Kia just dropped a major EV bombshell—an electric pickup is officially on the way for North America. Announced during the company’s CEO Investor Day, this all-new model will be designed from the ground up on a fresh EV platform, optimized for both urban driving and off-road fun.
Unlike its bigger rivals, this EV pickup isn’t going full-size. Instead, it’s targeting a more compact footprint, likely more affordable and practical for everyday drivers. The company is aiming to sell 90,000 units per year—more than double the sales of the Ford F-150 Lightning in 2023.
What to Expect: Utility Meets Innovation
Kia promises the pickup will deliver class-leading interior and cargo space, plus advanced infotainment and serious towing muscle. It’s still unnamed, but early signs point to something sized like the EV9, Kia’s flagship electric SUV. Last year, a camouflaged test vehicle with EV9 styling cues was spotted testing in the U.S., hinting at what’s to come.
This truck will not be a rehashed version of the Tasman (a combustion pickup not coming to America) or the PV5 commercial EV, which remains in limbo due to tariff uncertainties.
Production Plans Still Under Wraps
Kia hasn’t confirmed where the electric truck will be built. But given the company’s strong U.S. manufacturing footprint, the Georgia-based Kia Motors Manufacturing facility or Hyundai’s Metaplant nearby are top contenders.
Korea will remain Kia’s global EV development hub, while North America will handle mid-to-large SUVs—and now, potentially pickups too.
Launch Timeline: All Signs Point to 2030
There’s no official release date, but it’s likely this electric pickup will debut before the decade ends. It’s a key part of Kia’s “Plan S” strategy to sell 4.19 million vehicles globally by 2030—1.26 million of them electric.
To make that happen, Kia’s ramping up production capacity by 17% over the next five years. That means more EVs, more innovation, and a bold entry into the electric truck arena.
