Kia is transforming one of its manufacturing plants into a dedicated EV plant

Environmental sustainability might just be one of, if not the primary focus of all brands within the next decade/s. As such, people are finding ways to reduce their carbon footprint by slowly transitioning from harmful to less environmentally-detrimental practices within everyday living. 

The automotive industry has also followed suit with this movement. With governments such as the EU’s looking to ban Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) by mid 2030 in favor of electrification, carmakers are also making their moves to prepare for this monumental change. We even see signs of this in the growing number of EVs on the road.

Korean giant Kia is looking to stand by its commitment of sustainable growth and social responsibility by investing in the very first EV-dedicated factory in the country: KIA AutoLand Gwangmyeong. It stands to be the beacon and a symbol of the company’s forward-thinking acceptance of the latest technologies. 

The brand is looking to grow alongside its customer base and adapt with them through these changing times. Its lofty goal is total carbon-neutrality by 2045. To slowly but surely achieve this goal, Kia is looking to make significant strides such as reducing carbon emissions in its facilities and increasing the use of renewable energy through solar power.

This is what Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung had to say during his New Year address to the company and its stakeholders: “Instead of fearing what comes next, let us rise to the challenge. Let us keep reinventing and innovating ourselves to usher in a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow.”

Erecting the EV-exclusive factory at Kia AutoLand GwangMyeong actually bears significance. That’s because the very site was also the country’s very first integrated automobile factory with a conveyor belt production process, ushering in the country’s full-scale automobile production era just a little bit over fifty years ago. 

This facility also witnessed the birth of the brand’s first ever passenger car, the Brisa, put together within its esteemed halls.

Now, the factory will be in charge of assembling the cutting-edge Kia EV3. This compact electric crossover is designed to propel the brand to becoming a household name within the electrification space through widespread accessibility.

The brand is definitely aiming to become one of the world’s top three EV manufacturers by the time 2030 rolls around.

How does this affect us in the Philippines?

Locally, Kia is already offering the ultramodern Kia EV6. It’s a fully-electric crossover that seats five and houses the latest technology the brand has to offer. Its onboard Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivers 229 PS of power and a beefy 350 Nm of torque. You can not only go fast, but also go far with an advertised 528km of range on a single charge.

Kia’s dedication to cutting-edge technology also makes its way in the cabin. Driver and passengers alike are sure to enjoy the 12.3-inch touchscreen display compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, paired with an audiophile-grade 14-speaker Meridian Surround Sound setup. Roadtrip karaoke sessions are sure to be fun and comfortable as all passengers are nestled in Black Suede or White Leather seats, enjoying the view afforded by the extensive panoramic sunroof.

Safety is also an utmost priority for Kia who have equipped the EV6 with the latest and greatest Advanced Driver Assistance features. That includes Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, and a high-resolution 360-degree camera.

Moreover, the EV6 is also capable of powering appliances and tools with its battery pack in case of emergencies. 

The vehicle is priced at a reasonable PHP 3,788,000 and comes with a 5-year or 160,000km warranty for owners’ peace of mind. 

All things considered, Kia’s first EV offering in the country is certainly lucrative and delivers a lot of value for the money. Would you think about it?