Kia Corporation today celebrated the completion of its dedicated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) facility, the Hwaseong EVO Plant East and the breaking of ground for the EVO Plant West, a large-scale PBV production facility in Korea.

Combined, Kia will have an annual PBV production capacity of 250,000 units as part of its aim to establish a future PBV production hub.

The ceremony was held at Kia’s AutoLand Hwaseong plant, located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The event was attended by around 200 guests, including Min-seok Kim, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea; Shinhak Moon, Vice Minister of Trade Industry and Resources (MOTIR) of the Republic of Korea; Dong Yeon Kim, Governor of Gyeonggi Province; Myeong-geun Jeong, Mayor of Hwaseong Special City, and local National Assembly members.

From Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) key executives in attendance included Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group; Ho Sung Song, Kia President and Global CEO; Sung Kim, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Strategic Planning Division; and Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Advanced Vehicle Planning (AVP) Division.  

To support construction of the PBV-dedicated facilities – including the newly completed EVO Plant East and the EVO Plant West, scheduled for operation in 2027 – Kia has secured a site of 296,882 square metres and is investing approximately KRW 4 trillion in infrastructure and research and development.

Leveraging a combined annual capacity of 250,000 units, Kia plans to position the Hwaseong EVO Plant (East and West) as a future strategic hub to drive the global expansion of the company’s PBV business.

Ho Sung Song, Kia President and Global CEO said, “Kia is leveraging the electrification of light commercial vehicles as a key opportunity to position PBVs as a core future business. As we continue our journey toward sustainable future mobility, Kia remains committed to becoming a trusted partner in building a better future for Korea — and for humanity as a whole.”

Hwaseong EVO Plant Integrates Cutting-Edge Manufacturing Technologies
The name ‘EVO Plant’ combines ‘Evolution’ and ‘Plant’, reflecting Kia’s commitment to pursuing evolution and innovation, and its ambition to become a brand that leads the new mobility environment.

Hwaseong EVO Plant applies a wide range of future-oriented manufacturing technologies and is designed to minimise carbon footprint. The facility emphasises automation, sustainability, and a human-centric environment, with each process integrating features that reflect these priorities. 

The EVO Plant will also apply Hyundai Motor and Kia’s E-FOREST smart factory brand to enable real-time operation and quality control.

In the body shop, a smart logistics system has been implemented through the integration of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and other advanced technologies.

The paint shop operates dry booths that reduce the impact of controlled substances, making the EVO Plant a low-carbon sustainable facility.

In the final assembly shop, Kia has created a human-centric environment based on advanced automation technologies. The facility will feature specification guidance monitors to prevent operational issues, automation of labour-intensive processes, such as heavy component installation, and low-noise equipment, contributing to a human-centric environment.

Additionally, a flexible production process has been adopted by combining Kia’s mass-production conveyor system with a cell-based production process, which enables simultaneous manufacturing of different mobility types.

Annual Production Capacity of 250,000 Units and Conversion Centre Operation
The newly completed EVO Plant East is a dedicated PBV facility built on a 98,433 square-metre site, with an annual production capacity of 100,000 units for Kia’s PV5 mid-size PBV, including the Passenger, Cargo, Chassis Cab, and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) models.

EVO Plant West will be built on a 136,671 square-metre site, securing an annual production capacity of 150,000 units for Kia’s upcoming large-size PBV models, including the PV7. Once both EVO Plant East and West are fully operational, Kia will establish a full PBV lineup with an annual capacity of 250,000 units.

Kia is also launching its dedicated PBV Conversion Centre in collaboration with strategic partners to develop specialised PBV models. Built on a 63,728 square-metre site, the Conversion Centre will produce a wide range of customised models based on Kia’s first PBV model, the PV5, including open-bed trucks, box vans, and camping vehicles.

The centre will also develop and produce additional conversion models, based on upcoming PBVs, such as the PV7. It will serve as a strategic base for the expansion of Kia’s PBV business, while fostering a sustainable PBV ecosystem through close collaboration with partner companies.

Kia also plans to accelerate its RE100 initiative by investing in a 50 MW solar power generation facility within AutoLand Hwaseong.

Once EVO Plant East, EVO Plant West, and the Conversion Centre are fully operational, Kia will have established a comprehensive PBV hub capable of producing its entire PBV lineup.

To establish a dominant position in the PBV sector, Kia’s strategic focus is on five key areas: Product, Manufacturing, Solutions, Services, and Channels.

By reinforcing its global EV leadership and expanding its PBV business across these pillars, Kia is committed to delivering sustainable and innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of global customers – in line with its brand vision to become a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider.

