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Kia’s EVs Keep Getting Smaller And They’re Not Stopping

  • Kia’s EV2 has been spied testing ahead of a debut in early 2026.
  • The B-segment electric SUV sticks close to EV2 concept’s design.
  • Kia is also considering an even smaller EV1 to replace the Picanto.

From the big EV9 SUV to the junior EV3 by way of the EV4 and EV6 sedans, Kia seems to have most electric bases covered. But there are still a few niches to fill and the EV2 will arrive inside a year to help plug one of those gaps.

As its name suggests, the EV2 slots below the relatively new EV3 and replicates most of its features, just on a smaller scale. Although both are B-segment SUVs, the EV3 handles the upper end of the size and price scale and the EV2 targets the lower.

Related: Kia EV2 Concept Previews Small Electric SUV For 2026 With Funky Styling

That means rather than duking it out with the Skoda Elroq and Volvo EX30 and starting at £33k/€36k, the EV2 will battle with the new Renault 4, Citroen e-C3 and Fiat Grande Panda and have to kick off around £27k/€30k. Hitting those price targets while still turning a profit means the EV2, like the EV3 and EV4, will probably make do with simpler 400-volt charging technology rather than the fast-fill 800-volt systems used in pricier Kias such as the EV6 and EV9.

Expect the hardware nestling in the cut-down E-GMP platform to consist of a couple of different single-motor setups driving the front wheels and hooked up to a small electric battery suitable for city work and giving a range of around 200 miles (320 km). The Renault 4, for instance, gives buyers the choice of 40 kWh or 52 kWh batteries whereas the Kia EV3 offers 58.3 and 81.4 kWh power packs.

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Credits: SHProshots

Kia hasn’t said much about the EV2’s technical spec, but it did give us some guidance as to what it would look like by unveiling the EV2 concept at Kia EV Day in Barcelona back in February (see gallery below).

New spy shots confirm the production car will stick pretty close to the concept’s overall design, though predictably the ‘real’ EV2 has ditched the show car’s rear-hinged rear doors and has a conventional B pillar instead.

Also: This $11K EV3 Clone Hit China Before Kia Could Launch The Real One

The EV2 goes on sale in Europe in 2026, but it might not be Kia’s smallest EV for long. Bosses have confirmed they’re considering building an even tinier EV1 to replace the Picanto and compete with VW’s ID1. Neither of those baby Kias will make it to US showrooms where the EV3, which lands soon, will remain the first rung on Kia’s electric SUV ladder.

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Credits: Kia

This $11K EV3 Clone Hit China Before Kia Could Launch The Real One

  • Dongfeng’s Nano 06 is a new Chinese EV that borrows design cues from another model.
  • This compact SUV closely resembles the Kia EV3 but comes at a significantly lower price.
  • Key features include a roomy cabin with sofa-bed seating and a functional split tailgate.

Just when it looked like Chinese automakers had finally retired their industrial-strength photocopiers, along comes a new release to remind us that old habits die hard. The Dongfeng Nano 06 is a compact electric SUV with angular styling that looks suspiciously familiar.

And by familiar, we mean it bears more than a passing resemblance to the Kia EV3, a small electric crossover slated to launch in the US next year. While Kia is still mulling over whether to bring the EV3 to China, Dongfeng went ahead and jumped the line for them.

Also: The Tesla Model Y Has A New Rival From Toyota That’s Half The Price

The Nano 06 was first shown in April and has just hit the order books in China. To be fair, it’s not a carbon copy of the Kia, but the similarities are far from subtle either. The proportions, the shape of the greenhouse, the LED headlights, and even the plastic wheel arch cladding all echo the EV3’s design. Toss in the 17-inch alloy wheels that seem pulled straight from Kia’s sketchpad, and it becomes pretty clear this wasn’t just a coincidence.

To sidestep any legal drama, Dongfeng has given the Nano 06 a few distinguishing features. There are different bumpers, sculpted taillights, and a more conventional surface treatment along the sides. One genuinely original touch is the split tailgate, with the lower section doubling as a makeshift table or seat once parked.

