Kia unveils new fleet of electric cars at CES 2024

A new portfolio of electric vans, trucks, ride-hailing, and last-mile delivery vehicles, all built on a new modular platform, was introduced by the Korean carmaker, Kia at CES 2024.

It also seems to have its first client already. According to Pierre-Martin Bos, vice president of Kia's new "PVB business division," the company disclosed during the Monday news conference that it has forged a global relationship with Uber.

These vehicles are expected to have modular tops in addition to an underlying electric engine that is modular, akin to previous skateboard-style designs that have gained popularity in the market.

According to Kia, that translates to cars with fixed driver cabs that allow the remainder of the cabin to be swapped out.

Although Kia remained vague about the specifics, these cabins—which it refers to as "life modules"—connect to the chassis via both mechanical connections and electromagnets.

Kia did not provide many details, but it did state that it is constructing a plant in South Korea specifically for this purpose, which it hopes to be operational by 2025. Although Kia stated that its capacity might reach 300,000 globally, the company anticipates an annual capacity of 150,000.

The first vehicle produced will be the Kia PV5, a futuristic-looking three-row van that will go on sale in 2025 for about $35,000. Additionally, Kia unveiled renders of two versions: the PV1, which is smaller and more akin to a Smart Car, and the PV7, which is scheduled for release in 2027.

The company revealed that it intends to release a robotaxi version in 2028 and that vehicles developed on the platform might eventually be made accessible to the general public.

The automobiles have an austere, practical appearance. The eye-catching Staria van from sister firm Hyundai is far cuter than any of them. From a design standpoint, they are not too unlike what failing electric vehicle company Canoo has been vying to provide on a large scale over the past three years.

Once upon a time, Hyundai and Canoo were partners, but the CEO of the EV startup unexpectedly ended the relationship, citing concerns over his company's intellectual property.