Kia's Electric Pickup Spotted in US Testing, Targets Tesla Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning

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