Why Kia Thinks An Electric Pickup Truck For Americans Is A Good Idea
Kia has officially confirmed plans to bring a fully electric pickup truck to North America, marking a shift in narrative away from its combustion-powered Tasman, which serves global markets.
Key Points
- Kia's fully electric pickup truck for North America will compete in the midsize segment with models like the Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Gladiator, not the full-size trucks like the Ford F-150.
- The new truck will ride on a dedicated EV platform, boasting segment-leading space, off-road capability, towing capacity, and advanced infotainment and safety features.
- The electric pickup is likely to be built in the U.S. to avoid import tariffs, potentially at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America or Kia Manufacturing Georgia.
The announcement came during the automaker's 2025 CEO Investor Day, where executives laid down some broad strokes about the upcoming truck—including its focus on urban and outdoor versatility.
Rather than competing directly with full-size offerings like the Ford F-150 Lightning or Chevrolet Silverado EV, Kia’s truck is expected to land in the midsize segment. Company CEO Ho Sung Song said the U.S.-bound EV would compete with vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Jeep Gladiator—although I would imagine the lifestyle-focused EV will pull more buyers from the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Honda Ridgeline than the true body-on-frame midsizers.
Song emphasized that this new electric truck would be aimed squarely at American buyers. It will be built on a new platform designed specifically for electric utility vehicles and aims to deliver class-leading interior space and cargo capacity.
Kia also promised legitimate off-road capability, a robust towing setup, and the inclusion of advanced infotainment and safety technologies. Expect a heavy dose of influence from Kia's PV5 "Wkndr" concept that the brand brought to SEMA last fall.
Although Kia hasn't confirmed production details, the truck is all but guaranteed to be assembled in the United States to sidestep import tariffs and the additional 25-percent Chicken Tax added to imported utility vehicles and pickups.
Kia could potentially build it at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia, which just opened and is already producing the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9. Another option could be the existing Kia Manufacturing Georgia facility.
Kia expects to sell around 90,000 units of the new electric pickup annually in North America, aiming for a 7 percent market share in the midsize segment. That’s a fairly ambitious figure, considering the brand has never sold a pickup truck in the U.S.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Build a knockoff of a 1995 Ford Ranger and you won't be able to produce them fast enough. Offer them with a 2.0L four cylinder or 3.8L V6 Telluride engines and you've just cooked Ford/GM's golden goose.
Great idea, I can’t wait for additional details. I’d like mine in a two tone retro green with buckskin interior, extended battery pack and the towing package.