Confirmed: Kia will build an electric successor for its smallest, cheapest car
Kia will also introduce learnings from its new range of 'PBV' vans into the development of its future cars, particularly around the integration of software and hardware. The PV5, Kia's first van, will be followed by a larger PV7 van in 2027 and a PV9 in 2029. Hybrid and range-extender powertrains
Song said Kia will continue to invest in all relevant powertrain technologies because it is a global car maker responding to different market demands.
Song is a firm believer in the switch to EVs and believes that in Europe in particular Kia can 'drive volume from a full EV line-up' that is 'very complete' thanks to a 'strong trend' towards EVs in the market, but Kia is remaining flexible in its approach.
'The final destination in Europe is EVs, which is why I want to be a very strong EV player in Europe,' said Song. 'But if we look at worldwide demand we should have alternative powertrains, like hybrids, plug-in [hybrids] and EREVs [extended-range electric vehicles, aka RExs].'
He said range-extender technology was particularly interesting for larger, heavier vehicles to which pure EV technology was less well suited. The first REx Kia is expected be to launched by the end of the decade as part of an evolution of the car maker's hybrid offering for larger models.
Combustion engines will continue to be important for emerging markets like North Africa where 'they don't have the infrastructure' for electrification. To that end, Song is not putting an end date on Kia's development of internal combustion engines. Future design
Kia is already planning a new evolution for the design of its models, and Song said he recognises the importance of staying ahead and maintaining innovation in this area.
He added: 'Design is one of the highest preferences for our customers buying our cars, but today's design philosophy has already been in the market for five years. We continually think about how to renew it.
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