Like Toyota, Kia has unveiled its electrification strategy for the near future with an updated version of its ‘Plan S’. That includes a growth strategy with a goal of 4,3 million vehicles sold yearly by 2030, with an EV market share of around 40%. In addition, the Korean manufacturer wants to make niche ‘Purpose-Built Vehicles’ on a modular platform by 2025.

Kia’s Plan S was first announced in 2020, with yearly updates to the EV transformation and custom mobility solutions model. This year, the manufacturer is targeting 4,3 million global vehicle sales by 2030, a growth of 34,4% compared to the target of 3,2 million units for 2023.

More optimistic than before

2,38 million vehicles in 2030 are targeted to be electrified, of which 1,6 million will be fully electric vehicles. The total sales figure and the share of electric and electrified cars are more optimistic compared to 2022, with Kia enjoying some success with its current electric line-up, especially with the EV6.

Other plans for Kia include a line-up of 15 EV models by 2027, including the recently-presented flagship SUV EV9 and its smaller counterpart, the EV5, which is coming soon. In addition, Kia announced 14 EVs by 2027, so this strategy has also gained momentum.

Purpose-built vehicles

Next to its traditional model range, the Korean manufacturer also wants to build ‘Purpose-Built Vehicles’ (PBV). These are niche models built on a modular platform to make them easier to convert to specific needs, as is common in the commercial vehicle industry. Kia mentions a full line-up of PBVs, from small to large vehicles, and robotaxis with autonomous driving functions.

To make these developments possible, Kia is investing 32 trillion won (22,2 billion euros) over the next five years, focusing on new business opportunities.