Kia Launches EV5 SUV in South Korea with Eyes on Europe and Canada

Kia has officially introduced the EV5, its fifth dedicated electric vehicle, in South Korea. The compact SUV, built on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, will be manufactured at Kia’s Gwangju facility for both domestic and international markets. Export plans are already in motion, targeting Europe and Canada—regions experiencing robust EV adoption.

The EV5 is powered by an 81.4 kWh nickel-cobalt-manganese battery supplied by China’s CATL, a strategic choice emphasizing cost efficiency and supply chain stability. This MOVE underscores the growing reliance on Chinese battery manufacturers despite the availability of domestic alternatives like LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI.

Kia’s EV journey, which began with the 2014 Soul EV, now spans five fully dedicated models. The EV5 enters Europe’s burgeoning compact EV market as a competitive option in the under €35,000 segment, positioning Kia to capitalize on shifting consumer preferences.