It's official: An all-electric Kia truck is on the way. Despite our suspicions, Kia has confirmed that an EV version of its Tasman pickup is coming soon. Here's what to expect.
After teasing their first truck for what seems like forever, Kia finally unveiled the Tasman in October. While many, including myself, were hoping for an electric version, we only got a 2.2 liter diesel engine.
That will soon change. We knew an EV version was in the works after Kia revealed plans to introduce two electric pickups during the 2022 CEO Investor Day. Kia said one model will be for emerging markets and the other for a dedicated EV pickup.
In the US, where SUVs and trucks are bought, Kia said, “The electric models of these models will be produced in this country.
Now, it's official. An executive has confirmed that Kia will launch an EV version of the Tasman pickup. In accordance with CarBuzzthe head of marketing at Kia in South Africa, Christo Valentyn, during a press event earlier this month, “I probably shouldn't have said this, but… electric is coming.”
At 5,410 mm long, 1,930 mm wide, and 1,870 mm tall, Kia's Tasman is slightly smaller than the Ford F-150 Lightning (5,885 mm long, 2,029 mm wide, and 1,961 mm tall). It will be a direct competitor to Toyota Tacoma and Hilux.
Is Kia launching an EV pickup in the US?
This is the first time Kia has officially confirmed that there is an electric Tasman. Although Kia said its modular platform is flexible enough to fit different powertrains, an EV version was not mentioned.
Electric pickups were already being tested in the US earlier this year (see video below). Although it is difficult to confirm, the test mule does not appear to be Tasman. It looks to have a design close to Kia's three-row EV9 SUV.
Kia's electric van will compete with a growing number of EV trucks, including the Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, Chevy Silverado EV, and more. It is also expected to challenge the world's leading pickups such as the Toyota Hilux.
Will Kia launch its EV pickup in the US? That remains to be confirmed. However, it will make sense after Kia's parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, recently started production at its massive new plant in Georgia.
Kia already builds the three-row EV9 in Georgia. With America's love for pickups, Kia's electric Tasman is expected to make its way to the states.
Valentyn added that “you have to respect the leaders of the divisions,” referring to Ford and Toyota. To compete, you will likely need to be manufactured in the US.
Kia will launch the Tasman in Korea in the first half of 2025, followed by Australia, Africa, the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and other markets. In some overseas markets, such as Australia, a plug-in hybrid version is expected to be launched.
Would you buy a Kia electric car over a Ford F-150 Lightning or a Tesla Cybertruck? Let us know in the comments below.
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