Kia has announced UK pricing and specifications for the new EV6 GT, the fastest accelerating car Kia has ever produced and a reimagination of the brand’s first dedicated high-performance EV model. A significant mid-life upgrade makes the new model more dynamic, more refined, and more ‘GT’ than before, with a greater breadth of abilities and improved driver engagement.

As well as integrating several new technologies and upgrades over its predecessor; the new EV6 GT also benefits from the wealth of design and interior updates seen most recently across the wider EV6 line-up. Starting at £59,985 (a £2,690 reduction in its on-the-road price), the new EV6 GT brings with it more power, more kit and improved driving dynamics, at a more affordable price point.

The revised model features a refreshed exterior design, with a striking new light signature and dynamic aesthetic, improved battery performance and driving dynamics, and a broader range of convenience features. Powered by a new 84kWh battery pack (8.5% bigger than the previous generation EV6 GT battery), it boasts a range of up to 279 miles* on a charge based on the WLTP ‘combined’ standard.

Flexing its muscles as a performance-oriented grand tourer, the EV6 GT adopts wide-ranging powertrain improvements over its predecessor. Powered by an all-wheel drive, dual-motor drivetrain, the GT is now capable of producing up to 641bhp and 770Nm of torque – an increase of 64bhp (+11%) and 30Nm (+4%) over its predecessor. This allows the GT to complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.5 seconds, on to a top speed of 161mph.

Along with conspicuous neon green brake callipers front and rear, neon green piping throughout the interior, and a neon green ‘GT’ button on the steering wheel, the new model boasts various premium and performance-focused improvements. A first for Kia, the EV6 GT now features Virtual Gear Shift technology, simulating a six-speed paddle-operated transmission. When activated, this provides drivers with new visual, audible and tactile cues to make the car more engaging and enjoyable to drive, and its performance capabilities more approachable.

The upgraded model also features an enhanced ‘GT Mode’, a dedicated drive mode activated using the neon green button on the steering wheel. This sharpens up steering responses and unleashes the full, untapped potential of the EV6, with maximum power and torque at the driver’s disposal. GT Mode also changes the theme of the 12.3-inch driver display screen, with exclusive neon green details and a new font for the speed and range readouts.

Beyond its headline performance attributes, a true grand tourer must also be able to travel long distances in comfort and relative ease; characteristics already seen on the regular EV6, which have transitioned over to the GT variant. One key change here is its subtly retuned suspension, which softens the ride for greater comfort at a cruise, while retaining the car’s stability and keen handling.

The EV6, first launched in 2021, was the first Kia EV built on the brand’s industry-changing E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform), which allowed for 800-volt ultra-rapid charging capability. At a 350kW charging station, the new EV6 GT will be able to top up from 10-to-80% in just 18 minutes; keeping charging stops to a minimum.

When developing the new EV6 GT, Kia’s engineers placed particular emphasis on NVH (Noise, Vibration and Handling), ensuring the new GT’s greater dynamism was also matched by enhanced smoothness and cruising comfort. Road noise has been decreased over its predecessor with semi-decoupler floor carpeting and sound absorbing tyres, as well as sound absorbing materials throughout. Improved aerodynamics reduce wind noise, further quietening the cabin. 

Goes further, charges faster
The new EV6 GT offers a range of up to 279 miles* on a single charge (16 miles more than the previous EV6 GT). Thanks to cutting-edge 800V technology, even with the new, larger battery pack the EV6 GT offers a peak charging performance of 258kW (+8% compared to the earlier EV6’s 239kW peak), and can be recharged from 10-to-80% in as little as 18 minutes**. The battery is also 1kg lighter than that found in the earlier model, despite being larger.

Improved driver engagement, including Virtual Gear Shift
For the first time on any Kia vehicle, the EV6 GT is equipped with Virtual Gear Shift, simulating a six-speed paddle operated transmission, featuring a rev counter and limiter. Paired with Active Sound Design and a redesigned ‘GT’ cluster theme, Virtual Gear Shift gives audible, tactile and visual cues as to when to change up as users work up through the gears.

As well as the re-imagined ‘GT Mode’, the new EV6 GT also features a customisable ‘MyDrive’ GT drive mode, which can be personalised to configure an ideal vehicle setup. 

Kia’s new Connected Car navigation cockpit
Echoing the significant infotainment upgrade seen across the entire EV6 line-up, the new EV6 GT benefits from Kia’s next-generation infotainment system and connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). This offers expanded over-the-air update software, access to the Kia Connect store, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Kia’s digital key 2.0 and fingerprint recognition technology, as well as a more seamless and smooth infotainment experience overall.

