Kia’s first electric vehicle model, to be launched next year, will be a high-riding, crossover-like sedan that will use an ultra-fast 800-volt battery system. It could bring 15-minute EV (electric vehicle) pit stops to the masses. Such convenience is for luxury car owners only at the moment.
The only EV with an 800-volt EV battery architecture is the Porsche Taycan sports car, which costs over $100,000 for the cheapest model. The GMC Hummer EV and Audi’s upcoming E-Tron GT will have such a battery too, but one is a goliath of a vehicle, and the other is another expensive sports car.
Putting the same architecture into a Kia model changes everything. It will allow more people to get around 300 miles of range in 20 minutes! Although, the charging infrastructure around the world will have to step up its game and install a lot more 350-kW fast-chargers to make sure everyone can top up in a flash whenever and wherever they need to.
Emilio Herrera, Kia Motors Europe CEO, told Auto Express that its upcoming EV is also very fast. It will throw passengers back in the seat with its 3-seconds zero-to-60 performance!
Carlos Lahoz, Kia Europe’s marketing director, says Kia wants to make an excellent first impression with its debut EV. He said:
It is important to make a statement. Every manufacturer needs a halo car that sets the pace for whatever is coming. We are going to launch 11 electric cars by 2025, and this is the first stepping stone to what the new Kia is going to offer to consumers.
Of course, the company will also provide the option of a lower-cost EV with the 400V architecture for those who don’t drive much or don’t need to travel far. The fast-charging 800V system will be reserved for the premium, pricier models. So, for those who need to recharge in almost the same amount of time as it takes to fill a tank with gas, this will be the most affordable option.
The South Korean company is expected to begin delivering this Porche-grade technology in its EV range starting in 2021. It’s transitioning away from gas engines as fast as possible, and the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t even disrupted its plans!
