Kia New Zealand's electric future has no room for the Stinger

Thursday, 9 December 2021

Kia has revealed its take on a large all-electric SUV - the Concept EV9.

Kia has revealed details of its new ‘Plan S’, which will kick in next year and usher in the age of electrification for the brand,

Plan S is a “bold new direction” for Kia, aimed at increasing vehicle electrification, connectivity and autonomy. It will be spearheaded by the new EV6, scheduled for a late Q1 arrival in New Zealand.

Globally, Kia will offer 11 EVs by 2025, targeting a 6.6 per cent EV market share across the globe. It also wants 25 per cent of its sales to be from “eco-friendly' vehicles by the end of 2025. That wording is interesting, as it could include hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles as well as battery-electric and hybrid models.

The EV6 will spearhead Kia’s plans for electrification, starting next year.

That translates to 500,000 battery electric vehicles and one million eco-friendly vehicles by the start of 2026 with a total investment from Kia of NZ$36 billion.

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Currently still a concept, the EV9 will likely make it here as well.

* Battery electric registrations nearing 1000-per-month

* Meet our new long-term EV, the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250

The EV6 GT will effectively replace the Stinger.

* Next-generation A4 will be topped by electric RS model

* Not ready for an EV? There are low emission alternatives

Hyundai is developing a hydrogen-powered sports car as we speak. Theoretically, Kia could use the hardware as well for a future sports car.

To increase those eco-friendly sales, Kia New Zealand is phasing out the combustion-only Sorento in favour of the plug-in hybrid and hybrid versions. It will also offer the plug-in version of the Sportage and any electrified variants of the Niro that are offered. The EV9 large electric SUV will likely make it here as well.

“We have an eye on a fast-start to 2022, one which has the introduction of Kia’s Plan S in the local market followed shortly after by the launch of the incredible all-new EV6,” said Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald.

The EV6 is essentially Kia’s version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with more of an eye on performance. The top-rung GT model gets a 77.4kWh battery paired with two electric motors, generating a combined 430kW and 740Nm. It’ll hit 100kmh in 3.5 seconds, Kia says, not far behind most current supercars.

Meanwhile, the base model and the mid-spec GT-Line can be had with a standard 58kWh battery pack and 2WD, with AWD and a larger 77.4kWh battery optional upgrades. Power ranges from 125kW/350Nm in 58kWh/2WD models to 239kW/605Nm in those with the larger battery and all-wheel drive.

Unfortunately, the arrival of the EV6, particularly the GT version, means there isn’t any room for the Stinger. The local press release confirmed the latest shipment of Stinger “will be the last.” The EV6 GT will effectively replace the Stinger, although we wouldn’t expect the same $75k price.

“The increasing electrification of the new vehicle fleet is a watershed moment for Kia and these decisions represent an exciting shift towards new electric and hybrid vehicles and a more sustainable future,” said McDonald.

Meanwhile, Hyundai is actively developing a hydrogen-powered sports car as well as new 100kW and 200kW fuel cell systems to release in 2023, which will lower costs by more than 50 per cent, reduce total package volume by 30 per cent and while doubling the current power outputs.

There’s a good chance Kia will be able to use this technology as well, considering the two are a part of the wider Hyundai Motor Group.

Hyundai’s work also extend to hydrogen-powered purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), a business Kia also wants to enter.

In key global cities that are actively responding to climate change and supporting EV popularisation, Kia will collaborate with local partners to establish ‘Mobility Hubs’ that house EV charging stations, vehicle maintenance centres and various convenience facilities.