Updated interior, materials and finish
As with the standard EV6, the new EV6 GT’s interior has received a significant overhaul, with new materials throughout. The previous glossy piano black materials have been replaced with a brushed metal-effect finish, reducing the accumulation of fingerprint smudges throughout the cabin. Neon-green inserts and accents are prominent throughout, emphasising its GT character, along with front, electrically powered bucket seats, ensuring maximum support for the driver and front passenger. The GT also retains the same, or better, occupant comfort and ergonomics than the standard EV6.

Specification of the new EV6 GT
As with all Kia models, the new EV6 GT receives a generous repertoire of standard equipment. A single trim level ensures confusing options are kept to a minimum, and all customers need to decide on is their choice of paint colour.

As standard, the new EV6 GT comes equipped with the following highlights, among other equipment. A full specification sheet can be found on the Kia UK’s dedicated media site:

• ‘GT’ exterior styling with neon green brake callipers
  • Gloss black door mirrors
  • High gloss black door garnish and beltline
  • Body coloured wheel arches
• Automatic, body coloured, flush exterior door handles
• LEDs: DRLs, rear lights and rear fog lights
• Dual LED headlights with adaptive driving beam and automatic control
• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Privacy glass (rear windows and tailgate)
• Heated rear window and door mirrors
• Electrically adjustable, folding door mirrors with LED indicators
• Rain sensing front wipers
• ‘GT’ neon green interior styling
  • Black artificial suede bucket seats with neon green stitching
  • Alloy pedals
• Heated and ventilated front seats and heated outer rear seats
• Electric driver seat adjustment with memory function
• Electric front passenger seat adjustment
• Three-spoke, heated, electrically adjustable ‘GT’ artificial leather steering wheel
• Electric one-touch front and rear windows
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Automatic air conditioning and defog system
• Start/stop button with smart entry system
• Smart power tailgate
• Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirror (driver/front passenger)
• 20-litre frunk
• 60:40 split remote folding rear seats with ski hatch
• Centre console with storage box
• Rear centre armrest with cupholders
• LED front cabin, rear and luggage compartment lights
• Luggage compartment load cover, luggage board and net hooks
• Customisable ambient lighting
• 12V front and luggage compartment power socket
• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability with adapter
• 3-pin power socket below rear bench
• Tyre mobility kit
• 12.3-inch curved driver display screen and 12.3-inch curved touchscreen navigation
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth® connection***
• 1x front USB-C port for media device connection
• 2x front USB-C charging ports and 2x rear USB-C charging ports
• Meridian® premium sound system with 14 speakers and Active Sound Design
• Customisable Head-Up Display (HUD)
• Wireless mobile phone charger
• Digital key and fingerprint recognition
• eCall system
• Over-The-Air (OTA) functionality and free 7-year Kia Connect services
• Front, side and rear parking sensors
• Reversing camera system and 360-degree surround view monitor
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2.0
• Safe Exit Warning
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2.0 – city, pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning/crossing
• Hill-Start Assist Control and Dynamic Brake Control
• Highway Driving Assist 2.0 with Hands-On Detection
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
• Lane Keep Assist 1.0 and Lane Follow Assist 2.0 with Hands-On Detection
• Vehicle Stability Management
• Smart Cruise Control with stop/go functionality
• Regenerative braking paddle shifters with iPedal functionality
• Six-speed Virtual Gear Shift
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and blind-spot view monitor
• Drive Mode Select (Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow)
• GT Drive Mode
• Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD)
• Anti-Lock Braking System with Emergency Stop Signalling
• Electronic Stability Control
• Heat Pump
• Height adjustable front seatbelts and seatbelt reminder warning
• All-round 3-point seatbelts
• Height adjustable rear headrests
• Front passenger airbag cut-off switch
• Front, front side, rear, and curtain airbags
• Customisable automatic door locking/unlocking
• ISOFIX child seat top tethers and anchor fixings (rear)
• Locking wheel nuts and visible VIN
• Thatcham category 1 security alarm and immobiliser with interior protection
• Smart key with motion sensor

As standard, the new EV6 GT features a White Pearl colourway, with four optional premium paint options to choose from: Runway Red, Midnight Black, Wolf Grey and Yacht Matt Blue. These are available for an additional £675 including VAT, apart from Yacht Matt Blue which is offered for £1,500 including VAT.

The EV6 GT is covered by Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, with battery pack and motors covered for eight years. Service intervals for the new model are every 24 months/20,000 miles. Order books for the new model are available from today, 18 June 2025, with first customer deliveries also due to commence in the coming days.