Inside, the Nano 06 promises a fairly roomy five-seat cabin that can transform into a sofa-bed under the panoramic sunroof. The trunk features a three-layer setup with a total of 500 liters (17.7 cubic feet) of space, plus another 70 liters (2.5 cubic feet) tucked into the frunk.

The dashboard layout will feel familiar to anyone who’s peeked inside a modern Chinese EVs. It’s anchored by a 12.8-inch free-standing infotainment screen and an 8.8-inch digital cluster mounted behind a chunky two-spoke steering wheel.

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Dimensions That Go Head-to-Head

The Nano 06 measures 4,306 mm (169.5 inches) in length with a wheelbase of 2,715 mm (106.9 inches), making it just 6 mm longer than the Kia EV3 and giving it a slight edge with 35 mm more space between the axles. Despite its compact size, the Nano is being positioned as a family-oriented, adventure-friendly option, at least according to its lifestyle-heavy promotional shots.

More: Xiaomi’s First SUV Looks Like A Ferrari But It’s Priced Like A Tesla

Underpinning the Nano 06 is Dongfeng’s Quantum Architecture No. 3 platform. Power comes from a single electric motor producing 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) of torque. Buyers get two battery sizes to choose from: 44.94 kWh and 51.87 kWh. Those deliver an optimistic CLTC-rated range of 401 km (249 miles) and 471 km (293 miles) respectively. Fast-charging is no afterthought either, with the Nano able to grab 100 km (62 miles) of range in just 5 minutes if plugged into the right charger.

Pricing Is the Real Plot Twist

But the real attention-getter here is the price. The Dongfeng Nano 06 is listed between ¥79,900 ($11,100) and ¥109,900 ($15,300) in China. That’s more than three times cheaper than the Kia EV3, which starts at €35,990 ($40,700) in Germany.

Of course, the two aren’t competing in the same market, at least not yet, and if Kia does bring the EV3 to China, past pricing trends suggest it would land much lower. For context, the larger EV5 starts at just ¥149,000 ($20,700) in China.

Also: VW ID.7 Launches In China At Nearly Half The Price It Costs In Germany

In China, the Dongfeng Nano 06 will go up against direct rivals like the BYD Yuan Up, the Wuling Bingo Plus, and the Baojun Yep Plus small SUVs.

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Dongfeng

New Kia EV9 Gets Surprise Price Cuts And It’s Not The Only Upgrade

  • Kia has announced pricing for the 2026 EV9 continues to start at $54,900.
  • While the cost of entry remains unchanged, several trims are up to $2,000 cheaper.
  • The 2026MY sees small range improvements and a new Nightfall Edition package.

The Kia EV9 is entering its third model year with a handful of minor updates. However, there are some notable developments including price cuts, increased ranges, and a new Nightfall Edition package.

Starting with the latter, the EV9 Nightfall is based on the upscale Land trim and costs an additional $1,500. It features gloss black skid plates, fascia accents, and side sills. They’re joined by gloss black mirrors and roof rails. Customers will also find black badging, black 20-inch wheels, and an available Roadrider Brown paint job that is exclusive to the model.

More: Kia’s EV9 Nightfall Is The Rare Special Edition That Actually Goes Faster

Inside, there’s a black on black interior with a unique upholstery pattern. A six-seat configuration comes standard, but a seven-seat setup is available as a no cost option. Customers will also find a standard Boost function that increases the torque output from 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) to 516 lb-ft (699 Nm).

The other big news for 2026 is increased ranges. The Light Long Range climbs from 304 miles to 305 miles, while the Wind and Land go from 280 miles to 283 miles. Lastly, the GT-Line gets a noticeable bump from 270 miles to 280 miles.

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Kia held the line on pricing as the base EV9 continues to start at $54,900 before a $1,495 destination fee. However, the EV9 Light Long Range drops from $59,900 to $57,900. That isn’t the only price cut as the EV9 Land falls from $69,900 to $68,900. Likewise, the EV9 GT-Line sees its price reduced from $73,900 to $71,900.

