Morning‑class EV on the way
Kia launches full‑scale development of the 'EV1'
Electric‑car era from the low 20 million KRW range (about $13,600)
EV1 rendering - Source: Autocar
Kia has started development of a micro EV hatchback, tentatively called the EV1.
This model is intended as an electric replacement for the current Kia Picanto (exported as the Morning),
and is likely to be positioned as the lowest‑priced EV aimed at the European market.
The body will have a lower‑profile hatchback shape than the EV2 and will be optimized for urban mobility.
To compete with Renault and Peugeot…
Priced below the Casper
Hyundai Instar - Source: Hyundai Motor Company
The EV1 is targeted at the European B‑segment market.
Rivals are expected to include the Renault 5 E‑Tech, Peugeot e‑208 and Vauxhall Corsa Electric.
The expected starting price is in the low £20,000s (around KRW 33 million, roughly $22,440), roughly KRW 33,000,000 (about $22,440 USD). That would make it cheaper than the Casper EV sold in Europe.
The final purchase price could fall further if buyers benefit from subsidies.
Shares the EV2 platform…
Up to 480 km (about 298 miles) range
EV2 - Source: Kia
Kia says the EV1 will be built on the same 400V E‑GMP platform as the EV2.
Battery options are expected to include 42.2 kWh and 61 kWh packs,
Base: about 320 km (about 199 miles)
Long range: about 480 km (about 298 miles)
and those options are expected to deliver the ranges noted above.
'Software‑defined vehicle' SDV
First application of next‑generation technologies
EV2 - Source: Kia
The EV1 will be Kia's first software‑defined vehicle (SDV).
It will use a single integrated architecture to control vehicle functions, enabling over‑the‑air (OTA) updates and significantly improving the user experience.
Kia also says a next‑generation platform will boost battery capacity by about 40%, increase power by around 9%, and improve autonomous driving functions.
Industry sources describe the EV1 as “not just a low‑cost EV but a core model that will popularize Kia’s electrification strategy,”
and say it “could be a game‑changer that accelerates EV adoption, especially in the European market.”
