Kia‘s journey into electrification has been nothing short of transformative. Over the past decade, the brand has evolved from a modest entrant in the EV market to a trailblazer in the UK’s drive towards zero emissions. From the debut of the pioneering Soul EV in 2014 to the state-of-the-art EV9 SUV and the accessible EV3, Kia has consistently pushed the boundaries of what electric vehicles can achieve. This milestone reflects not just a decade of progress but also Kia’s unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and making electric motoring accessible to all.
Paul Philpott, President & CEO, Kia UK Limited: “To mark a decade of EV sales in the UK is an achievement we’re proud of, and a landmark which very few other brands can celebrate just yet. Over the past 10 years, we haven’t only grown our EV model line-up significantly, but also demonstrated our dedication to innovation, quality and customer satisfaction.
“This milestone is a testament to the faith our customers have placed in us, and the hard work of our nationwide dealer network who continue to promote the latest and greatest of our EVs. In 2014, we ended the year having sold just over 77,000 new cars, and as the 12th most popular brand in the UK. Fast-forward a decade, Kia UK has surpassed 100,000 new car sales for the third year in a row, and almost 50% of all our sales this year have been EV, HEV or PHEV. We also currently rank as the 4th most popular brand in the UK year-to-date, a significant increase on our 2014 position. EVs have played an increasingly important role in this.
“Looking forward to the next decade of our EVs, we are in good stead. We have a clear strategy to maintain our position as a global leader in electrification with a wider variety of EVs on the way to match a range of customer needs and desires. This is backed by a dedicated, well-informed dealer network to support UK buyers, particularly those taking their first steps into the world of electric motoring.”
2014: Breaking Ground with the Soul EV
In 2014, Kia introduced its first fully electric vehicle to the UK, the Soul EV. With a 132-mile range and a compact 27kWh battery, it was a bold step forward in an era when EV infrastructure was sparse. Starting with just 13 UK dealerships, Kia sold nearly 1,000 units by 2018—a testament to the model’s early impact despite limited resources.
2019: e-Niro Changes the Game
Fast-forward to 2019, the e-Niro transformed Kia’s EV lineup. With a 282-mile range and 150kW motor, it offered a winning blend of practicality and performance. Named What Car?‘s Car of the Year, it marked Kia’s ascent in the electric vehicle market.
2021: EV6 Ushers in a New Era
Kia’s first dedicated EV, the EV6, debuted in 2021 with futuristic design, rapid 800V charging, and a 300+ mile range. This groundbreaking model, built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), redefined the brand’s electric ambitions and cemented its reputation with European Car of the Year honors in 2022.
2023: The EV9 Breaks New Ground
In 2023, the EV9 arrived as Kia’s flagship three-row electric SUV. Combining a 349-mile range with luxurious features and sustainability-first design, it clinched global accolades like World Electric Vehicle of the Year.
Looking Ahead: EV3 and Beyond
Kia’s latest, the EV3, builds on the EV9’s success. Affordable and offering an industry-leading range, it’s poised to democratize electrification for UK buyers. Meanwhile, Kia’s expansion into electric light commercial vehicles signals broader ambitions for a greener future.
Farewell to the Soul EV
As the Soul EV exits the stage, it leaves behind a legacy of innovation that paved the way for today’s sophisticated lineup. From its humble beginnings to the futuristic EV9, Kia’s decade of electrification underscores a commitment to redefining mobility in the UK and beyond.
