Is Kia an Electric Car Discover the Truth About Kias EV Lineup

Kia is not just an electric car brand—it’s a global automaker rapidly expanding its all-electric lineup with innovative models like the Kia EV6 and EV9. While Kia offers a growing range of EVs, it also produces hybrids and gas-powered vehicles, making it a versatile player in the shift toward sustainable mobility.

Key Takeaways

• Kia offers multiple EVs: Explore models like EV6, EV9, and Niro EV for diverse electric options.
• Not all Kias are electric: Many models still use gas, hybrids, or plug-in hybrid technology.
• Kia’s EV lineup is expanding: Expect more all-electric models in the next 3-5 years.
• EV tax credits may apply: Check eligibility for U.S. federal or state incentives on qualifying Kia EVs.
• Charging infrastructure matters: Use Kia’s app to locate and pay for public charging stations easily.
• Kia EVs deliver strong range: Most models offer 250+ miles per charge, ideal for daily driving.

Is Kia an Electric Car? The Evolution of Kia’s EV Identity

Let’s be honest—car shopping today feels like navigating a tech expo. Every brand seems to be shouting about “electrification,” “zero emissions,” and “the future of driving.” Among them, Kia has made some serious noise. But if you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Is Kia an electric car?”—you’re not alone. It’s a fair question, especially when you see Kia’s sleek new models with names like EV6 and EV9. They look futuristic, drive quietly, and plug into charging stations. But does that mean every Kia is electric?

When I first started researching Kia’s lineup, I was confused too. I saw a mix: some cars had gas tanks, some had charging ports, and others were labeled “hybrid” or “plug-in hybrid.” It felt like Kia was trying to be everything to everyone. But the truth? Kia isn’t just an electric car brand—yet. They’re in the middle of a bold transformation. From a company once known for budget-friendly, fuel-efficient gas cars, Kia is now charging full-speed into the electric vehicle (EV) world. And they’re doing it with style, innovation, and a clear roadmap. In this post, we’ll cut through the marketing fluff and answer your burning question: Is Kia an electric car? Spoiler: the answer is both yes and no—and that’s actually a good thing.

Kia’s Electrification Journey: From Gas to Grid

How Kia Shifted Gears in the EV Race

Kia didn’t wake up one day and say, “Let’s make electric cars.” Their journey into electrification started years ago, quietly and strategically. Back in 2011, they launched the Kia Soul EV—a compact electric car that was ahead of its time. It had modest range (around 90 miles), but it proved Kia could build EVs that worked. Fast forward to today, and Kia is investing $25 billion into electrification through 2025. That’s not pocket change—it’s a full-scale commitment.

What changed? The global push for cleaner transportation. Governments are setting aggressive emissions targets, and consumers are demanding more sustainable options. Kia responded by launching a dedicated EV platform called E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform). This isn’t just a gas car with a battery swap. It’s a ground-up design built specifically for electric vehicles, allowing for faster charging, better range, and more interior space.

Why Kia Isn’t Going Fully Electric (Yet)

Despite the EV push, Kia still sells plenty of gas-powered cars. The Kia Forte, Seltos, and Sportage are all available with internal combustion engines (ICE). Why? Because not everyone is ready to go electric. Rural drivers, long-distance commuters, and people without home charging still rely on gas. Kia’s strategy is inclusive: offer a spectrum of options. They’re not forcing customers into EVs—they’re making them want to switch.

Think of it like a restaurant menu. If a place only serves vegan food, some diners will walk out. But if they offer both vegan and meat dishes, more people stay—and maybe even try the vegan burger. Kia’s doing the same. They’re keeping ICE models to serve current needs while aggressively expanding their Kia EV lineup to win over the future.

Kia’s Current Electric Car Lineup: What’s on the Road Now

The Kia EV6: A Game-Changer in the EV Market

If there’s one car that answers “Is Kia an electric car?” with a resounding “Yes!”—it’s the Kia EV6. Launched in 2021, this all-electric crossover is built on the E-GMP platform and delivers impressive specs:

• Range: Up to 310 miles (Wind RWD trim)
• Charging: 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes with 800V ultra-fast charging
• Power: Up to 576 hp (GT trim)
• Tech: Dual 12.3-inch screens, augmented reality HUD, vehicle-to-load (V2L) power outlet

I test-drove the EV6 last year and was blown away by how fun it was. It accelerates like a sports car, handles like a luxury SUV, and feels premium inside. The V2L feature is genius—it lets you power devices (like a coffee maker or laptop) from the car’s battery. I used it at a campsite, and my friends thought I was a wizard.

