Kia Sets New Sales Record in First Half of 2026, EV2–PV5 Builds Full-Range BEV Lineup

Kia is accelerating its electrification strategy, with a complete battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup spanning entry-level SUVs to full-size vans — driving the brand's strongest-ever first-half sales performance in 2026: 1.63 million global deliveries, the highest six-month total since vehicle production began in 1962.

According to official data, Kia has posted year-on-year sales growth globally for four consecutive months, with the surge explicitly attributed to its "regionally tailored electrified model strategy." Key models vary by market: hybrid SUVs drive growth in the U.S., while fully electrified mainstream models dominate in Europe and the UK. In the first half of 2026, Kia registered 18,241 BEVs in the UK — accounting for roughly 30% of its local sales volume.

Its current BEV portfolio includes the EV2, EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, EV9, and its first all-electric van — the PV5 — covering every segment from urban commuter cars to family flagship SUVs and commercial vehicles. Among them, the EV2, EV3, EV4, and passenger-oriented PV5 qualify for the UK government's maximum electric vehicle purchase incentive — £3,750 (approx. $5,000). With this subsidy applied, the EV2 Long Range variant starts at just £24,245 (approx. $32,500).

Notably, the EV2 has no planned U.S. launch, but the compact BEV SUV EV3 will arrive in the U.S. by end of 2026 — replacing the Niro EV, which is set to exit the American market. The EV3 will be offered in five trims — Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT — and feature two battery options: 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh. Front-wheel-drive variants are projected to deliver up to 220 miles and 320 miles respectively under WLTP testing. Kia has not yet announced final pricing, but industry analysts expect the 2027 EV3 to start below $35,000 — potentially making it one of the most price-competitive all-new BEVs in the U.S. market.

Among already launched models, the EV9 is performing strongly: U.S. sales reached 7,035 units in the first half of 2026 — a 42% year-on-year increase — while EV6 sales stood at 4,043 units, down 31% YoY.