Kia is reportedly working on a new small electric car, potentially replacing the Picanto.

The Korean marque has significantly expanded its EV range in recent years, with the EV3, EV5, EV6, EV9 and Niro EV all currently on sale in Australia, with the EV4 sedan arriving in Australia later this year. 

Kia CEO and President Ho Sung Song recently told Autocar that an entry-level EV is in the works as “homework” with a sub-€25,000 ($45,000 AUD) model being an “area we are studying for development.” 

Some have speculated that the potential offering could be badged as the Kia EV1, in keeping with the brand’s current Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) naming convention. 

This vehicle would likely sit below the production version of the EV2 compact SUV within Kia’s electric range, although this car is unlikely to be offered in Australia. 

Evidently, an entry-level electric Kia is something of a long term project for the brand. 

In September 2024, Song discussed the possibility of such a project, telling Autocar that Kia believed they needed an electric vehicle as cheap as €25,000 ($45,000 AUD) and possibly even as little as €20,000 ($36,000 AUD) but this couldn’t happen within the next two years. 

Range extender technology is also reportedly being developed at Kia.

The Kia Picanto was the best selling micro car in Australia in 2024 – selling over 5,800 cars – and has been the class’ best seller since the introduction of the current generation in 2017. 

Kia does have access to a platform that could serve as the basis for an electric entry-level compact offering – the Hyundai-Kia K1 platform – which is used on the Hyundai Inster EV currently sold in Australia.

Official details on the new electric car and whether or not it will replace the Picanto – or perhaps even be sold alongside it – are yet to be confirmed.