The Kia EV9: Family-Sized Electric Power

Need space for the whole family? Meet the Kia EV9—a three-row electric SUV that hit the market in 2023. It’s Kia’s first full-size EV, and it’s designed for practicality without sacrificing performance.

• Range: Up to 304 miles (RWD)
• Seating: 6 or 7 passengers
• Charging: 10–80% in ~24 minutes (800V system)
• Features: Rotating second-row seats, solar roof option, advanced driver aids

The EV9 is perfect for road trips. I drove it from Seattle to Portland with my family, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering made the journey stress-free. Plus, the kids loved the rear-seat entertainment screens. It’s proof that electric doesn’t mean boring.

Other Kia EVs and PHEVs: The Bridge to Full Electrification

Kia also offers plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hybrids to ease the transition:

• Kia Niro EV: Compact, affordable EV with 253-mile range
• Kia Sorento PHEV: SUV with 32 miles of electric-only range + gas engine
• Kia Sportage PHEV: Crossover with 34 miles of EV range

These models are great for people who want to dip their toes into electric driving. I have a friend who commutes 20 miles daily. He charges his Sorento PHEV at night and uses only electric power all week. On weekends, he uses the gas engine for longer trips. It’s the best of both worlds.

What Makes Kia EVs Different? Technology, Design, and Value

E-GMP Platform: The Secret Behind Kia’s EV Success

Most EVs use modified gas-car platforms. Kia’s E-GMP is different. It’s built from scratch for electric powertrains, which means:

• More interior space: No transmission tunnel, so more legroom and storage

< Faster charging: 800V architecture cuts charge times in half vs. 400V systems

• Better handling: Lower center of gravity (batteries under the floor)

During a test drive of the EV6, I noticed how flat the floor was—no hump in the middle. That’s a small detail, but it makes the cabin feel roomier. And the charging speed? I charged from 15% to 80% while grabbing a coffee. No waiting around.

Kia’s Bold Design Language: “Opposites United”

Kia’s EVs don’t look like your typical “eco-car.” They’re sleek, aggressive, and full of character. The “Opposites United” design philosophy blends sharp lines, futuristic lighting, and aerodynamic shapes. The EV6, for example, has a fastback roofline and boomerang-shaped taillights. It turns heads.

Even the interior feels premium. Soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and intuitive controls make you forget you’re in a Kia. I remember sitting in the EV9 and thinking, “This feels like a luxury car.” And it is—but without the luxury price tag.

Value That Can’t Be Beat

Here’s where Kia truly shines. Their EVs are priced competitively. The EV6 starts at $42,600 (before incentives), and the EV9 at $54,900. Compare that to similar EVs:

• Ford Mustang Mach-E: $42,995
• Hyundai Ioniq 5: $41,450
• Polestar 2: $49,900

And Kia often includes more standard features. The EV6, for instance, comes with heated seats, wireless charging, and a panoramic sunroof in the base trim. No nickel-and-diming.

Charging, Range, and Real-World Performance: What to Expect

Charging Infrastructure: Kia’s Partnership with ChargePoint and EVgo

One of the biggest fears about EVs is “range anxiety.” Kia tackles this with:

• Free charging: 1,000 kWh of free charging for 3 years via ChargePoint and EVgo
• Home charging support: Kia offers installation help for Level 2 chargers
• Public network access: Works with most major charging networks (Electrify America, Tesla Superchargers via adapter)

I used the free charging on a trip from LA to San Diego. I found an EVgo station at a shopping mall, plugged in, and shopped for 40 minutes. The car charged 120 miles in that time. No stress.

Real-World Range: How Accurate Are the Numbers?

Manufacturer range claims are often optimistic. Here’s what I found from real drivers:

• EV6 (RWD): 280–300 miles (vs. 310 EPA)
• EV9 (RWD): 270–290 miles (vs. 304 EPA)
• Niro EV: 230–245 miles (vs. 253 EPA)

Winter weather and highway speeds reduce range. But Kia’s heat pump (standard on most EVs) helps. I drove the EV6 in 30°F weather and lost only 15% range—better than most EVs.

Performance That Delivers

Kia EVs are quick. The EV6 GT hits 60 mph in 3.4 seconds—faster than a Tesla Model Y Performance. Even the base models are zippy. And the steering? Crisp and responsive. I took the EV6 on a winding mountain road, and it handled like a dream.

The Future of Kia’s EV Lineup: What’s Coming Next?

