Kia Is Building an Electric Truck for America – Here’s What We Know!
Electric trucks are the hottest topic in the auto world right now — and Kia is about to throw down the gauntlet.
You heard that right: Kia is officially building an all-electric pickup truck for the North American market, and it could completely shake up the segment. Whether you’re an EV enthusiast, a Kia loyalist, or a truck shopper looking for capability with zero emissions, this development is worth watching closely.
At Kia 417 — Ottawa’s #1 Kia dealership — we’re keeping a close eye on the buzz surrounding this mysterious electric truck. And in this deep dive, we’ll unpack everything we know so far about Kia’s upcoming electric pickup, including its estimated specs, expected pricing, release timeline, market positioning, and why it might just be the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck’s biggest threat yet.
A Bold Electric Truck Strategy Revealed
Kia’s long-term EV plans have been slowly unfolding since 2020, but the confirmation of a dedicated electric pickup truck for North America came during Kia’s CEO Investor Day. The company revealed it will be introducing two new pickup trucks by 2027 — one of which will be a strategic model tailored specifically for the U.S. and Canadian markets (InsideEVs).
This isn’t just a repurposed gas truck with a battery bolted on. Kia’s truck will reportedly ride on the brand’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the same architecture underpinning the highly praised Kia EV6 and the upcoming EV9.
TEST DRIVE THE 2025 KIA TELLURIDEWhat Can We Expect from Kia’s Electric Truck?
Let’s break it down — based on credible reports, industry speculation, and what we’ve seen from Kia’s recent EV innovations, here’s what the new electric truck could bring to the table.
Estimated Driving Range
If the EV truck shares tech with the EV9 or EV6, we’re expecting a driving range of 480–540 km (300–335 miles) on a single charge. This puts it in the same league as the Ford F-150 Lightning and ahead of several midsize gas-powered trucks.
| Truck Model | Estimated Max Range | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Kia EV Truck (est.) | 500 km / 310 miles | E-GMP |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 515 km / 320 miles | Dedicated EV |
| Rivian R1T | 528 km / 328 miles | Skateboard Platform |
| Chevrolet Silverado EV | 724 km / 450 miles | Ultium |
(Sources: Ford Canada, GM Authority, Kia Global Media)
Towing and Payload
Kia is targeting everyday adventurers and contractors alike, meaning a towing capacity of around 4,500 kg (10,000 lbs) and a payload rating close to 1,360 kg (3,000 lbs) seems likely. That would rival many gasoline-powered midsize and full-size trucks — including the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and even some versions of the Ram 1500.
This positions the Kia EV truck as not just a commuter vehicle, but a capable workhorse.
Battery, Charging, and Powertrain
One of the biggest perks of Kia’s E-GMP platform is ultra-fast charging capabilities. Based on current EV6 specs, we expect:
- 10% to 80% charge in under 25 minutes
- 350 kW DC fast-charging capability
- Likely 77.4 kWh and 100+ kWh battery pack options
Expect both single-motor (RWD) and dual-motor (AWD) versions, with the dual-motor delivering 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in under 5 seconds if it follows the EV6 GT’s performance figures.
Size and Segment: Is This a Compact or Full-Size Electric Truck?
Kia has not officially confirmed the size class, but all signs point to a midsize pickup.
That would put it in competition with:
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota Tacoma
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Hyundai Santa Cruz
By offering something smaller and more affordable than a full-size truck, Kia could carve out a huge niche — especially among Canadians who want utility without the massive footprint or price tag of a full-size truck like the F-150 Lightning or Silverado EV.
TEST DRIVE THE 2025 KIA TELLURIDEInterior and Technology: Expect Nothing Less Than Luxury
If you’ve sat inside the Kia EV9 or EV6, you already know what to expect — digital sophistication meets family-friendly practicality.
Here are the likely features:
- Dual 12.3” curved panoramic displays
- Augmented-reality head-up display (AR HUD)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power outlet
- Digital Key 2.0
- Advanced driver-assist safety suite
This wouldn’t just be a truck. It would be a mobile charging station, command center, and off-road explorer all in one.
Projected Price: Will It Be Affordable?
Let’s talk numbers. While nothing has been confirmed, industry insiders suggest a starting MSRP between $45,000–$55,000 USD (roughly $61,000–$74,000 CAD) — right in the sweet spot for midsize electric pickups.
| EV Truck | Starting Price (USD) | Starting Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Kia EV Truck (est.) | $45,000 | $61,000 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $49,995 | $68,000 |
| Rivian R1T | $73,000 | $99,500 |
| Chevrolet Silverado EV | $52,000 | $70,000 |
Don’t forget — EV rebates in Ontario and Canada may apply, making it even more affordable when it hits showrooms like Kia 417.
