16:37 22-01-2026
KIA boosts electric vehicle lineup in Europe amid EU policy shifts
Learn how KIA is intensifying its EV focus in Europe, launching models like EV2 and EV4, while navigating EU decarbonization targets and market demands.
KIA is intensifying its focus on electric vehicles in the European market. KIA Austria's CEO Harald Höllz stated in an interview with Kurier.at that the internal combustion engine is becoming an endangered species in Europe, with the company's new launches now targeting battery-powered models. At the same time, KIA continues to maintain combustion engine cars in its lineup, offering what customers demand.
The top manager also criticized ambiguous decisions by the European Union. At the end of the year, the European Commission announced a softening of decarbonization targets for 2035: the goal is now a 90% reduction in emissions compared to 2021 levels, instead of 100%. In theory, this could leave technologies like PHEV and EREV on the market.
Höllz emphasized that this uncertainty hampers not only countries but also automakers, buyers, and dealers who need to invest in the future of electric vehicles. He noted that this involves significant investments throughout the entire value chain.
KIA is expanding its zero-emission lineup in Europe: the company previously launched the EV4 and EV5, which joined the EV3. Recently, the EV2 was introduced—a compact B-SUV measuring 4.06 meters in length, set to become the brand's most affordable electric model in the region.