Kia showcases concept model for compact electric SUV 'EV5' exclusive for Chinese market

SEOUL -- South Korean carmaker Kia has showcased a concept model for the company's new electric compact sport utility vehicle exclusive for the Chinese market during an unveiling event held in Shanghai on March 20. Kia will seek to secure its foothold in the Chinese electric vehicle market which is growing 87 percent year-on-year.
 
China has the world's largest passenger EV market where one in every four cars sold is an EV, according to Counterpoint Research, a global market research firm. EV maker BYD is the market leader with a sales share of 29.7 percent, followed by GM Group (8.9 percent), Tesla (8.8 percent), and Geely (5.2 percent). None of the EV models made by South Korean carmakers -- Hyundai and Kia -- made it to the top 10 most popular EV models in China.
  Concept EV5, the concept car for Kia's electric compact sport utility vehicle (ESUV) EV5, will be mass-produced for the Chinese market by the end of 2023. The small-brother model of EV9, Kia's full-sized SUV, is equipped with 21-inch diamond-cut wheels and aero spoilers to maintain the family look of Kia EVs. The rear design was shaped like a box to give the ESUV a spacious compartment.
 
EV5 has seats that can be swiveled in various directions so that the driver and passengers can create the inner compartment into a more practical and comfortable space. Bio-polyurethane made from materials extracted from seaweeds was used for seats and armrests. A leather-free design was applied to make EV5 a more eco-friendly vehicle.
  "The Kia Concept EV5 takes influence from the contrast and complementarity of natural landscapes and man-made architecture. It is designed to inspire our customers on every journey while providing sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions. Created for those who seek inventive new ideas, the SUV brings together emotional form language with innovative, user-focused interior architecture," explained Kia's Global Design Center head Karim Habib.