Image: KiaKia has once again lowered its electric vehicle sales ambitions, now targeting annual global EV sales of 1 million units by 2030. The revised figure, presented at the company’s 2026 CEO Investor Day in Seoul, marks a reduction of 260,000 units compared to the previous year’s target, which had already been cut by 340,000 units.Hybrid models are also set to play a central role, with an expanded lineup of 13 HEVs targeting annual sales of 1.1 million units. At the same time, internal combustion engine vehicles are expected to remain a significant contributor, with projected annual volumes of 1.98 million units.Despite the adjusted outlook, Kia emphasises that electrification remains a central pillar of its mid- to long-term strategy and the carmaker continues to target a 3.8% share of the global EV market by 2030. The company plans to expand its EV lineup to 14 models by the end of the decade, including two passenger cars, nine SUVs and three dedicated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) models.The rollout is set to this year with the EV2. The carmaker will also launch the Syros EV this year, albeit only in India.Overall, Kia plans to invest KRW 49 trillion (about 28.22 billion euros) between 2026 and 2030, with KRW 21 trillion (about 12.1 billion euros) allocated to future technologies including electrification, autonomous driving and robotics.Production will follow a regional strategy, with Korea acting as a global EV hub, while localised manufacturing is planned in Europe and the United States. Models such as the EV2 and EV4 will be built in Europe, while the EV6 and EV9 are allocated to US production. Additional locally adapted EVs are planned for emerging markets, including India.To support this expanded EV lineup, the manufacturer is developing a next-generation EV platform designed to improve performance and cost efficiency. Planned enhancements include up to 40 per cent higher battery capacity, a 9% increase in motor output and the introduction of fifth-generation batteries with improved energy density.In parallel, the company is focusing on expanding charging infrastructure through partnerships with networks such as Electrify America, IONNA and IONITY. Kia states that it has secured access to approximately 240,000 charging points in North America, one million in Europe and 480,000 in Korea.Kia is also advancing its software-defined vehicle roadmap, with its first SDV model due by the end of 2027, followed by the introduction of Level 2++ autonomous driving functions in 2029. At the same time, the company is investing in robotics and manufacturing innovation, including the deployment of Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot in US production facilities from 2028.Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song said: “EVs, HEVs, autonomous driving, and robotics will serve as key drivers for Kia’s fastest growth to date.” He added: “Even amid the evolving global environment, Kia will proactively respond to changing market conditions through differentiated strategies.”worldwide.kia.com
+20 others
