All-electric Kia EV5 confirmed for PH

Earlier today, Kia distributor AC Motors officially launched the 2024 Seltos refresh. Not only does it have a bolder-looking exterior, but the B-segment crossover gets a more high-tech and feature-packed interior. Last but not least, the 2024 Seltos gets two new engines, a 1.5-liter Smartrsteam and a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.

However, that wasn't the only major news AC Motors shared with us today. With Kia looking to bring in several new models to the country next year, they have revealed one of the vehicles that they will be launching sometime in 2024. Set to arrive in the Philippines next year is the Kia EV5.

This was officially confirmed by Antonio “Toti” Zara, AC Motors Automobile Group president. The executive added that the EV5 will serve as Kia's latest electric vehicle after the EV6 which was revealed earlier this year.

No official specs were shared by Kia or Zara during the event. But based on what international markets get, the PH-spec EV5 could be available with various battery packs. The EV5 is assembled in China and Korea and can come with a 64 kWh or a bigger 88 kWh battery pack.

The regular variant gets a single electric motor that puts out 215 PS and has an estimated range of 530 km on a full charge. The long-range version, meanwhile, gets up to 720 km when fitted with the 88 kWh battery. Last but not least is the AWD variant which puts out 308 PS and has an estimated range of around 650 km.

Unlike the EV6 which benefits from a 400V architecture, the EV5 doesn't come with it. However, Kia says that despite not having that feature, the EV5 can still use a DC fast charger which can replenish its battery from 30% to 80% in around 27 minutes. For comparison, the EV6 can use a DC charger to recharge from 10% to 80% in only 18 minutes.

With the Kia EV5 set to make its way soon to the Philippines, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for new information as well as possible leaks prior to its debut next year.