Kia is set to introduce a new entry-level electric city car as part of its next wave of EVs
Source: autocar.co.uk
Kia is launching the EV1, an affordable entry-level electric car, in 2028 with a starting price around £17,000, developed on a bespoke platform shared with Hyundai’s upcoming Ioniq 1.
Key Details:
- The EV1 will cost between £17,000–£20,000 in the UK (20,000–22,000 Euros in Europe), positioning it as one of the cheapest cars on the market without government grants
- Kia and Hyundai are jointly developing a dedicated EV architecture to keep costs low while maintaining quality, dynamics, and futuristic design
- The car will feature next-generation tech and be Kia’s first software-defined vehicle, including autonomous highway driving functions
- Design will be sportier and more urban-focused than the larger EV2, with a monobox silhouette, black plastic accents, and vertical LED lighting
- A concept version is expected in 2027, about a year before the production model launches
- A performance GT variant is possible but unlikely to feature dual-motors
- The EV1 will serve as the spiritual successor to the Picanto city car and may be built in Slovakia alongside the EV2
- Key competitors include the Renault Twingo, Volkswagen ID. Lupo (arriving 2027), and Smart 2
Why It Matters: The EV1 represents a significant push by Kia to make electric vehicles accessible to budget-conscious buyers in the competitive city-car segment, challenging both petrol and electric rivals with aggressive pricing without compromising on technology or design.
Source: autoexpress.co.uk