In spite of the electric vehicle facing troubled times for several established automakers around the world, Kia isn’t showing any signs of letting up in that segment. In fact, our recent attendance at the “2025 Kia EV Day” in Tarragona, Spain, is proof of the Korean marque’s push in furthering EV development with a more customer-driven perspective.

After a brief exchange with Kia Motors Corporation president and CEO Ho Sung Song, we could easily sense a gentleman who is both sensible and practical apart from being a strong advocate for sustainable mobility. He stated that Kia is no longer just a car manufacturer, but a mobility solutions provider that will keep evolving.

The executive made clear that the brand is about building cars more focused on the customer rather than just making sophisticated, beautiful cars that users have to adapt to. That’s an approach we’re sure many of us would appreciate.

As the special day unfolded at the Tarraco Arena, three new nameplates were revealed to us. These were the compact EV4 in sedan and hatchback form, the EV2 Concept compact crossover, and the purposefully stylish PV5 van.

Kia EV4. The EV4 is Kia’s first dedicated electric sedan and hatchback. Available in both standard and GT-Line options, the front-wheel-drive EV4 is based on Kia’s E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform). Running on a 400V system powered by either a 58.3kWh standard battery (410km for hatchback, 430km for sedan) or an 81.4kWh large battery (590km for hatchback, 630km for sedan), the EV4 is ready to go from city drives to long journeys.

All EV4 variants come with a 150kW (201hp) electric motor. The standard battery propels the car from zero to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, while the large battery does it in 7.7 seconds. Furthermore, DC charging speeds are among the quickest in the segment, going from 10% to 80% in 29-31 minutes. The EV4 is capable of V2L (vehicle to load) and V2G (vehicle to grid) energy sharing.

For added user convenience, entertainment, and safety, the EV4 comes with ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit), Kia Connect Store that accesses digital features and services for one’s vehicle, and over-the-air firmware updates via mobile devices for safer driving. In addition, i-Pedal 3.0 variable regenerative braking provides maximum efficiency, safety, and comfort.

Assembly for the sedan will be in South Korea, while the hatchback will be built in Slovakia. So far, confirmed markets for the EV4 this year will be Europe and North America aside from the brand’s home country.

Kia EV2 Concept. The EV2 Concept is an all-electric B-segment crossover designed to appeal to a wider audience and hasten EV adoption. With its “picnic in the city” cabin vibe as described by Kia global design head Karim Habib, the EV2’s multi-configurable interior space caters to the modern urban dweller who wants maximum usability with his or her vehicle.

From rear-seat cushions that flip upward to front seats that slide all the way to the back, this concept ute creates a cozy and practical living space on wheels. Combined with a vibrant interior layout, rear-hinged doors, a deleted center pillar, and a flat floor, it’s as inviting as a posh studio apartment with ever-changing views.

The integration of a highly personalized infotainment system and detachable speakers just makes it more convenient and fun. We can already imagine the possibilities with this thing, especially for individuals on the go.

Basically, the concept unit at the event is pretty close to what we can expect from the production unit for 2026. Estimated pricing for the European market will be around P1.9 million.

Kia PV5. Last but not the least of this set is the fully electric PV5 van, which showcases Kia’s E-GMP.S (Electric Global Modular Platform for Service) developed by Hyundai Motor Group. This gives the PV5 a plethora of configurations from the factory, serving from a versatile people mover to a mobility tool for small- to medium-scale businesses.

The PV5 is the first PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) from Kia that provides broad mobility solutions via fit-for-purpose EVs equipped with advanced software, fully assembled at the new EVO plant in Gwangmyeong, South Korea. During the “EV Day,” a sub-event transpired in the form of an MOU (memorandum of understanding) signing between Kia and Samsung to further elevate the platform’s software solutions especially for businesses.

Presented were four variants: the Passenger, the Cargo, the Crew, and the WAV (wheelchair-accessible vehicle). Based on inside information, ACMobility (the official Philippine distributor for Kia) is eyeing the Passenger variant for the local market.

The PV5 Passenger comes in a futuristic boxy shell that can seat five (2-3-0 configuration) with loads of room to spare for cargo/gear. It’s powered by a front-mounted Permanent Magnet Motor with 120kW (161hp) and 250Nm of torque sending propulsion to the front wheels.

Its NCM (lithium nickel cobalt manganese) battery comes in two sizes (51.5kWh or 71.2kWh), and it can DC-charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. The PV5 can reach a maximum range of up to 400km with the larger battery option.

Moving forward. This new generation of EVs comes with the latest in ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and OTA (over-the-air) software update technology, including the latest in digital connectivity.

Kia’s utilization of thoughtful tech along with a growing network of software and telecommunications partners is carefully building a healthy ecosystem around customers’ needs and desires. All this while minimizing impact on the natural environment is commendable and inspiring.

In summary, this curated Kia experience is an eye-opener on how a brand can evolve by leaps and bounds in the midst of a highly competitive world. If you’re still stuck with the idea of Kia building shitboxes and having poor service, you might as well be living in a cave.