Kia Embarks on EV Innovation with Purpose-Built EVs, Revealing Four Diverse Models

Dec 26, 2023 02:24 AM EST

Kia's Purpose Built Vehicles are revolutionizing electric mobility. Four unique eS skateboard electric vehicle platform applications will change the automobile industry with these new purpose-built EVs. This famous car manufacturer targets to produce 150,000 highly advanced vehicles annually by 2025. This brave effort compliments Kia's EV portfolio, including the cutting-edge EV6.

Purpose Built Vehicle 2025

The focal point of these pioneering PBVs lies within the autonomous sector, specifically targeting package delivery and "robotaxi" services. Kia is gearing up for a momentous milestone, poised to introduce its inaugural dedicated Purpose Built Vehicle in 2025.

This revolutionary mid-sized vehicle, currently known by the codename SW, represents the epitome of electric, autonomous technology tailored for commercial utilization. To accommodate the production of this groundbreaking PBV, Kia is diligently constructing a dedicated factory within the Hyundai Motor Group's Hwaseong facility in Korea.

As reported in Electrek, Kia is set to make a comeback at the largest tech event globally, scheduled for next month. During CES, commencing on January 9, the automaker will introduce its latest purpose-built EVs and provide insights into its future vision.

Following a five-year hiatus, Kia is making a grand return to the event with ambitious objectives. The company will showcase its upcoming purpose-built vehicle (PBV) range and outline its strategic business approach.

The Kia PBV integrates "electric vehicles designed for specific purposes" with sophisticated software that will pave the way for fresh opportunities in various industries and lifestyles. Furthermore, it will introduce innovative dedicated hardware such as Easy Swap, along with digital solutions crafted by Hyundai.

Moreover, Kia's CES exhibit will present five purpose-built electric vehicles, including a new model set for mass production in 2025. It will also feature the EV3 and EV4 concepts as part of Kia's "EVs for all" vision, along with the flagship EV9 and the sporty EV6 GT.

The PBV lineup will consist of three medium-sized, one large, and one small PBV, with the small version making its debut at CES next month.

E-Forest for Kia

Additionally, a novel approach coined by Kia as "E-FOREST" will be employed in their manufacturing process. This strategy is geared towards harnessing artificial intelligence, robotic technology, and information and communications technology (ICT) to enhance and produce "top-tier products."

As highlighted in MotorTrend, Kia has introduced a fresh system known as "E-FOREST," which they have defined as the name for their innovative smart factory ecosystem. The concept behind this system is to harness the advancements in artificial intelligence, robotic technology, and information and communications technology (ICT) to establish a factory.

Such structure is aligned with their sustainability objectives, electric vehicle production, and the tailored manufacturing needs of PBVs. This system operates in synergy with the eS platform, particularly because the skateboard design of this platform provides the necessary adaptability for the highly customizable nature of these vehicles.

Kia is entering the PBV market with a medium-sized van known as the Code SW, but their adaptable system can produce PBVs of various sizes for a wide range of purposes, including logistics, fresh food delivery, shuttles, and mobile offices.

Despite this, electric PBVs represent only a small part of Kia and Hyundai Motor Group's sustainable mobility vision. Their goal is to sell 3.23 million electric vehicles annually worldwide by 2030, aiming for a 12 percent share of the global EV market.