Kia Reaches 100,000 EV Sales in the UK as Electric Line-up Expands

Kia Hits Major Electric Vehicle Milestone

Kia has sold its 100,000th electric vehicle in the UK, becoming one of the first brands, and the first Korean brand, to reach this milestone. The landmark model was an EV5 ‘GT-Line S’ finished in Iceberg Green, registered to a retail customer on 11 March 2026. The achievement coincided with a strong month for Kia UK, with 29% of registrations fully electric, marking the brand’s best-ever EV performance.

Kia’s journey began in November 2014 with the launch of the Soul EV. As of 1 April 2026, Kia has sold 104,794 EVs in the UK, highlighting steady growth in electric mobility adoption over more than a decade.

Expanding EV Line-Up Across Segments

Kia has rapidly expanded its electric vehicle range, particularly in recent years. During 2025, the brand launched nine new models, including the EV4, EV5, and PV5. With the upcoming EV2, Kia now has seven dedicated EVx/PVx nameplates on sale in the UK. The next models due include the EV2 followed by the PV7 arriving in 2027.

Across body styles and performance variants such as GT versions of the EV6 and EV9, Kia currently offers 11 different EVs in the UK, giving it one of the largest EV offerings of any manufacturer. The range spans urban SUVs, family hatchbacks, seven-seat SUVs, and light commercial vehicles, ensuring coverage of almost every market segment.

Despite its focus on electric vehicles, Kia continues to expand petrol and hybrid options. Recent launches included the K4 hatchback and facelifted Sportage, while the upcoming Seltos petrol-hybrid SUV will increase the Kia UK range to 15 models.

EV2, EV3, EV5, and EV9 — Kia EV2, EV3, EV5, and EV9

Leadership Comments on EV Adoption

Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK “The milestone of reaching 100,000 EV sales is a significant landmark for Kia UK, having launched our first EV 12 years ago this year. In a relatively short space of time, we have gone from strength to strength steadily building our EV line-up, and have seen customer demand increase in line with our product desirability."

“The mainstream adoption of EVs, and the transition to focus heavily on electric mobility poses challenges, but also presents opportunity, and we have spent a great deal of time and resources investing in EVs. We now have one of the industry’s most complete EV line-ups and have reached this landmark achievement, further cementing ourselves as a leading player in the EV market.

“This achievement is a further credit to our 190-strong nationwide dealer network. Their ability to adapt over the past decade to an increased demand for EVs, alongside our range of internal combustion and hybrid vehicles, has been the foundation for our success and has pushed us to this significant sales success and milestone. With the recent addition of electric commercial vehicles to our product offering, the future for Kia is very exciting.”

Owning a Kia EV

Early Years: Soul EV to e-Niro

Kia’s UK electric vehicle journey began with the Soul EV, initially sold in limited numbers through specially trained dealers. Sales gradually increased, and momentum accelerated with the introduction of the e-Niro in 2018, positioned as an affordable family EV. A new Soul EV followed in 2019, featuring a larger battery and extended range.

In 2020, Kia launched its global Plan S strategy, committing to expanding EV production, mobility solutions and future electric platforms. By the end of that year, UK EV sales had increased significantly, driven by strong demand for the e-Niro.

Growth Phase: EV9, EV3 and Market Expansion

Momentum continued through 2022–2024, with major milestones including the EV6 winning European Car of the Year, the launch of the EV9 flagship electric SUV, and expansion into new segments. Kia surpassed 50,000 UK EV sales in 2023, followed by continued growth driven by models like the EV3, EV5, and EV9.

By the end of 2024, cumulative UK EV sales exceeded 72,000 units, supported by a growing electric portfolio and entry into electric commercial vehicles.

Kia e-Niro and Soul EV

2025: Kia’s Biggest Year for Electric Vehicles

In 2025, Kia launched multiple EVs including the EV4, EV5, EV3, and PV5, further strengthening its EV strategy. The EV3 quickly became Kia’s fastest-selling EV, while Kia expanded into the electric commercial vehicle market with the PV5. By the end of the year, Kia had surpassed 94,000 EV sales in the UK.

2026: Passing the 100,000 EV Sales Mark

Kia began 2026 with the debut of the EV2 and new GT variants of the EV3, EV4, and EV5. On 11 March 2026, the brand surpassed 100,000 EV sales, just over 2.5 years after hitting 50,000, and nearly 12 years after launching the Soul EV.

Farewell to the Niro EV

The Kia Niro EV has now been discontinued in the UK after playing a major role in Kia’s electrification success. Electric variants of the Niro accounted for more than 51,000 sales, over half of Kia’s total UK EV volume. The model helped establish Kia as a leader in affordable electric vehicles and was named What Car? Car of the Year in 2019.

Kia EV2

Next Steps in Kia’s Electric Strategy

Kia’s next major launch is the EV2, its most affordable EV, starting below £25,000 with a range of up to 281 miles. Reservations are open, with deliveries expected later this year. Following the EV2, Kia will introduce the PV7, expanding its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) line-up and continuing its push into electric mobility across passenger and commercial segments.

View the EV2EV2 Enquiry Form

Join us at GWR Kia for the debut of the Kia EV2 during our First Drive Weekend. Step inside and be one of the first to discover this exciting new addition to Kia's award-winning electric line-up. Our experts will be available to walk you through every facet of electric driving.

When: 23rd–25th April 2026
Where: 963 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9FX

Test drive the EV2

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