a separate event. Round Table Day.

However, on October 11, Kia appeared to walk back those assertions, saying in a statement that the automaker “is considering exporting the EV5 to North America starting in 2025. There are currently no plans to produce the EV5 in North America.” Sources familiar with the plan told KiaCar and driver The EV5 will skip the US entirely and instead head to Canada and possibly MexicoComplexity associated with manufacturing Introduced the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which changes incentives for electric vehicle sales in the United States. Plans may change between now and the expected North American arrival in mid-2025, but we’re not holding our breath.