Kia’s electric off-road ute plans revealed

Kia is developing an all-new ute with electric and range-extender powertrains, with plans to launch the model by 2030.

At the company’s investor day earlier this month, CEO Ho Sung Song confirmed Kia was working on a new battery-electric pickup for the US, with the option of an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain – likely to incorporate a petrol generator to feed electricity to the battery and motors.

The vehicle will feature a traditional ladder-frame chassis for greater towing and off-road capabilities.

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It’s unclear whether the pickup will be related to the existing diesel-powered Kia Tasman ute, which was expected to become available with electric power 12 months after its launch in April 2025.

But given the South Korean brand says it’s targeting the US specifically with this new model, there’s a chance it will only be made in left-hand drive – ruling it out for the Australian market.

Kia is targeting 90,000 sales for the pickup by 2034, with a view to claiming a seven per cent share of the segment in the US, according to Automotive News.

It’s unclear whether the project has been delayed or if Kia has changed its plans, with the company announcing at its 2022 investor day that it would launch two electric utes by 2027 – one for the US, and another a “strategic model” for emerging markets.

Images posted online in 2024 showed a Michigan-plated prototype ute being tested in heavy camouflage, with the windscreen rake, side mirrors, wheel-arches, and lights all appearing to be different from the Kia Tasman's.

While not definitive, the camouflage appeared to have a flap in the front left quarter panel – perhaps to allow for charging – and no exhaust outlets are visible.

The test vehicle also appeared to feature independent rear suspension, rather than a solid (live) rear axle with heavy-duty leaf springs, as seen on the Tasman.

Reports at the time suggested the vehicle would use a monocoque chassis, suggesting Kia has changed to body-on-frame construction for the North American electric ute.

That signals the company’s intention to compete against the likes of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, rather than in the ‘lifestyle’ pickup segment.

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