It’s official: The all-electric Kia pickup truck is on its means. 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 ceaselessly, Kia lastly unveiled the Tasman in October. Though many, together with myself, had been hoping for an electrical mannequin, we solely bought a 2.2-liter diesel engine.
That can 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 mentioned one mannequin might be for rising markets whereas the opposite is a devoted EV pickup.
Within the US, the place SUVs and vans dominate gross sales, Kia mentioned, “Electrical variations of those fashions might be produced domestically.”
Now, it’s official. An govt confirmed that Kia will launch an EV model of the Tasman pickup. In line with CarBuzz, Kia’s head of promoting for South Africa, Christo Valentyn, mentioned throughout a media occasion earlier this month, “I’m in all probability not imagined 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). It will likely 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 mentioned 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 beneath). Though it’s onerous to verify, the check mule doesn’t look like the Tasman. It appears to have a design nearer to Kia’s three-row EV9 SUV.
Kia’s electrical pickup will compete in opposition to a rising variety of EV vans, 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 fuel and hybrid pickups just like the Toyota Hilux.
Will Kia launch its EV pickup within the US? That’s but to be confirmed. Nevertheless, it might solely make sense after Kia’s mum or dad firm, Hyundai Motor Group, just 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 option 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 should 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 beneath.
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