Kia's upcoming electric pickup, designed to rival the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, and Ford F-150 Lightning, has been spotted testing in the U.S., marking a significant step in its development.
Kia's Strategic Move into the Electric Pickup Market
Kia announced over a year ago that it intends to introduce two electric pickup trucks by 2026. Two electric pickup vehicles will be added to the Kia lineup: one dedicated to electric pickups and the other a model designed for emerging markets.
The inaugural Kia electric pickup was observed testing in the United States while adorned in cumbersome camouflage. A video by KindelAuto shows a bigger-looking pickup with an aggressive stance, just like the Ford F-150 Lightning.
Detailed Observations and Influences
Despite the disguise, keen observers noted that the truck shares some design elements with the EV9 and the Hyundai Santa Cruz, as revealed by Motor1.com.
The wheels have six lug nuts, which is how pickup wheels are usually assembled. They differ from the EV9's aerodynamically designed alloys, but that doesn't mean they will be used in the production model. The luggage bed looks at least 5 feet long, but the back overhang is much longer than the front overhang.
Production and Launch Timeline Speculations
According to the automotive-focused website, The Car Guide, Kia might be arranging its official debut for 2025, with deliveries commencing in 2026. Concurrent production of the electric vehicle (EV) and the EV9 in West Point, Georgia, would be logical. In Savannah, Georgia, Hyundai Motor Group is currently developing a massive EV manufacturing facility.
In addition, Electrek.co reports that Kia affirmed in the United States, where mid-size SUVs and pickups are popular, "electric versions of these models will be produced locally from 2024."
The electric pickup truck's specifications are still unknown, but Kia is said to be using Hyundai's next-gen EV platform. This platform is projected to increase range (the EV9 has an EPA-estimated range of 304 miles) while decreasing costs (the EV9 begins at $54,900).
Kia's latest EV will join the burgeoning US electric pickup industry along with the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Chevy Silverado EV.
Photo: Hyundai Motor Group/Unsplash


ASML’s EUV Lithography Machines Power Europe’s Most Valuable Tech Company
SpaceX Reports $8 Billion Profit as IPO Plans and Starlink Growth Fuel Valuation Buzz
Elon Musk’s Empire: SpaceX, Tesla, and xAI Merger Talks Spark Investor Debate
Amazon Stock Dips as Reports Link Company to Potential $50B OpenAI Investment
Apple Forecasts Strong Revenue Growth as iPhone Demand Surges in China and India
Federal Judge Signals Possible Dismissal of xAI Lawsuit Against OpenAI
Apple Earnings Beat Expectations as iPhone Sales Surge to Four-Year High
OpenAI Reportedly Eyes Late-2026 IPO Amid Rising Competition and Massive Funding Needs
Anthropic Raises 2026 Revenue Outlook by 20% but Delays Path to Profitability
SoftBank Shares Surge as It Eyes Up to $30 Billion New Investment in OpenAI
SpaceX Updates Starlink Privacy Policy to Allow AI Training as xAI Merger Talks and IPO Loom
Meta Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Approval of AI Chatbots Allowing Sexual Interactions With Minors
Rewardy Wallet and 1inch Collaborate to Simplify Multi-Chain DeFi Swaps with Native Token Gas Payments
Nvidia’s $100 Billion OpenAI Investment Faces Internal Doubts, Report Says
Apple Faces Margin Pressure as Memory Chip Prices Surge Amid AI Boom
Sandisk Stock Soars After Blowout Earnings and AI-Driven Outlook 



