Kia has unveiled details of its new ‘Plan S’, which will go into effect next year and usher in the brand’s era of electrification,

Plan S is a “bold new direction” for Kia, aimed at increasing vehicle electrification, connectivity and range. It will be led by the new EV6, which is expected to arrive in the first quarter in New Zealand.

Globally, Kia will offer 11 electric vehicles by 2025, targeting a 6.6% electric vehicle market share globally. He also wants 25% of his sales to come from “green” vehicles by the end of 2025. This wording is interesting because it could include hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as well as battery-electric and hybrid models.

That translates to 500,000 battery-electric vehicles and one million eco-friendly vehicles by early 2026 with Kia’s total investment of NZ $ 36 billion.

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To increase these environmentally friendly sales, Kia New Zealand is phasing out the combustion-only Sorento in favor of plug-in hybrid and hybrid versions. It will also offer the plug-in version of the Sportage and all the electrified variants of the Niro that are on offer. The large EV9 electric SUV will likely arrive here, too.

“We expect a quick start up to 2022, which sees Kia’s Plan S launch into the local market, followed shortly thereafter by the launch of the incredible all-new EV6,” said Todd, general manager of Kia New Zealand. McDonald’s.

The EV6 is essentially the Kia version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with more focus on performance. The top-of-the-line GT model receives a 77.4 kWh battery paired with two electric motors, generating a combined power of 430 kW and 740 Nm. It will reach 100 km / h in 3.5 seconds, says Kia, not far behind the Most current supercars.

Meanwhile, the base model and mid-range GT-Line can be fitted with a standard 58 kWh battery and 2-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive and a larger 77.4 kWh battery as an option. . Power ranges from 125 kW / 350 Nm in the 58 kWh / 2-wheel drive models to 239 kW / 605 Nm in those with the larger battery and all-wheel drive.

Unfortunately, the arrival of the EV6, especially the GT version, means that there is no more room for the Stinger. The local press release confirmed that Stinger’s latest delivery “will be the last.” The EV6 GT will effectively replace the Stinger, although we wouldn’t expect the same price tag of $ 75,000.

“The increasing electrification of the new fleet of vehicles is a turning point for Kia and these decisions represent an exciting shift towards new electric and hybrid vehicles and a more sustainable future,” said McDonald.

Meanwhile, Hyundai is actively developing a hydrogen-powered sports car as well as new 100kW and 200kW fuel cell systems to be marketed in 2023, which will reduce costs by more than 50%, reduce the total volume of packaging by 30% and while doubling the current output powers.

There’s a good chance Kia could use this technology as well, given that both are part of the larger Hyundai Motor group.

Hyundai’s work also extends to specially designed hydrogen vehicles (PBVs), a company Kia is also keen to enter.

In major cities around the world that are actively reacting to climate change and supporting the popularization of electric vehicles, Kia will work with local partners to establish “mobility hubs” that house electric vehicle charging stations, service centers for electric vehicles. vehicles and various amenities.