It’s official: The all-electric Kia pickup truck is on its approach. 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 perpetually, Kia lastly unveiled the Tasman in October. Though many, together with myself, have been hoping for an electrical mannequin, we solely obtained 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 stated one mannequin can be for rising markets whereas the opposite is a devoted EV pickup.
Within the US, the place SUVs and vans dominate gross sales, Kia stated, “Electrical variations of those fashions can be produced regionally.”
Now, it’s official. An govt confirmed that Kia will launch an EV model of the Tasman pickup. In response to CarBuzz, Kia’s head of promoting for South Africa, Christo Valentyn, stated throughout a media occasion earlier this month, “I’m in all probability not alleged to say this, however… an electrical one is coming.”
At 5,410 mm lengthy, 1,930 mm huge, and 1,870 mm tall, Kia’s Tasman is barely smaller than the Ford F-150 Lightning (5,885 mm lengthy, 2,029 mm huge, and 1,961 mm tall). It will likely be a direct rival to the Toyota Tacoma and Hilux.
That is the primary time Kia has formally confirmed an electrical Tasman is within the works. Though Kia stated 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 yr (see the video under). Though it’s arduous to substantiate, the check mule doesn’t look like the Tasman. It seems to be 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 world top-selling gasoline and hybrid pickups just like the Toyota Hilux.
Will Kia launch its EV pickup within the US? That’s but to be confirmed. Nonetheless, it will solely make sense after Kia’s dad or mum firm, Hyundai Motor Group, not too long ago 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 predicted to make its approach to the states.
Valentyn added that “it’s important to be respectful of the segment-leaders,” referring to Ford and Toyota. To compete, it would probably have to 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 predicted to launch.
Would you purchase an electrical Kia pickup over Ford’s F-150 Lightning or Tesla Cybertruck? Tell us within the feedback under.