As a refresher, the EV9 offers 76.1 and 99.8 kWh battery packs as well as an assortment of powertrains. The latter have outputs of 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS), 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS), and 379 hp (283 kW / 384 PS). This results in 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) times of between five seconds and 8.8 seconds.

2026 KIA EV9 PRICING
TrimMSRP*
EV9 Light SR $54,900
EV9 Light LR $57,900
EV9 Wind $63,900
EV9 Land $68,900
EV9 GT-Line $71,900
*Prices exclude a $1,495 destination fee
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You Can Get A Kia EV6 GT With A $20,000 Lease Discount If You Hurry

  • The pre-facelift Kia EV6 GT pumps out 576 hp from its two electric motors.
  • Capable of a 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, the EV6 GT is a very compelling option.
  • The new EV6 GT has a little more power, torque, and virtual gear shifts.

Electric vehicles are evolving so quickly that even the newest models often seem to have a shelf life shorter than your last iPhone. Kia, not one to be left behind, did a little refresh of the EV6 last year, rolling out a facelift and a new GT version. This update borrowed some nifty tech from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, just to keep things interesting. But hey, if you’re still interested in the outgoing EV6 GT, now might be your moment to snatch one up.

According to Cars Direct, a new dealer bulletin from Kia has let slip that the 2024 EV6 GT models come with a pretty sweet incentive, specifically a $20,000 lease cash rebate. But there’s a catch: you’ll need to commit to a 24-month lease to get that offer. If you’re the kind of person who wants a slightly longer commitment, you can opt for the 36-month lease, which will knock your rebate down to $18,500.

Read: Massive Depreciation Makes Kia’s EV6 GT A Steal

Before you get too excited, here’s the downer. The 2024 EV6 GT isn’t eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, and neither is the facelifted model – at least for now.

The new rebates make the 2024 EV6 GT a seriously tempting option. Originally priced at $61,600, you can likely find models in Kia’s inventory going for under $60,000 not factoring in the lease discount. However, interested shoppers had better make a decision quickly, as the incentive will only remain valid until June 2.

 You Can Get A Kia EV6 GT With A $20,000 Lease Discount If You Hurry

Something to keep in mind though is that Kia made some very important changes to the 2025 EV6 GT. For example, its battery pack has grown in size from 77 kWh to 84 kWh, and its twin electric motors allow it to deliver 641 hp and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm). It also has the same Virtual Gear Shift feature as the Ioniq 5 N and produces similar ICE-inspired sounds.

Kia is also offering some tempting lease deals on the refreshed and slightly faster 2025 EV6 GT, including $12,500 in lease cash for 24-month leases and $10,000 off 36-month leases. If you’re leaning towards the new model, these incentives could make it even more appealing, though, of course, it all depends on the money factor (interest) and the residual value (the car’s estimated worth at the end of the lease term).

Still, make no mistake, the original pre-facelift EV6 GT is pretty impressive. It can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds, all while offering more interior space than some of its competitors. One downside, however, is its relatively low estimated driving range of just 218 miles (which holds up in real-world conditions), so that’s definitely something to keep in mind.

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Kia Tasman Isn’t Done Yet And Big Changes Are Already In Motion

  • The Tasman is expected to gain hybrid and electric powertrains later in its lifecycle.
  • An upcoming facelift may take design cues from the Tasman Weekender Concept.
  • Kia says it plans to keep the pickup on the market for approximately 8 to 12 years.

Kia’s midsize truck, the Tasman, is just getting started and is expected to stick around for quite a while, according to a high-ranking company official. However, it won’t remain frozen in time. Along the way, it’ll see upgrades including, in all likelihood, a styling refresh and, more notably, hybrid and fully electric variants.

More: Kia Confirms First Midsize Pickup For America

The update comes via Roland Rivero, General Manager of Product Planning at Kia Australia. Speaking with CarExpert, Rivero described the Tasman’s ladder-frame chassis as a “fairly modular platform” that can accommodate “numerous powertrains.”

Hybrid and EV Versions on the Table

Depending on the market, the Tasman is currently offered with gasoline and diesel engines, but electrified versions are on the horizon. Rivero confirmed that Kia is actively “studying and reviewing” both hybrid and fully electric variants, though he stopped short of committing to a specific timeline for their launch.

