Guide to Kia EVs

Sophie headshot
Sophie McMillanAutomotive Correspondent
range of Kia EVs in a warehouse
range of Kia EVs in a warehouse

Starting life in 1944 as a steel tubing and bicycle parts manufacturer, Kia - then known as Kyungsung Precision Industry - had already established itself as a vital component in the industrialisation of South Korea.

The name Kia, as a South Korean manufacturer, is a Sino-Korean portmanteau. It combines "ki" (起, meaning "to arise" or "to come out") and "a" (亞, representing "Asia"). Roughly translated, it means "to arise from Asia" or "rising out of Asia."

As time went on, Kia evolved from producing bicycles to motorcycles and eventually licensed Mazda car models. In 1974, Kia rolled out its first four-wheel passenger car, the Brisa, a compact car based on the Mazda platform.

The Brisa was a huge success in South Korea and laid the foundation for the company's future. Kia eventually launched in the UK in 1991 with a single vehicle, the handsome hatchback Kia Pride. 

After many years of successful model launches, Kia has recently set its sights on electric cars. When it comes to new EV launches, Kia is rapidly expanding their current line-up of vehicles – their electric range offers something to suit everyone, from compact SUVs to spacious family cars and even a unique cargo van.

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Kia EV2

The Kia EV2 is a compact city car built for urban streets. It’s eye-catching, with a wide stance, upright front profile and a boxy, modern design language that sets it apart from other EVs.

The EV2 features a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems, including anti-collision systems and groundbreaking remote parking technology - taking the stress out of squeezing into tight spots.

Despite its smaller stature, you sit high enough to get a great view of the road ahead –combined with the car’s light steering and ample assistance features, the EV2 makes for a perfect companion for tight city streets.

Available with a 42.2kWh or a 61kWh battery, the EV2 delivers up to 197 and 281 miles of WLTP range, respectively.

Kia EV2 Specifications

42.2kWh

61kWh

Type

Hatchback

Hatchback

Seats

5

5

Trims

First Edition

Air, GT Line, GT Line S

Powertrain

Electric

Electric

Power

166bhp

152bhp

0-62mph

8.7 seconds

8.2 seconds

Range WLTP

190 miles

281 miles

CO2

0

0

Recharge time 10-80%

29 minutes

31 minutes

Boot Space

362 litres

362 litres

EuroNCAP Rating

unrated

unrated

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Kia EV3

Kia’s EV3 is a compact crossover that balances unique and thoughtful traits, along with an interior that emphasises “restorative relaxation” on every journey.

The EV3 has a self-assured stance, with a long, sloping roofline that seamlessly transitions into a hatchback-style tailgate, adding additional practicality to the 460-litres of boot space.

The wide, clean-surface bonnet, muscular body lines and bold wheel arches further accentuate the car’s strong appearance, and give it a striking presence on the road.

With a design specified for the electric platform, the EV3 makes the most of its electric nature with a flat floor in the front and rear, as well as plenty of space for passengers.

In the standard range, the 58.3kWh battery manages a range of up to 270 WLTP miles, and the extended range’s 81.4kWh battery gets an impressive 375 miles, perfect for family road trips or a weekend away.

Kia EV3 Specifications

58.3kWh

81.4kWh

Type

Crossover

Crossover

Seats

5

5

Trims

Air

Air, GT Line, GT Line S

Powertrain

electric

electric

Power

201bhp

201bhp

0-62mph

7.5 seconds

7.7 seconds

Range

270 miles

375 miles

CO2

0

0

Recharge time 10-80%

29 minutes

31 minutes

Boot Space

460 litres

460 litres

EuroNCAP Rating

4 stars

4 stars

.

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Kia EV4

Available in hatchback or fastback form, the Kia EV4 is one of the roomiest options in its class, giving it a huge advantage over similar family-focused cars in the C-segment size range.

If you’re looking for a great family car, but want something with a more exciting appearance than a conventional, boxy SUV, you’re in luck. 

The EV4 sports Kia’s simplistic but unique “Tiger’s face” front end design, with tall, vertical headlamps pushed to the far edges of the bonnet and a sleek, low nose.

The overall proportions of the car are sharp and flow with precision - touches such as the flush door handles and sloped rear window add aerodynamic benefits that make all the difference to the car’s electric range

With 490-litres of boot space and up to 388 miles of WLTP range, the EV4 is a practical and stylish option, designed to fit seamlessly into your life.

Kia EV4 Specifications

58.3kWh

81.4kWh

Type

Hatchback

Hatchback

Seats

5

5

Trims

Air

Air, GT Line, GT Line S

Powertrain

electric

electric

Power

201bhp

201bhp

0-62mph

7.5

7.9

Range

273 miles

388 miles

CO2

0

0

Recharge time 10-80%

29 minutes

31 minutes

Boot Space

490 litres

490 litres

EuroNCAP Rating

4-5 stars, model dependent

4-5 stars, model dependent

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Kia EV5

With generous EV SUV dimensions, expansive storage space and ample head and leg room, the Kia EV5 is designed for modern family life.

The versatile and comfortable cabin is shaped by the brand’s cutting-edge technology, and designed to be tailored to you – panoramic displays, voice-powered AI and personalised settings let you tailor the car the way you like. 

Equipped with the latest advanced driver assistance features, the EV5 is built to make every journey safer and more enjoyable. Smart cruise control, highway driving assist and lane-following assist in particular will come in handy for longer, more tedious journeys.

Whether your EV5 is running daily errands or accompanying you on adventurous weekend getaways, the 329 mile electric range (WLTP) ensures you can do either with confidence.

