Kia EV5 WKNDR: Rugged Electric SUV Concept

The Kia EV5 WKNDR concept, a rugged electric SUV, boasts off-road features and potential for the American market. Based on the e-GMP platform, it may face import challenges to the U.S.

Slotting between the EV3 and EV6, the EV5 can be had with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, so the basics for a suitable overlander exist. Kia just needs a push at the right time to make it a reality.

EV5 WKNDR Design and Potential

Kia really did not state a word about what powers the sturdy EV5 WKNDR principle, but it’s likely that the standard design’s underpinnings are unchanged. In Asia, the electrical crossover is based upon a toned-down version of the e-GMP platform that powers cars and trucks like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. These two cars and trucks obtain the 800-volt version of the design, while the Kia EV5 is covered at 400V, which leads to lower charging rates however also a lower price tag.

This is the Kia EV5 WKNDR idea, and I’m not mosting likely to exist– it’s a knockout. Revealed at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China, the rugged-looking electrical SUV has all the best components to record a decent piece of the American market, where it might go head-to-head with the upcoming Rivian R2.

Rugged Features and Market Appeal

With that said out of the way, one can fantasize that the blocky EV5 WKNDR idea will certainly at some point get on dealership whole lots across the nation. With expanded wheel arches, beefy off-road tires, a lift set and a Land Wanderer Defender-style device plate on the left C-pillar, the adventure-ready SUV can be a hit among American customers who sometimes wander off the ruined course in their everyday chauffeurs.

Whether or not the Kia EV5 will ever before make it stateside– in the tamer road-oriented variation or otherwise– is another story. Last time I examined, Kia stated it had no strategies of bringing the affordable EV to the U.S., most likely due to the fact that of the hiked import tolls on Chinese-made electric vehicles.