It’s official: The all-electric Kia pickup truck is on its approach. Though we had a suspicion, Kia confirmed an EV model of its Tasman pickup is coming quickly. Right here’s what to anticipate.
After teasing its first pickup truck for what appeared like eternally, Kia lastly unveiled the Tasman in October. Though many, together with myself, have been hoping for an electrical mannequin, we solely received a 2.2-liter diesel engine.
That may quickly change. We knew an EV model was within the works after Kia revealed plans to launch two electrical pickups throughout its 2022 CEO Investor Day. Kia stated one mannequin can be for rising markets whereas the opposite is a devoted EV pickup.
Within the US, the place SUVs and vehicles dominate gross sales, Kia stated, “Electrical variations of those fashions can be produced regionally.”
Now, it’s official. An government confirmed that Kia will launch an EV model of the Tasman pickup. In keeping with CarBuzz, Kia’s head of selling for South Africa, Christo Valentyn, stated throughout a media occasion earlier this month, “I’m in all probability not purported to say this, however… an electrical one is coming.”
At 5,410 mm lengthy, 1,930 mm broad, and 1,870 mm tall, Kia’s Tasman is barely smaller than the Ford F-150 Lightning (5,885 mm lengthy, 2,029 mm broad, and 1,961 mm tall). Will probably be a direct rival to the Toyota Tacoma and Hilux.
Is Kia launching an EV pickup within the US?
That is the primary time Kia has formally confirmed an electrical Tasman is within the works. Though Kia stated its modular platform was versatile sufficient to suit totally different powertrains, an EV model was by no means talked about.
The electrical pickup was already noticed testing within the US earlier this 12 months (see the video under). Though it’s arduous to verify, the take a look at mule doesn’t seem like the Tasman. It seems to have a design nearer to Kia’s three-row EV9 SUV.
Kia’s electrical pickup will compete towards a rising variety of EV vehicles, together with the Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, Chevy Silverado EV, and extra. It’s additionally anticipated to problem international top-selling gasoline and hybrid pickups just like the Toyota Hilux.
Will Kia launch its EV pickup within the US? That’s but to be confirmed. Nonetheless, it could solely make sense after Kia’s dad or mum firm, Hyundai Motor Group, lately began manufacturing at its huge new manufacturing plant in Georgia.
Kia is already constructing the three-row EV9 in Georgia. With America’s love for pickups, Kia’s electrical Tasman is anticipated to make its method to the states.
Valentyn added that “it’s a must to be respectful of the segment-leaders,” referring to Ford and Toyota. To compete, it should seemingly have to be constructed within the US.
Kia is launching the Tasman in Korea within the first half of 2025, adopted by Australia, Africa, The Center East, Saudi Arabia, and different markets. In some abroad markets, like Australia, a plug-in hybrid model is anticipated to launch.
Would you purchase an electrical Kia pickup over Ford’s F-150 Lightning or Tesla Cybertruck? Tell us within the feedback under.
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