TLDRs;
- Kia unveiled seven EV models at IAA, highlighting its ambition to sell 1.6M electric cars annually by 2030.
- Compact EV3 SUV sold nearly 40,000 units in Europe Jan–July, making up 64% of Kia’s EV sales.
- Mass production of EV4 in Slovakia marks Kia’s first European EV manufacturing, boosting supply resilience and cost efficiency.
- Upcoming EV2 priced below €35,000 targets Europe’s most competitive EV price segment, undercutting rivals.
Kia Motors is doubling down on its electric vehicle ambitions, unveiling an expanded lineup at the IAA auto fair in Germany and reaffirming its bold target of selling 1.6 million EVs annually by 2030.
The South Korean automaker, making its first appearance at the event in four years, showcased seven models designed to appeal to a wide range of European drivers.
At the heart of Kia’s strategy is the EV3, a compact SUV that has quickly become the company’s profit driver. Between January and July 2025, the EV3 sold nearly 40,000 units in Europe, representing about 64% of Kia’s total EV sales in the region. The model now ranks sixth among Europe’s top-selling EVs, a clear sign of how compact, affordable, and city-friendly designs resonate with consumers navigating crowded European streets.
European Market Fuels Kia’s Growth
Kia’s timing could not be better. Europe’s battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales surged 34% in the first half of 2025, with BEVs now making up 17.5% of all new car purchases. Unlike the U.S., where subsidy uncertainty has slowed momentum, Europe remains one of the fastest-growing EV markets worldwide.
This consumer shift is not just about going green; it’s about practicality and price. Vehicles in the €30,000–€35,000 price range now account for 30% of all European car sales. Kia has leaned into this trend by launching the EV4, its first European-produced EV, at its Slovakian plant in August.
The move marks the automaker’s first all-electric production effort in Europe, allowing it to reduce shipping costs, strengthen supply chains, and compete more effectively against Volkswagen, Renault, and Tesla.
New Models Expand Kia’s Reach
In addition to the EV3 and EV4, Kia used the IAA platform to debut the EV5 mid-sized SUV to European buyers for the first time. Larger models like the EV9 SUV and PV5 electric van also featured prominently, giving Kia a presence across multiple EV categories.
What has particularly caught the attention of industry watchers is the upcoming EV2. Production is expected to begin in Slovakia early next year, with a starting price below €35,000 (US$40,590). Positioned €5,000 cheaper than the EV3, the EV2 is designed to capture cost-conscious consumers looking for a practical entry point into EV ownership.
This layered lineup, from compact city cars to large SUVs, signals Kia’s intent to offer electric mobility for every type of driver, a strategy that could accelerate its path to its 2030 sales goal.
Strategic Shift Toward Europe
Kia’s focus on Europe marks a significant pivot in global strategy. Data shows that European demand for Kia EVs now outpaces domestic sales by a ratio of nearly 3:1.
With federal subsidies fading in the U.S. and Chinese automakers intensifying competition in Asia, Europe has become Kia’s most promising growth engine.
The company’s long-term plan includes launching 15 EV models by 2027, with an emphasis on affordability, practicality, and design. If early results from the EV3 are any indication, Kia’s approach to tailoring vehicles to European tastes could secure its place among the region’s EV leaders.
