Europe is quickly becoming the playground for exciting new electric vehicles, and Kia is leading the charge. After its compact electric SUV, the EV3, shot to the top of the charts earlier this year, the automaker is rolling out even more models, leaving US buyers wondering when they’ll get their turn.
Kia EV3 Takes Europe by Storm
Kia launched the EV3 in late 2024, and it has already made a massive impact. In January, it became the most popular retail EV in the UK, kicking off with a strong start. By the first half of 2025, nearly 6,300 EV3s were registered, keeping it firmly at the top of the retail EV sales list in the UK. When you include fleet and commercial vehicles, it still ranked as the fourth most popular EV overall. Clearly, European drivers are loving Kia’s new compact SUV.
More EVs Coming: EV4 and EV5
Building on this momentum, Kia is lining up a series of new launches. In June, the automaker opened orders for the EV4 hatchback, its very first all-electric hatch. Less than two weeks later, Kia unveiled the EV4 Fastback – essentially a sleek sedan version designed to appeal to drivers who prefer a sportier look. Deliveries for the EV4 hatch will kick off in September, and it will be the first EV Kia produces in Europe at its plant in Zilina, Slovakia, ensuring faster deliveries for European buyers. The sedan variant, however, will continue to be manufactured in South Korea.
Then comes the EV5, a midsize SUV that’s positioned as a rival to the Tesla Model Y. Already on sale in China since 2023, the upgraded EV5 will hit Europe later this year. While European buyers get access in 2025, North America will have to wait until early 2026 – and even then, it will be exclusive to Canada, not the
Future Plans: EV2 and PV5 Van
Looking ahead, Kia is preparing to launch the EV2, a smaller and more affordable electric SUV that will sit below the EV3 as the new entry-level option. This model is expected to make EV ownership even more accessible to younger buyers and budget-conscious drivers.
Kia is also testing new waters with its first electric van, the PV5. Available in both Passenger and Cargo versions, the PV5 is confirmed for Europe, though its US availability is still uncertain.
What About the US?
So far, Kia’s US lineup remains much more limited. The only confirmed model is the EV4 sedan, which will launch in early 2026. With up to 330 miles of range and a built-in NACS charging port for Tesla Superchargers, the EV4 is shaping up to be a strong competitor in the US market. Pricing is expected to start around $35,000, though exact figures are not yet confirmed.
In the UK, the EV4 hatchback is priced at £34,695 (about $47,700) with a WLTP range of up to 388 miles, while the Fastback sedan starts at £40,895 (about $55,000) with up to 380 miles of range. These numbers give us a hint of what US buyers might expect when the EV4 eventually arrives.
With the EV3 already dominating European sales and a wave of new models like the EV4, EV5, EV2, and PV5 rolling out across Europe, it’s clear Kia is prioritizing the region, especially in light of new tariffs and growing demand. Meanwhile, US buyers are left waiting as Kia holds back most of its new electric vehicles from the American market.
For now, it looks like Europe will continue to be the testing ground for Kia’s latest EV innovations – and drivers there are more than ready to take advantage.
