Confirmed: Kia to Launch Electric Pickup in North America
Back in March 2022, Kia promised to launch 14 new EV models by 2027 including two pickups, one of which would be aimed at the North American market. Two years later, a camouflaged prototype that looked very much like an EV9 crossover with an open cargo bed was spotted testing on U.S. roads.
That plan remains on track despite cooling EV demand. In fact, at the 2025 Kia CEO Investor Day on Wednesday, the Korean automaker confirmed that an electric pickup is coming to North America by the end of this decade.
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- Also: Kia Spotted Testing EV9-Like Electric Pickup in the U.S.
To be clear, it will be completely separate from the recently unveiled Tasman that Kia will sell in South Korea, Australia and other markets. Honestly, it’s a good thing. That truck is just plain ugly. Instead, look for a unique offering built on a new EV platform. Kia said it will be designed for “both urban and outdoor use,” hinting at a lifestyle pickup more than a work truck.
Now, are we talking about a midsize or full-size truck? While it failed to provide an answer to that question, Kia did mention “best-in-class interior and cargo space, a robust towing system, off-road capabilities, and advanced infotainment and safety features” during the Investor Day presentation.
With this innovative model, the company targets mid-to-long-term annual sales of 90,000 units and a 7-percent market share in the U.S. and Canada combined.
An official reveal is likely a long way from now, but we’ll make sure to keep you posted as soon as we get more information from Kia. By the way, production will inevitably take place in the U.S. in order to avoid any import tariffs. Our best guess is that the Kia electric pickup will come out of Hyundai Motor Group’s brand new metaplant in Georgia, which will ultimately have an annual capacity of 500,000 EVs and hybrids.