When Will the Kia Electric Truck Be Available?
Kia’s official roadmap suggests that the North American electric pickup will debut by 2026, with prototypes possibly appearing by late 2025. Mass production is expected to take place in the United States, either at Kia’s Georgia plant or Hyundai Motor Group’s new Metaplant in Savannah.
(Source: MotorTrend)
That means Canadians can likely expect the vehicle to arrive by mid-to-late 2026, barring supply chain delays.
Why Should Ottawa Drivers Care?
If you live in Ottawa or the surrounding area, you already know the value of a practical, all-weather, road-ready vehicle. Here’s why this truck matters:
- Low emissions for city driving and environmental compliance
- Long range for Quebec or Toronto weekend getaways
- Winter-ready with AWD and heated everything
- Perfect for home builders, snowplow operators, and contractors
Plus, with Ottawa’s rising fuel prices, the shift to EV trucks is no longer a luxury — it’s a long-term money saver.
Where Will It Be Sold? (Hint: Right Here at Kia 417)
As your local Kia dealer in Ottawa, Kia 417 will be among the first to offer the electric truck when it launches in Canada. Our EV specialists are already preparing for pre-orders and are happy to provide updates and early reservation opportunities.
Check out our new car specials and contact our team today to stay informed and ahead of the curve.
Will There Be a Hybrid or Gas Version?
Unlikely. Kia is going fully electric with its new truck. While some early rumors suggested a hybrid option, recent reports have clarified that the pickup will be built exclusively as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) (CarBuzz).
That aligns with Kia’s global mission to have 14 EVs by 2027 — all aimed at different buyer needs.
How Does It Compare to Hyundai’s Electric Truck?
Hyundai is also planning an electric truck — likely a next-gen Santa Cruz EV. While Hyundai and Kia share platforms, Kia’s truck will likely be more rugged, more powerful, and better suited to work tasks.
The Hyundai truck will likely skew urban and lifestyle-focused, while Kia’s version targets contractors, commuters, and fleet buyers alike.
Final Thoughts: Kia’s Truck Might Be the Most Important EV of the Decade
There’s a lot of competition in the EV truck space — but few automakers are bringing value, capability, technology, and design together like Kia. This isn’t just an experiment. This is Kia declaring war on gas-powered pickups — and doing so with a smarter, cleaner, more versatile alternative.
Whether you need a daily driver, a weekend warrior, or a mobile power source for job sites, this truck has the potential to meet your needs — and exceed your expectations.
Want to Be First in Line?
Contact Kia 417 today to get on our Kia EV Truck waitlist and stay informed about arrival dates, pricing, pre-orders, and more. We’ll also help you explore financing options, trade-in values, and EV rebates available in Ontario.
And while you wait, check out the latest innovations in our new Kia inventory and watch the EV revolution unfold.
TEST DRIVE THE 2025 KIA TELLURIDEFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the expected price of the Kia electric truck in the U.S. and Canada?
The upcoming Kia electric truck is projected to start between $61,000 and $74,000 CAD (approximately $45,000–$55,000 USD). This would position it competitively in the midsize electric truck segment, offering more affordability compared to rivals like the Rivian R1T or the Ford F-150 Lightning. Pricing will vary by trim level and configuration.
When will the Kia electric truck be available in the U.S. and Canada?
Kia has announced that the electric truck designed for the North American market will launch by 2026, with production starting in late 2025. Canadians can expect the vehicle to arrive at dealerships like Kia 417 between mid-to-late 2026, depending on production timelines and shipping logistics.
How far will the Kia electric truck drive on a single charge?
Based on Kia’s current EV platforms and battery tech, the electric truck is expected to offer a range of 480–540 km (300–335 miles) per charge. Fast-charging support is also anticipated, allowing 10–80% battery replenishment in under 25 minutes using a 350 kW DC charger.
Will the Kia electric truck be able to tow heavy loads?
Yes. While official specs haven’t been released, early reports suggest the truck will offer a towing capacity of around 4,500 kg (10,000 lbs) and a payload rating of over 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs). This would make it a suitable choice for contractors, recreational users, and fleet operators.
Can I reserve the Kia electric truck now?
While reservations haven’t officially opened, you can contact Kia 417 today to join our interest list and be the first to know when pre-orders begin. Our team can also walk you through EV incentives, financing, and trade-in options to prepare you for your future truck purchase.
TEST DRIVE THE 2025 KIA TELLURIDEDisclaimer: The details and specifications mentioned in this blog about the vehicle or its variants are based on current information and release speculations. Availability, features, and pricing may vary and are subject to change without notice. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or guarantee of availability. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please get in touch with us.
