TARRAGONA, Spain – While many of the world’s automakers are slowing their ramp-up of electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide, Kia Motors is not one of them. The Hyundai Motor Group subsidiary is expecting to produce an additional one million units worldwide by 2030, all of them EVs.

“Customers still face limited choices with many OEM EVs,” said Ho-Sung Song, CEO of Kia Motors at a news conference held near Barcelona earlier this week. “We at Kia are unwavering in our belief in electrification.”

To that end, the company is filling out its EV line-up at the lower end of the market, where there are still relatively few options in the U.S. market. It will introduce the 2026 Kia EV4, slotting below the Kia EV6 and EV9, but above the Kia EV3 already sold overseas and due in the U.S. following the EV4’s launch next year.

Shown alongside the Lilliputian new Concept EV2 four-door hatchback, which is not scheduled to come to the U.S., the EV4 is a sleek, angular fastback sedan built on the 400-volt Electric Global Modular Platform. With its low nose, long tail, and roof-mounted spoiler, the EV4 retains the brand’s signature vertical lighting and the flat, geometric body panels seen on other Kias. It’s a look influenced by Lamborghini Countach, the car that first caught design boss Karim Habib’s eye while growing up. Inside, the cabin is identical to the one used in the EV3, and comes with a front seat pop-out table top and a 30-inch display that incorporates the instrument cluster, climate controls and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Offered in Standard and Long-Range models, the EV4 is four inches longer than a Toyota Corolla, and about two inches taller. Cargo space is rated at 17.3 cubic-feet.

With 150 kW (201 horsepower), Kia claims a 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds on the EV4 Standard and 7.7 seconds on the EV4 Long Range, which should be adequate for most drivers. Kia says that EV4 Standard models have 430 km (267 miles) of range, while Long Range models have 630 km (391 miles) of range based on European WLTP testing. EPA figures will be about 20% lower. Recharging from 10% to 80% takes about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.

While pricing hasn’t been confirmed for the U.S., in Europe the EV4 is expected to start at €37,000 ($38,841) including VAT. Kia plans to build 140,000 EV4s annually, with 50,000 slated for the U.S.

But Kia also used the media event to announce its new entry into the light commercial vehicle market: the battery-electric PV5 van.

Built on the new modular derivation of the skateboard platform used for other Kia EVs, its range is 249 on a charge and recharges from 10%-to-80% in less than 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.

The PV5 will initially be offered in Passenger, Cargo, Crew and WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) versions and built in a special South Korean factory set up to profitably manufacture the vans in small batches. “Based on our traditional production line, we can only do five models,” said Kia CEO Song. “But with our new process, we can do 24 different kinds of models.”

The Passenger Van will be offered in compact, long and high-roof versions with various seating options. Kia tapped Uber to collaborate on its development, while the Cargo variant was created with input from more than 100 global customers, including DHL Express. Its cargo area holds 180 cubic feet and measures 71.5 inches high.

But it’s the PV5 WAV, or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, that’s a true gamechanger. The PV5 WAV is the only new vehicle from any automaker that addresses the needs of those in wheelchairs and scooters, a huge untapped market for automakers.

“We see an opportunity to get into this market,” said Song. “The modification process is a painful process. … I saw an opportunity to solve the pain point for customers.”

For the PV5 WAV, designers moved the second-row seats rearward to make room for mobility devices while equipping its cabin with seatbelts and harness adapted for wheelchairs. The passenger-side entry ramp supports up to 661 pounds.

Until now, the wheelchair-bound bought existing vehicles and then had aftermarket suppliers adapt them to their needs. Costs typically total or surpassed six figures. The PV5 WAV allows customers to get a factory-modified vehicle at a far more affordable price.

“When you see it standing there, it seems super logical. But it isn't something that many people look at, or not enough,” said Jochen Paesen, Kia’s vice-president for interior design.

Initially, Kia will target the PV5 at European and Asian markets, including Japan, a first for the Korean automaker.

Song said that the U.S. 25% tariff on light trucks imported into the United States precludes the company from importing the PV5. There are also the issues of existing competition from Detroit automakers and conservative, brand-loyal customers that give Kia pause.

But during an interview, Song admitted that the company is studying whether to import the PV5 WAV or a PV5 Camper, models that could command a premium that would give Kia the margin needed to absorb the tariff.

“This is what we are studying,” Song said. “But it's not fixed yet.”

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