Kia EV5 Confirmed for Australia, Launching in June

Kia Australia has officially confirmed the Kia EV5 electric SUV will be coming to Australia with the Air and Earth trims available in June and the top GT-Line model arriving in the fourth quarter of 2024.

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As previously reported, the EV5 is expected to have a starting price of around or below $60,000 which will position it as a direct competitor to the market-leading Tesla Model Y. Official pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to the June launch.

▶MORE: Electric SUVs in Australia (2024)

The EV5 will cater for a broad range of needs and budgets, including: families, individuals, and fleet customers with a variety of trims and configurations.

The EV5 will be offered in standard and long-range batteries with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. Specific combinations to be announced closer to launch.

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EV5 Specifications

While Australian specifications for the EV5 have yet to be confirmed, they will likely mirror those of the Chinese market EV5 which is available in three variants: Standard, Long Range, and Long Range AWD.

• The Standard variant features a 160kW electric front-motor, coupled with a 64kWh battery. Kia states that under the more lenient CLTC testing conditions, it can achieve a range of as much as 530km.
• In the Long Range version, the same 160kW motor at the front is used, but it's equipped with a bigger 88kWh battery. According to Kia, under CLTC testing, this model can cover a distance of up to 720km.
• The Long Range AWD variant introduces an additional 70kW motor at the rear, resulting in a total power output of 230kW. This model is equipped with a 70kWh battery and is claimed to have a range of up to 650km, as per CLTC testing standards.

The EV5 also boasts solid fast-charging capabilities that Kia and Hyundai EVs are known for, allowing a charge from 30 to 80 percent in as little 27 minutes.

At 4,615 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,715 mm in height, the EV5 sits between the Tesla Model Y and BYD Atto 3 size-wise.

The vehicle is equipped with features suitable for both hot and cold climates, including an advanced heat pump system for battery temperature management. It also offers i-Pedal one-pedal driving system, vehicle-to-load (V2L), and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionalities.

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Kia Australian-Firsts

The EV5 boasts several Australian firsts:

• Right-hand drive production: Sourced from the Kia factory in China, ensuring earlier launch and increased supply (up to 850 units monthly).
• N3 eK platform: A unique modular platform for the EV5 (differs from EV6 & EV9).
• Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery: Delivers high efficiency.

Strong Supply

The Kia EV5 will be Kia's first electric car manufactured in China. Damien Meredith, Kia Australia’s Chief Executive Officer has confirmed: “Sourcing from China allows a faster launch and secures supply to meet mainstream demand. The EV5 expands our EV offering, appealing to both private and fleet buyers...allows us to launch earlier and secure supply of up to 850 per month which is needed to target mainstream appeal".

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Tuned for Australian Roads and Safety Requirements

The Kia EV5 as been thoroughly tested and tuned to ensure it meets Australian market requirements:

• Safety and Technology: The EV5 targets a 5-star ANCAP rating with advanced safety features and the latest Kia technology. Kia's R&D centers in China and Korea ensured the EV5 is optimised for Australian roads through:
• Local Ride & Handling Program: Delivers exceptional ride quality, confident handling, and balanced cornering, particularly for the AWD model.
• ADAS Tuning: Calibrated for Australian roads, traffic conditions, and infrastructure.
• Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) Testing: Ensures quality and reliability of over-the-air updates.
• Charging Infrastructure Testing: Compatible with Australia's public charging networks.

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Kia EV5 Comparison

Kia EV5 vs the Kia EV Range

Kia EV5 vs the Competition