Kia Expands Electric Portfolio with Upcoming Midsize EV7 SUV Model
Leaked internal documents confirm Kia is developing the midsize EV7 to bridge its current lineup.
1Strategic Lineup Expansion
Kia is actively broadening its electric vehicle range to include the upcoming midsize EV7 SUV. This new model is designed to occupy the market space between the existing EV6 and the larger three-row EV9. The production plans were confirmed through an internal document from the company's Employment Stability Committee.
2Production Site Details
The manufacturing of the new mid-range electric SUV, designated as the EV7, is scheduled to take place at Kia's Gwangju factory in South Korea. This facility is central to the company's broader strategy of scaling its electric vehicle production to meet the ambitious goal of 14 models by 2030.
3Positioning and Dimensions
While the current midsize EV5 measures 4,615 mm in length and shares dimensions with the Sportage, the upcoming EV7 is expected to be slightly larger. Industry observers anticipate its physical footprint will align more closely with the Sorento, providing a distinct size tier within Kia's growing global electric vehicle catalog.
4Advanced Charging Architecture
Unlike the 400V architecture found in the EV5, the EV7 is expected to utilize an 800V system. This technical upgrade aims to significantly reduce charging times, potentially allowing a 10% to 80% charge in 18 to 25 minutes, which is faster than the 30 minutes currently required for the EV5.
5Next-Generation Platform Tech
Kia is developing a new platform aimed at improving product performance and cost competitiveness. This architecture supports fifth-generation batteries, which offer up to 15% higher energy density. Furthermore, the platform promises a 40% increase in battery capacity and a 9% improvement in motor output compared to previous vehicle iterations.
6Software and Autonomy Integration
Future Kia vehicles, including the EV7, will likely integrate Hyundai's SDV architecture known as CODA. This system includes the Pleos Connect infotainment interface and Gleo AI, an in-vehicle agent. Additionally, these models are expected to feature Level 2++ autonomous driving capabilities, specifically designed for enhanced performance on major highway systems.
7Diversified Powertrain Roadmap
Beyond the battery-electric EV7, Kia is diversifying its future production at various facilities. The Gwangmyeong factory is slated to produce a redesigned Carnival Hybrid by 2028 and a hydrogen-powered version of the same van by 2029. Meanwhile, the Gyeonggi Hwaseong factory will focus on producing the redesigned Sorento Hybrid in 2028.
8Market Growth Context
Kia recently reported 291,219 vehicle sales last month, marking an 8-month streak of year-over-year growth. The company intends to leverage this momentum by focusing on hybrids in the United States and fully electric vehicles in Europe, where they aim for EVs to represent 66% of total sales by 2030.
Original article: Electrek — Kia Expands Electric Portfolio with Upcoming Midsize EV7 SUV Model