In terms of overall volume, Kia is targeting to move 4.3 million units—34.4 percent higher than its 2023 annual sales target of 3.2 million units. Out of this number, 55 percent or 2.38 million units will be electrified—7.5 percent higher than the original 2030 target announced last year.

In addition, within the refreshed sales targets, Kia increased its 2026 annual EV sales target to 1 million units and 2030 EV sales target to 1.6 million units annually, representing a 25 percent increase and 33 percent increase, respectively, from goals announced in 2022.

The update is based on Kia’s confidence in its award-winning products. The EV6 won the 2022 European Car of the Year and 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. Kia now plans to build an EV lineup of 15 models by 2027, including the flagship model EV9 revealed recently. This is one more than the 14 models by 2027 announced a year earlier.

Korea will serve as Kia’s global hub for the research, development, and production of its EV models. Its first dedicated EV factory will be built starting in 2024, while the production line at the Gwangmyeong plant (the one where the Carnival is built) will be converted for EVs, with two models to be produced there by next year.

The Gwangmyeong EV factory will maximize production capacity by introducing innovative technologies such as 3D virtual reality process; data-based integrated manufacturing platform; and unmanned and automated facilities. It will also achieve a reduction in carbon emissions through use of eco-friendly paint and energy saving technologies.

Elsewhere, Kia in China will produce small and medium-sized EVs, including the production version of the Concept EV5. India will also produce small EVs optimized for emerging markets from 2025.

Furthermore, Kia will implement new technologies on its product and apply connectivity features to all new models released after 2025, allowing customers to update and optimize vehicle performance through over the air (OTA) updates.

Regarding autonomous driving technology, the EV9 will feature HDP (Highway Drive Pilot), a conditional level three autonomous driving technology, which allows the driver to operate the vehicle “hands-off” under specific conditions. In 2026, Kia plans to introduce HDP2 technology that will support “eyes-off” driving under certain conditions.

Kia also provided a detailed roadmap for its purpose-built vehicle (PBV) business. The company plans to launch a mid-size dedicated PBV model in 2025 at a dedicated PBV production facility in Hwaseong, and will gradually build a full lineup of PBVs, ranging from small to large, including a robo-taxi with autonomous driving technology. These will serve mainly businesses, fleet, and commercial clients.