Kia’s EV Lineup at IAA Highlights the USA Being Left Behind

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With IAA Mobility 2025 upon us, automakers are eager to highlight their best and their brightest electric vehicles for the European auto market (as well as non-EVs, of course, but we’ll just ignore that side of the show since we here at CleanTechnica are intent on not burning up our climate).

On that note, Kia put out a press release titled “Kia showcases its extensive EV portfolio at IAA Mobility 2025.” At first, I was curious to see what that full lineup was, and whether anything new or new-ish was being included. What struck me quickly, though, was simply that Kia offers a lot more EV models in Europe than in the USA. (Of course, I knew this, but looking at Kia’s full EV lineup in this way, it was just a bit striking.)

“Under the theme ‘Windows of Inspiration’, Kia will present its most comprehensive EV portfolio ever to the European public,” Kia writes. “The display will feature the Concept EV2, EV3, EV4, EV5, new EV6 GT, EV9 GT and PV5, while visitors can also test drive the EV3, the new EV6, the new EV6 GT and EV9. Together, these models reflect Kia’s strategy to make electric mobility accessible across multiple segments and lifestyles.”

Yes, nice — electrifying multiple segments and lifestyles. In Europe.

In the USA, Kia sells the EV6, the EV9, and the Niro EV. That means that the EV models Kia produces but doesn’t sell over on this side of the Atlantic include: the EV3, EV4, EV5, and PV5. And forget about seeing or touching the Concept EV2.

Back to the top, yes, Kia is featuring a new EV model at IAA. That’s the EV5. Bringing the EV5 to Europe for its opening debut, the company notes that it is “reinforcing the brand’s growing presence in Europe’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market.”

Indeed.

“The highlight of Kia’s presence at IAA Mobility 2025 is the European public debut of the Kia EV5, a fully electric C-SUV designed for modern families and people with active lifestyles. Built on the E-GMP platform, the EV5 combines bold SUV styling with a versatile interior featuring second-row full-flat folding seats, rear seat-back tables, and a panoramic wide display that creates a lounge-like atmosphere. With an estimated range of up to 530 km, 30-minute fast charging, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, and towing capacity of up to 1,200 kg in Europe, it delivers everyday practicality and outdoor versatility in equal measure, underscoring Kia’s commitment to making EVs more accessible.”

Sounds nice.

Yes, I wish the US market for EVs was strong enough that it was a no-brainer to bring the EV5 here as well. I get it — Americans are also typically larger and want supersized vehicles, so the EV5 might be considered to slender for the American market. Though, I do think there are more buyers here looking to buy vehicles like the EV5 (an EV4*) that Kia should being the model to me us. But, who knows, maybe Kia is right and it would bomb here. *(“The Kia EV4 will also be statically displayed, broadening consumer choice within the electrified C-segment. The EV4 offers up to 625 km of range (WLTP) and features fast-charging capability that allows it to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 31 minutes.”)

Without a doubt, the EV2 would have to search far and wide to find buyers in America, so I have no hope of that model making it over, but here’s more on the company’s latest concept EV for the lucky Europeans who are open to and interested in buying smaller vehicles: “Joining the display is the Concept EV2, a compact B-segment SUV that embodies Kia’s vision for innovative EVs. Designed to inspire with a spirit of adventure, it combines a bold aesthetic with vertical daytime running lights and Kia’s signature ‘Star Map’ lighting. Tailored for busy urban lifestyles and embodying Kia’s forward-looking design direction, the Concept EV2 previews a production model set to launch next year.” Sounds cool. That is actually my favorite Kia of all. Maybe one day I’ll be able to touch and explore one … when I go back to Europe.

You can also read Kia’s short summaries of the EV6 GT, EV9 GT, and light commercial PV5 here.

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