Plug-in hybrids misunderstood, Telluride hybrid a possibility

Kia has already ushered in several latest EVs over the past model 12 months. Looking forward to the subsequent 12 months, it’s going to solidify some latest decisions about its range of hybrids and plug-in hybrids for the brand, along with additional EVs on the best way.

Russell Wager, Kia America’s vp of promoting, told Green Automotive Reports on the Chicago auto show that an electrified Telluride SUV is not off the table, and that customers don’t understand plug-in hybrids.

From the updated 2025 Kia Carnival MPV to EV9 production in America, Wager said Kia’s making business changes as quickly as it might probably with the evolving market.

Electrifying the Telluride

Kia has previously said that the Telluride, which rides on a platform able to supporting a hybrid, won’t be electrified, because the Kia EV9 serves that market. But Wager added some context to that.

“The market has modified within the last 12 months,” the manager noted, with everyone still rocketing towards EV adoption, with adoption rates jumping at Kia from 1% to three% then 8% and now at 9%. “We’re still committed” Wager said, noting the automaker’s currently within the strategy of retooling its plant in Georgia where the K5 was built so it might probably built U.S.-made EV9s that can qualify for the EV tax credit.

Should the market dictate that hybrids should be a bigger a part of Kia’s strategy within the three-row segment with all-wheel drive, an electrified Telluride is not off the table anymore. As as to whether it will be a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, Wager noted it will be one or the opposite, but not each.

The smaller Sportage and Sorento are offered with a selection between hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, but Wager argued that considered one of the keys to the Telluride’s success has been the narrow construct configurations and it will complicate the lineup.

2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

Plug-in hybrid misconceptions in the best way

Wager said the present problem with plug-in hybrids is the necessity to elucidate them to consumers. PHEVs are harder to market, because they’re misunderstood, and due to time it takes to tell the patron about why a hybrid would should be plugged in. 

“It’s an education thing now we have to do,” Wager said.

Once people understand what a plug-in hybrid is and might do, perhaps not requiring them to make use of a drop of gasoline through the work week, it becomes a no-brainier, he insisted. “It’s like, my god, it’s the very best thing,” Wager said.

The chief believes the market will get to the purpose where a PHEV is a “no brainer,” which is why the automaker continues to supply the powertrain in its Sorento, Sportage, and Niro.

2025 Kia Carnival

No plug-in hybrid Carnival

Despite the 2025 Carnival MPV getting an available hybrid powertrain a plug-in was never seriously considered. While putting a hybrid within the model will increase efficiency and make it more competitive against the hybrid Toyota Sienna and plug-in hybrid Chrysler Pacifica, Kia already hasn’t been in a position to construct them quickly enough on the South Korean plant where it’s made.

The Carnival won’t be getting all-wheel drive either as Kia feels the EV9, Telluride, and Sorento fill the needs of three-row buyers demanding all-wheel drive. 

KIa Concept EV3, Kia EV Day, October, 2023

KIa Concept EV4, Kia EV Day, October, 2023

The long run lineup

Kia plans to have seven electrified vehicles by 2027. Three are on sale today with the Niro, EV6, and EV9. Wager noted Kia showed the EV3 and EV4 concepts in January at CES and that “after we show an idea vehicle, generally speaking, we bring it.” The ultimate two remain a mystery for now.