 Kia Tasman Isn’t Done Yet And Big Changes Are Already In Motion

One possible setup involves pairing the turbocharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine that’s available in the Korean market with a self-charging hybrid system, like what Hyundai is doing with the latest Palisade. Such a move could position the Tasman to compete directly with electrified midsize trucks like the BYD Shark and Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid.

As for the fully electric Tasman, expect a dual-motor setup providing all-wheel drive. This version would go up against the zero-emission trucks being developed by Toyota and Isuzu, including electric versions of the Hilux and D-Max.

Kia’s local head of Product Planning said the Tasman’s lifecycle will follow the typical pattern for light commercial vehicles, lasting “anywhere from 8 to 12 years.” To keep demand strong over that span, Kia plans to update and refine the midsize truck in a variety of ways.

Weekender Concept Shows What’s Possible

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Some of those future styling updates might take cues from the recently revealed Tasman Weekender concept, which debuted at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show. While Rivero emphasized that the Weekender is “just a concept” for now, he acknowledged that it could influence future updates, saying there’s “plenty of opportunity to enhance the Tasman” throughout its run.

More: New Kia Pickup Coming To America And It’s Nothing Like The Tasman

The concept gets wider, body-colored fenders, redesigned bumpers, a more pronounced hood, and chunkier tires over the production model. These could make their way into a tougher, off-road-oriented variant of the Tasman, a move in line with the growing popularity of factory-built rugged trucks, led by models like the Ford Ranger Raptor.

In any case, it appears that Kia has plenty of ideas about the future of the truck, enhancing its presence as a newcomer in this competitive segment. Until a facelift arrives, owners of the Tasman can rely on the numerous available accessories, tailored for different use-case scenarios.

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7 Chinese And Korean EVs Outsold Tesla’s Model Y In Australia

  • Tesla was hoping the new Model Y Juniper would trigger a large increase in sales.
  • Kia’s EV3 and EV5 have been exceptionally well received by Australian EV buyers.
  • MG’s electric hatch and Geely’s budget SUV both outperformed several models.

Electric vehicle sales in Australia are shifting fast, and the usual frontrunners are no longer guaranteed a spot at the top. As more buyers look beyond the legacy names, newer players are gaining ground, especially those with sharper price tags and more features for the money.

In 2023 and 2024, the Tesla Model Y was comfortably the best-selling EV in Australia. However, new options from Chinese and Korean brands have led to a massive slump in local sales of the Model Y, so much so that in April, it was only the 8th best-selling EV in the country. Evidently, it’s not just in Europe where Elon Musk’s company is falling out of favor.

Read: Tesla Couldn’t Even Sell Its Model Y Launch Editions As Hundreds Are Sitting Unsold

Storming in as the best-selling EV by far in Australia last month was the BYD Sealion 7, according to a report from Carsguide. It is the latest addition to BYD’s Ocean series of models and undercuts the Model Y on price, starting at AU$54,990 (~$35,400) and topping out at AU$63,990 (~$41,200), compared to the new Tesla that starts at AU$63,400 (~$40,800) and AU$73,400 (~$47,200) for the flagship version. Last month, 734 Sealion 7s were sold across the country.

 7 Chinese And Korean EVs Outsold Tesla’s Model Y In Australia
BYD Sealion 7

Next up is the MG 4. While it’s been around for a couple of years now, the electric hatchback remains popular with 363 units sold in April. This positioned it just ahead of the BYD Atto 3, with 355 sold. Kia’s newly-launched EV5 and EV3 have also been well-received by local shoppers, with sales of 342 and 336, respectively. The BYD Seal then shifted 325 units while the new Geely EX5 sold 325 examples.

Then there’s the Tesla Model Y. A total of 280 were sold last month, positioning it slightly ahead of the Tesla Model 3 with 220 sales. Rounding out the top 10 was the BYD Dolphin with 216 examples finding new homes.

Now, before you start thinking recent sales represent the imminent collapse of Tesla, it’s worth noting that throughout April in Australia, Tesla was selling a mix of the outgoing Model Y and the brand new version. As we can see from the official page, Tesla still has a healthy inventory of the old crossover.