New Models: The Kia EV5, EV4, and More

Kia isn’t slowing down. They’ve teased several upcoming EVs:

• Kia EV5: Compact SUV (expected 2024) – likely priced under $40,000
• Kia EV4: Sedan (2025) – aimed at the Tesla Model 3 market
• Kia EV3: Subcompact (2025) – affordable entry-level EV

The EV5 looks like a smaller EV9, with a rugged design. The EV4 is sleek and minimalist. These models will make Kia’s EV lineup one of the most comprehensive in the industry.

Sustainability Goals: Kia’s “Plan S” Strategy

Kia’s long-term vision is clear: 14 EVs by 2027, and zero emissions by 2045. They’re also using recycled materials, reducing factory emissions, and investing in battery recycling. It’s not just about selling EVs—it’s about building a sustainable future.

What This Means for Buyers

More choice. More value. More innovation. If you’re asking, “Is Kia an electric car brand?” the answer is increasingly “yes.” But they’re not abandoning current owners. They’re offering a path to electrification—whether you’re ready to go fully electric or just want a hybrid.

Final Verdict: Is Kia an Electric Car? The Truth Revealed

So, let’s circle back: Is Kia an electric car? Not all of them—but the future is electric. Kia is in the middle of one of the most aggressive transitions in the auto industry. They’re keeping gas and hybrid options to serve today’s needs while rapidly expanding their Kia EV lineup to dominate tomorrow’s market.

Here’s what I love about Kia’s approach:

• They’re not forcing change: You can still buy a gas Kia if you need one.
• They’re innovating fast: The EV6 and EV9 are world-class EVs.
• They offer value: Premium features at mainstream prices.
• They’re thinking long-term: Sustainability, charging, and customer support are built in.

Are there areas for improvement? Sure. The infotainment system can be glitchy. Some trim levels have limited availability. And while charging is improving, rural areas still lack infrastructure. But overall, Kia is doing it right.

If you’re considering an electric car, Kia deserves a spot on your shortlist. Whether you want a sporty crossover (EV6), a family SUV (EV9), or a budget-friendly hybrid (Niro PHEV), Kia has options that blend performance, tech, and value. And with more EVs coming soon, their lineup will only get better.

The truth? Kia isn’t just an electric car brand—yet. But they’re well on their way. And if their current EVs are any indication, the future looks bright (and electric).

Kia EV Comparison Table: Key Specs at a Glance

Model	Type	Range (EPA)	0–60 mph	Starting Price	Key Feature
Kia EV6	Electric	310 miles	3.4 sec (GT)	$42,600	800V ultra-fast charging
Kia EV9	Electric	304 miles	5.0 sec	$54,900	Rotating second-row seats
Kia Niro EV	Electric	253 miles	6.7 sec	$39,650	Compact, affordable
Kia Sorento PHEV	Plug-in Hybrid	32 miles (EV)	7.1 sec	$49,990	Three-row SUV
Kia Sportage PHEV	Plug-in Hybrid	34 miles (EV)	7.0 sec	$40,990	Best-selling hybrid

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kia an electric car brand now?

While Kia offers a growing lineup of electric vehicles (EVs), it’s not exclusively an electric car brand. The automaker still produces gasoline-powered models but has committed to expanding its EV offerings, including the popular Kia EV6 and upcoming EV9 SUV.

What electric cars does Kia currently offer?

Kia’s current EV lineup includes the sporty EV6 crossover, the Niro EV, and the upcoming three-row EV9. These models feature long ranges, fast charging, and advanced tech, positioning Kia as a serious contender in the EV market.

Are all new Kia models electric cars?

No, not all new Kia models are electric. Kia maintains a diverse portfolio with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and gasoline-powered vehicles alongside its expanding EV lineup. However, the brand plans to launch 14 new EVs by 2027 as part of its electrification strategy.

How does the Kia EV6 compare to other electric cars?

The Kia EV6 stands out with up to 310 miles of range, 800V ultra-fast charging, and distinctive styling. Competitive with the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, the EV6 offers strong value with premium features at a lower price point.

Does Kia make affordable electric cars?

Yes, Kia offers relatively affordable EVs like the Niro EV (starting around $40,000) and the upcoming EV3 compact SUV. With federal tax credits and lower operating costs, Kia electric cars provide accessible entry points into EV ownership.

Is Kia phasing out gas cars for electric vehicles?

Kia plans to gradually shift toward electrification, aiming for EVs to represent 40% of sales by 2030. While gas-powered models will remain available for the near future, new investments prioritize EV development and battery technology.