Kia EV5 Specifications

81.4kWh

Type

SUV

Seats

5

Trims

Air, GT Line, GT Line S

Powertrain

electric

Power

214bhp

0-62mph

8.4 seconds

Range

329 miles

CO2

0

Recharge time 10-80%

30 minutes

Boot Space

490 litres

EuroNCAP Rating

5 stars

.

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Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 is an all-electric all-rounder – a WLTP range of up to 361 miles and climbing from 0-60 in just 5.3 seconds.

Kia’s Star Map lighting technology visually amplifies the vehicle’s width and futuristic exterior aesthetic, while a panoramic curved display gives a spacious and organised feel to the interior.

There are also plenty of driver-centric convenience features to back up the ultra-modern look, including the extremely helpful Remote Smart Parking Assist. The latest EV6 also features a stronger, reinforced body for further safety assurance.

Designed for a more dynamic driving experience, the EV6’s sporty crossover body paired with its low centre of gravity gives the car a sportier feel than other taller SUVs.   

Additionally, the brake pedal has been designed to be predictable and seamlessly integrated into the regenerative braking system, making one-pedal driving as natural and smooth as possible.

Kia EV6 Specifications

63kWh

84kWh

Type

Family SUV

Family SUV

Seats

5

5

Trims

Air SR

Air, GT Line, GT Line S

Powertrain

electric

electric

Power

168bhp

225bhp - RWD

320bhp - AWD

0-62mph

8.7 seconds

7.7 seconds

5.3 seconds - GT Line

Range

265 miles

361 miles

CO2

0

0

Recharge time 10-80%

18 minutes

18 minutes

Boot Space

490 litres

490 litres

EuroNCAP Rating

5 stars

5 stars

.

.

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Kia EV9

Offering you the choice of seven- or six-seater configurations, the Kia EV9 is a spacious, striking, all-electric SUV designed and built for modern lifestyles.

Getting up to 349 miles of WLTP range, the EV9 brings a new level of electrified practicality to those needing to seat seven.

Even with all seats filled, the EV9 still boasts a 333-litre boot, and with the rear seats down, this expands to a cavernous 828-litres of flat, square space.

Speaking of seating, the second row in the six-seat configuration swivels to face the third, adding flexibility, accessibility and allowing for better passenger interaction.

Additionally, with a strong and sophisticated presence, alongside the stylish and well-equipped interior, the EV9 is a lot classier than many seven-seaters.

Kia EV9 Specifications

99.8kWh

Type

SUV

Seats

6 - 7

Trims

Air, GT Line, GT Line S

Powertrain

electric

Power

200bhp - Standard

378bhp - AWD

0-62mph

9.4 seconds

Range

349 miles

CO2

0

Recharge time 10-80%

24 minutes

Boot Space

333 litres

EuroNCAP Rating

5 stars

.

.

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Kia PV5 Passenger

Designed from the ground up on a new electric platform, Kia’s PV5 Passenger is a vehicle engineered to adapt seamlessly to both professional and personal use, with enough safety, space and comfort for every journey.

The contemporary design blends modern functionality with traditional MPV aesthetics – the PV5 features a smooth, clean face with thoughtfully placed headlights to avoid dazzling other drivers and a charmingly boxy body. 

With modularity at the core of the design, various pieces of exterior trim can be replaced and repaired cheaply, simply and efficiently – including the bumper panels and wheel arch cladding.

The PV5 is available in a five-seater or a seven-seater configuration and can carry those passengers up to 256 WLTP miles on a charge. With Kia’s 8-year battery warranty on top of that, the PV5 will help you take the stress out of travelling.

Kia PV5 Passenger Specifications

51.5kWh

71.2kWh

Type

MPV

MPV

Seats

5 - 7

5 - 7

Trims

Essential

Essential, Plus

Powertrain

electric

electric

Power

120bhp

161bhp

0-62mph

12.8 seconds

10.7 seconds

Range

183 miles

256 miles

CO2

0

0

Recharge time 10-80%

30 minutes

30 minutes

Boot Space

1,330 litres

1,330 litres

EuroNCAP Rating

4 stars

4 stars

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Kia PV5 Cargo 

As the name suggests, the Kia PV5 Cargo is the van equivalent of the PV5 Passenger; it is also already an award winner, claiming the title of the 2026 International Van of the Year. 

The same modern, eye-catching design language is carried over from the Passenger, along with handy features such as the low rear step height and modular bumper.

Along with benefits of durability and modularity, Kia claims it will do up to 258 miles of range on a single charge (WLTP) and recharge from 10-80% in just 30 minutes. 

The PV5 also features plenty of safety assist features, including collision avoidance, lane keeping and parking sensors for easier, safer workdays.

Kia PV5 Cargo Specifications

51.5kWh

71.2kWh

Type

Van

Van

Seats

2 - 3

2 - 3

Trims

Essential, Plus

Essential, Plus

Powertrain

electric

electric

Power

120bhp

160bhp

0-62mph

16.2 seconds

12.4 seconds

Range

184 miles

258 miles

CO2

0

0

Recharge time 10-80%

30 minutes

30 minutes

Cargo Space

4.4m3 cargo space

4.4m3 cargo space

EuroNCAP Rating

5 stars

5 stars

.

With hundreds of new Kia cars in stock across our nationwide network of Kia dealerships, your next Kia is at Vertu.

We can support you with Kia service plans and Kia servicing & MOTs, so you and your Kia can stay in top shape for many miles to come.

Pop into your local Vertu Kia dealership and explore our selection of high-quality cars, chat to our friendly staff, or take a test drive.