- Kia is serious about increasing PHEV electric mileage—and sales
- Still working on hybrid development, ICE
- Extended EVs could be the future of hybrids
While Kia is working to increase sales of American-made EVs, it also aims to increase sales of hybrids, while expanding its plug-in hybrid lineup that could continue to grow—not just in sales but in electric miles.
According to Steven Center, Kia America's chief operating officer and senior vice president, the combined electric range you can expect is 60 miles.
That number, the Center to Green Car Reports said last week at the Los Angeles auto show, could come to Kia's production models in “a few years”—powered by a number of factors including continued improvements in batteries, and future car platforms being designed to allow for more space. of PHEV battery packs.
A A PHEV with 60 miles of electric range It would be a big jump from the current numbers. Kia revealed the updated 2026 Sportage hybrid and plug-in hybrid models at the auto show. Currently, the Sportage plug-in hybrid comes with an EPA-rated 34 miles, and 35 mpg combined after that. That's for the 2024 model; results increased slightly in 2025 and it is not yet clear whether that and the renewal may change those numbers.
2025 Kia Sportage
The agency didn't elaborate on which models would get the long-range PHEV treatment first, but noted that the 60-mile figure was informed by “engineering calculations” related to the total daily driving distance of Americans — enough for an EV for daily driving, and more for road trips. .
That happens to be very close California's target is 70 miles of electric range that serves as a way for automakers to earn bonus points for future fleet standards.
California is legalizing EVs, but in its push to allow automakers some more flexibility, starting in the 2026 model year, if they introduce plug-in hybrids with more range. In short, they can use hybrid models certified for a range of 70 miles or more for the same amount of fleet credit as an EV, while PHEVs rated at 43-69 miles qualify for half the EV rate.
It's a developer challenge in itself right now to get there. Nissan's North American product planning chief told Green Car Reports earlier this year that to achieve a 70-mile electric range, the required 30- to 40-kwh battery packs remain prohibitively large and heavy. But next-generation batteries will reduce size and weight and be easier to pack.
2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
The center repeated the benefits of battery development. Kia also continues to develop internal combustion engines, but mostly in the context of hybrid systems. For example, according to the Center, it is considering extended range of EV techalthough it has not yet been confirmed for any future vehicle from the brand. In a series hybrid structure with a motor acting as an efficient generator, this type of application may warrant an entirely new type of motor.
For example, in the past, Ram has been working on that formula, and is on the way next year with the 1500 Ramcharger truck. Ram says it will get a range of 145 miles with a 92 kwh battery and the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine that's been featured in low-end pickups for years, using only the generator here—up to 14,000 pounds of towing capacity and 690 miles. assuming an initial battery charge and a full tank of gas.
While other automakers continue to see plug-in hybrids as a confusing middle ground—including examples like that Ram truck—Kia isn't holding back on plans to emphasize them especially over the next few years.
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
This product aims to have more, says the Center of PHEVs, calling them “the medicine that enters the electrification.”
Kia for now sells its plug-in hybrids in all 50 statesand it's already pushed for its dealers to be not just EV-savvy, but plug-in-hybrid-savvy. Kia Motors America marketing director Russell Wager told Green Car Reports that it's not an easy message for dealers to deliver—that plug-in hybrids can go 30 or 35 miles on electric power without using a gasoline engine—but it's already done some of this the hard way. . work.
Kia isn't disclosing prices or percentages of its hybrid vehicles, Wager said. “We don't have a goal; and the reason we don't have a policy is that the customer will decide.”
2024 Kia Niro
“That's why we have three options, so that if customers say we want more hybrids, we will build more hybrids,” explained Wager, pointing to the flexibility that is not limited to being built at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant in Georgia that will produce others. in future Kia vehicles, but at Kia's plant in West Point, Georgia, where most of the Sportage's production will take place—and in Korea, where other hybrids may emerge if needed.
“We are working on funding to increase what we need for hybrids,” said Center. “Customers want them, retailers will have no problem selling them, and they're good for the environment.”
So, whatever new controls the car industry offers, in January or next year, flexibility helps Kia look more prepared.