Kia EV Pickup Truck Set to Enter US Market with Ambitious Sales Goals

Kia is preparing to launch a new electric pickup truck aimed at the North American market, building on the momentum of its earlier Tasman truck. Unlike the Tasman, which had a polarizing design and was limited to other markets, this new EV pickup will be based on a dedicated electric vehicle platform designed for versatility in both urban environments and outdoor adventures.

Kia has emphasized that the upcoming EV pickup will feature best-in-class interior and cargo space, a robust towing system, off-road capabilities, and advanced infotainment and safety features. This positions the vehicle to stand apart from Kia’s current US offerings, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe pickup, and aligns it with growing consumer demand for electric trucks that combine utility with modern technology.

The new EV platform will differentiate this pickup from Kia’s existing electric vehicles like the EV6, likely incorporating infotainment systems similar to those found in recent Kia models featuring dual-display technology. This integration of advanced technology is expected to enhance driver experience and safety.

Kia aims to sell approximately 90,000 units annually in the US, a challenging target given that the Ford F-150 Lightning, a leading competitor, is currently selling around 30,000 units per year. However, market analysts see potential for Kia to succeed if it can offer competitive pricing and deliver on consumer expectations for capability and technology.

Liz Najman, director of market insights at Recurrent, notes that Kia’s eGMP platform vehicles have already sold over 100,000 units in 2024, and that manufacturing the pickups in the US could help Kia avoid tariffs and keep prices competitive. She also highlights that trucks remain the top-selling vehicle category, underscoring the opportunity for Kia’s new EV pickup to capture market share.

The success of electric vehicles like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Jeep Wrangler PHEV, and Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y demonstrates strong consumer demand when EVs meet expectations for performance and features. Kia’s new EV pickup will need to deliver on these fronts to achieve its ambitious sales goals and establish a foothold in the competitive US truck market.