Many shoppers are likely holding off on placing an order until the new Model Y lands in earnest, which will happen over the next couple of months. Nevertheless, April’s results will likely have some local Tesla executives a little worried.

BEST SELLING VEHICLES AUSTRALIA
 7 Chinese And Korean EVs Outsold Tesla’s Model Y In Australia
FCAI

Wider Market Trends

Australia’s total new car sales declined in April. A total of 90,614 new vehicles were sold across the country last month, representing a decline of 6.8% compared to the same month in 2024 and quite a dramatic fall from the 108,606 new cars sold in March.

EV SALES AUSTRALIA
ModelSales
BYD Sealion 7734
MG MG4363
BYD Atto 3355
Kia EV5342
Kia EV3336
BYD Seal325
Geely EX5324
Tesla Model Y280
Tesla Model 3220
BYD Dolphin216
April 2025
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Massive Depreciation Makes Kia’s EV6 GT A Steal

  • Someone picked up a Kia EV6 GT at auction for less than half of its original price.
  • They paid just $31,000 for a 576-horsepower car that can keep up with supercars.
  • Despite being a great deal, the EV6 GT has limited range, making road trips difficult.

We’re seeing used electric vehicle prices take a nosedive, and even the mighty Kia EV6 GT isn’t immune. In fact, someone just snagged one at auction for less than half of its original MSRP of $64,360. So, would you drop $31,000 on a two-year-old EV with 21,000 miles on the clock? Let’s break down the upsides and downsides, and why this could actually be a fantastic deal for the buyer.

The Downsides of the Kia EV6 GT

Let’s actually start off by talking about the not-so-glamorous side of owning something like the Kia EV6 GT AWD. None is as big as the lack of range available in this thing. At best, you’re looking at around 206 miles (331 km) on a full charge, and that’s according to the EPA estimates.

In my testing, I found that you might hit that numberif you’re not constantly pushing it to the limit. My drive ended up around 175 miles, so don’t expect much more if you’re, you know, enjoying the throttle. It’s not great, especially for longer road trips. But on the flip side, it’s more than enough for day-to-day driving.

Review: Kia EV6 Facelift Is Better Than Ever, But We’d Wait For The EV5

That said, the suspension can be a little rough in GT mode, but running it in ‘normal’ mode seems like the solution. Finally, the climate controls are a bit finicky. I think most folks will get over that given time, but having tried them in several Kia products, I still don’t like them.

The Fun Side: Why the EV6 GT is a Steal

With that Debbie Downer section out of the way, let’s get into why this is such a great car to drive. Sure, 576 horsepower (429 kW) sounds like the obvious answer, and it’s certainly part of it, but it’s more than just outright speed. The EV6 GT handles exceptionally well. Sure, it’s outshone slightly by its cousin, the Ioniq 5 N, which we’ve also reviewed, but that in and of itself is a compliment in that they’re very similar.

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Photos Cars&Bids

In our testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the EV6 GT performed admirably on the drag strip and the road course. The only bit that wasn’t superb was the way ABS engaged during trail braking. That’s something software updates might have solved in the meantime, though. Ultimately, this is a four-door superhot hatch, and we haven’t even gotten to the X factor.

Read: 2025 Kia EV6 Proves Facelifts Aren’t Cheap

Speed is great and getting a big discount thanks to depreciation is too, but it’s the things that make this car so livable that make it such a steal at $31,000. First and foremost, it’s comfortable, it’s spacious, and it has enough space in the back to haul five people and an afternoon’s worth of gear. On top of that, if one needs even more space, it can tow almost 4,000 pounds! That’s ridiculous for such a small car that can drive as sharply and as fast as this one does.

All of this having been said, there’s no question that there are some unknowns out there. How will EVs like this one hold up years from now? Will replacement batteries and motors ever be economical to replace? These are some of the big questions the new owner of this Cars&Bids find might have to consider down the road. Til then, they get to enjoy one of the most well-rounded cars in the segment for less than half of its MSRP. 

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Photos Cars&Bids

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