# Kia Expands Electric Lineup With Upcoming Midsize EV7 SUV Leaked internal documents confirm Kia is developing the EV7 to bridge the gap between existing models. - **Source:** [Electrek](https://electrek.co) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/06d453fa-fd15-44cf-94a1-eab7332c87e9 ## Strategic Model Expansion Kia is preparing to launch the EV7, a new midsize electric SUV, to bridge the product gap between the EV6 and the three-row EV9. This addition is part of a broader corporate strategy to expand the brand's electric vehicle lineup to 14 distinct models by the year 2030. ## Production Site Confirmation Internal documents from Kia’s Employment Stability Committee, uncovered by KoreanCarBlog, confirm that production of the EV7 is scheduled for the Gwangju factory in South Korea. This facility is currently central to the company's manufacturing roadmap as it scales up production to meet rising global demand for electrified vehicle options. ## Technological Performance Upgrades The upcoming EV7 is expected to utilize a new electric vehicle platform designed to enhance product performance and cost competitiveness. This architecture aims to deliver up to a 40% increase in battery capacity and a 9% improvement in motor output, utilizing fifth-generation batteries that offer 15% higher energy density than current technology. ## Software and Autonomous Features Future Kia models, including the EV7, will integrate Hyundai’s CODA software-defined vehicle architecture. These vehicles will feature the Pleos Connect infotainment system and Gleo AI, an in-vehicle agent. Furthermore, the platform is designed to support Level 2++ autonomous driving capabilities, allowing for advanced driver assistance systems during highway travel and navigation. ## Charging Architecture Expectations While the current midsize EV5 utilizes a 400V electrical architecture, the upcoming EV7 is expected to adopt an 800V system. This transition would significantly reduce charging times, potentially allowing a 10% to 80% charge in 18 to 25 minutes, compared to the 30 minutes currently required by the 400V-based EV5 model. ## Market Positioning and Size The EV7 is positioned to be slightly larger than the EV5, which measures 4,615 mm in length. Industry analysts expect the new model to be closer in physical dimensions to the Sorento. This sizing strategy allows Kia to target the competitive midsize SUV segment with a more spacious, family-oriented electric vehicle offering. ## Broader Manufacturing Roadmap Beyond the EV7, Kia is planning significant updates across its manufacturing facilities. The Gwangmyeong factory is slated to produce redesigned models, including a 2028 Carnival Hybrid and a hydrogen-powered Carnival by 2029. Meanwhile, the Gyeonggi Hwaseong factory will focus on producing redesigned hybrid variants of the Sorento starting in 2028. ## Sales Momentum and Outlook Kia recently reported its eighth consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth, with 291,219 vehicles sold last month, marking a 10.3% increase from October 2025. The company aims to leverage this momentum by focusing on hybrids in the United States and fully electric vehicles in Europe, where EVs should represent 66% of sales by 2030. ## Sources covering this story - https://electrek.co/2026/11/04/kia-ev7-revealed-upcoming-midsize-electric-suv/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._