KIA lowers its electric model sales target through the end of this decade

Coinciding with Investor Day 2026 held in Seoul, the Korean company has announced a reduction in its ambitions in the electric vehicle market, now setting a target of reaching annual sales of one million vehicles by 2030. This figure represents a reduction of 260,000 units compared to the previous target, which had already been cut by 340,000 units last year.

Despite this downward revision, KIA continues to regard the transition to electric mobility as one of the central pillars of its medium- and long-term strategy. The company plans to expand its range of electric vehicles to 14 models by the end of the decade: two passenger cars, nine SUVs and three PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) models. The most immediate launch will be the EV2 later this year, along with the Syros, which will be sold exclusively in India.

Conventional hybrids (HEV) will play a very significant role during the transition process. KIA plans to offer 13 hybrid models that should generate annual sales of 1.1 million units. Meanwhile, internal combustion vehicles will still hold an important share, with a forecast of 1.98 million units per year. In this way, the brand aims to capture 3.8 percent of the global electric vehicle market in 2030.

KIA looks to the future with optimism

To achieve the targets set, the Korean company will invest 49 trillion won — roughly 28.22 billion euros — between 2026 and 2030, of which 21 trillion won — roughly 12.1 billion euros — will be allocated to future technologies such as electrification, autonomous driving and robotics.

Regarding production plans, KIA will maintain a regional strategy. Most of its electric models will come from the company’s plants in South Korea, but not all of them. Production of the EV2 and EV4 will be located in Europe, while the United States will handle the EV6 and EV9. Versions adapted for emerging markets, especially India, will also be developed.

On the technology front, KIA is developing a new platform for electric vehicles that will allow up to 40 percent more integrated battery capacity, a 9 percent improvement in motor power, and the adoption of fifth-generation batteries with higher energy density. In addition, it will strengthen its charging network through alliances with Electrify America, IONNA and IONITY, giving it access to around 240,000 points in North America, one million in Europe and 480,000 in South Korea.

In terms of software, the company is moving toward so-called software-defined vehicles (SDV), with the first model planned for late 2027 and Level 2++ autonomous driving functions in 2029. It will also incorporate robotics, with the arrival of Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot at its U.S. plants starting in 2028.