Kia Motors Reveals its $25 Billion Electrification Strategy for 2020-2025
【Summary】Kia Motors disclosed its $25 billion electrification strategy called "Plan S" and here's what you need to know.

South Korean carmaker Kia Motors disclosed its "Plan S" strategy, which is the automaker's mid-to long-term vehicles electrification plan. The company will be investing $25 billion (29 trillion won) in Plan S, which the company claims will help it advance in its transition to EVs and other mobility solutions by the year 2025.
Kia also announced that it plans on selling around half a million battery-only vehicles by 2026.
To kick off its 'Plan S' strategy, Kia will introduce 11 electric models by 2025, which will include both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs). The company confirmed that it intends on introducing a total of 1 million environmentally-friendly vehicles by 2026.
This projection is a global annual sales target and does not account for sales in the Chinese market.
"As the auto industry undergoes turbulent changes, today is also an opportune time for Kia Motors to radically transform itself into a global enterprise dedicated to spearheading customer value-led innovations," said Kia Motors President and CEO Han-woo Park. "Kia Motors will actively innovate to take on the challenges ahead, identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities to propel the company forward."
The Kia Imagine EV is built on an all-new dedicated EV platform. It will come out next year.
Kia claims that by 2025, 25% of all cars sold by the brand will comprise solely of eco-friendly vehicles and will feature some level of electrification. Kia aims to acquire 6.6% of the global EV market share by 2025.
Kia plans to introduce its first-ever battery-only vehicle next year. The company said the upcoming EV will be built on an all-new electric vehicle architecture and feature a crossover body style. The EV's driving range will be 310 miles (500 kilometers) and come with DC fast charging capabilities.
The electric crossover's battery pack can be charged up to 80% state of charge in less than 20 minutes using DC fast charging. Kia did not comment on whether the WLTP or EPA test procedure was used to compute the EV's range estimate.
Kia also said that it plans on introducing a wide and diverse range of customer-oriented products which will get "dual-charging" capabilities. The crossover will feature an 800 volt battery system that will be compatible with 400/800 volt charging.
During the automaker's presentation to shareholders, analysts and credit-rating agencies at Kia's "CEO Investor Day" in Seoul, a slideshow depicting vehicles with different body types sharing the same architecture was displayed.
These body types included a compact utility vehicle (CUV), SUV, minivan and sedan, which makes for a diverse electrified line-up that will come in handy, considering Kia aims to achieve a 10.6% return on its electrification investment with a 6% operating margin target.
To achieve return on investment, Kia will innovate its basic cost structure with the adoption of an EV architecture development system to consolidate its EV leadership. It's centered on the optimization of design and standardization, reduced material costs and increased sharing of components from ICE vehicles.
In North America, Europe and South Korea, Kia is working on ensuring that 20% of all its vehicles sold are EVs by the year 2025.
By 2025, Kia forecasts that the profitability of EVs will be on par with ICE vehicles.
-
Tesla to Migrate its Driver Profile Data to a Cloud-based Platform Ahead of the ‘Tesla Network’ Launch
-
Here's What We Know About the Refreshed 2022 Hyundai Kona EV
-
Toyota's Luxury Brand Lexus is Working on a New Fully-electric SUV
-
The Latest Tesla Model S & Model X Ditch the 12-volt Lead-Acid Accessory Battery for Lithium-ion
-
BMW Introduces New Plug-in Hybrid Versions of the 3 Series and 5 Series Models
-
Meet Tesla's Newest Competitor, the 2021 Porsche Taycan Base Model Starts at $79,900
-
The Electric Mercedes-Benz EQA Crossover Will Make its Global Debut on Jan 20
-
Tesla's More Affordable Standard Range Model Y is a Recipe for Success
- Toyota-backed Startup Joby Aviation is Seeking to Go Public in a $5 Billion SPAC Deal
- Tesla to Migrate its Driver Profile Data to a Cloud-based Platform Ahead of the ‘Tesla Network’ Launch
- China to Reduce Tariffs on Imported Hydrogen Fuel Cell Components to Boost Development of the Technology
- Toyota Launches the Redesigned Mirai Fuel Cell Sedan, Reaffirming the Company’s Commitment to Hydrogen Power
- Tesla Reportedly Cutting Model Y Long Range Trim From Lineup
- Nissan Joins General Motors in Backing California’s Stricter Emission Rules for Motor Vehicles
- Nexteer & Continental Joint Venture Company Develops ‘Brake-to-Steer’ Technology for Autonomous Vehicles
- Volkswagen’s New ID. Family of EVs Will Receive Over-the-Air Updates Every Three Months
- AI-Powered Chip Developer Horizon Robotics Raises $400 Million in Latest Funding Round
- BMW Group Commissions Study on the Sustainable Mining of Lithium for Electric Vehicle Batteries