13:47 11-04-2026

Kia's 2030 development plan balances EVs, hybrids, and traditional engines

Kia has unveiled its development strategy through 2030, placing bets on multiple powertrain types. Despite actively advancing electric vehicles, the brand isn't abandoning hybrids or even traditional internal combustion engines, especially in key markets.

In Europe, the focus will be on electrification: by the end of the decade, electric cars should account for 66% of sales. To achieve this, new models are being prepared, including the EV4, a compact urban electric vehicle (likely the EV1), and a new SUV.

However, Kia isn't completely phasing out gasoline and hybrid cars. For instance, the compact Seltos crossover will continue to be offered with both a turbocharged engine and a hybrid version. This approach allows the brand to flexibly respond to demand.

On the global market, the strategy is even broader: the company plans to introduce 9 new internal combustion engine models and 13 hybrids of various types—from classic to plug-in and extended-range systems. In parallel, Kia is developing autonomous driving technology in collaboration with NVIDIA.

Kia is acting pragmatically—a complete shift away from internal combustion engines is still premature, and it's this strategic flexibility that could give the brand an advantage in the coming years.