Saturday 12 April, 2025 The number of vehicles on British roads reached its highest ever level in 2024, rising by 1.4% to 41,964,268, according to new Motorparc data published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The number of cars in use also reached new highs, growing by 1.3% or 470,556 units to 36,165,401, marking the third consecutive year of growth and the second-biggest volume gain since 2016.¹ The increase reflects growth in the new car market, which in 2024 saw 1.953 million new cars registered, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) making up 19.6% of the market.

Van use also grew to record levels, up 1.8% to 5,102,180 units, with more than one million of these workhorses added to roads since 2015.² Heavy goods vehicle volumes remained almost unchanged, down just -0.1% or 364 units, at 625,509 units. Bus and coach volumes fell by just -0.1% to 71,718 units, although this means that the UK public transport fleet is now the smallest since records began.

Britain’s vehicle parc continues to decarbonise, with a 34.6% increase in plug-in vehicles (BEV and plug-in hybrid) – now accounting for one in 20 (5.1%), or 2,157,360, vehicles in use. Manufacturer discounting has driven up demand for battery electric cars which saw them remain the fastest growing sector of the parc, breaking the million motor milestone as volumes soared by 38.9% to 1,334,246 units. As a result, BEVs comprise 3.7% of cars in use, up a full percentage point on 2023.

Conventionally fuelled cars remained the most dominant powertrains, with petrol-powered motors rising by 1.0% to 21.0 million, and an almost unchanged market share of 58.2%, while diesel volumes fell -4.4% to 11.6 million – making up 32.1% of cars in use – and marking the fuel type’s fifth straight year of decline.

The proliferation of newer lower and zero emission technologies across the parc led to a reduction in average car CO₂, which dropped by -1.6%. This was fuelled by a significant fall in company car emissions, down -5.6% thanks to fiscal fleet incentives and manufacturer investment into an ever-expanding range of electrified model choices to appeal to every motorist. Private car CO₂ also dipped, falling marginally by -1.0%, demonstrating a need for consumer fiscal incentives to deliver rapid decarbonisation.

Lower uptake in the new car market means motorists are holding onto their cars for longer, with the average age of a car on the road now 9.5 years old, up from 9.3 years in 2023 and much older than the eight year-old average of 2019. More than two-fifths (43.4%) of the total parc has now been in use for more than a decade, predating the introduction of lower-emission Euro 6 technology which has done much to improve air quality.

The commercial vehicle parc is also decarbonising, with buses leading the way with an 81.8% increase in zero emission units on last year to 3,494 – accounting for almost one in 20 (4.9%) buses in use. Vans, which support businesses across the country, are also increasingly going zero-emission, with battery electric van volumes increasing by 31.6% to 80,476 units – or 1.6% of the parc. Electric truck use also rose, but overall they account for fewer than 0.1% of the fleet.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Britain’s vehicle parc is growing, providing essential mobility for the nation while reducing its environmental impact. However, there is scope to push environmental improvements much faster as motorists are holding onto their cars for longer, some one and half years longer on average, than only five years ago. Drivers need more incentives and greater confidence in infrastructure investment if we are to replace the high volumes of older high-emission cars with zero-emission alternatives. Success will keep the country on the move while driving up economic growth from every business dependent on road transport.”

Did you know?

1. Superminis remain the most popular car type in use, closely followed by lower medium models. These segments account for almost three out of five cars (59.2%) on the road, making up 11,893,199 and 9,524,299 units respectively.
2. Germany was the largest source of cars on UK roads, accounting for 29.5%, with the UK (14.1%) the second and Spain (10.3%) the third. China is now the 12th largest source of cars.
3. Black remains the most popular car colour of choice, accounting for more than one in five vehicles in use today (20.2%). 
4. Automatic transmissions continue to rise as more electric vehicles reach the road, up 9.5%, while manual transmissions have fallen -2.6%.
5. For Wicked musical fans, 660,245 green and 24,863 pink cars were in use on UK roads last year.
6. While red might seem the archetypal colour for buses, white coloured buses are actually the most popular – with 19,797 in use, equal to 27.8% of the fleet.
7. London and the South East are home to the most cars (8,993,282), followed by the North West (4,007,590) and the South West (3,609,861).
8. London and the South East is the region with the most registered EVs in use (456,289).
9. Of all cars in use, 35.1% are registered to women and 51.1% to men,with a 4.0% increase in women owners over the last five years.3
10. Almost six in 10 EVs are registered to companies, compared with companies accounting for just 10.0% of the overall car parc.
11. The five most popular cars on UK roads in 2024 accounted for over 5,220,195 million in use – these are the Ford Fiesta at 1,465,402, Vauxhall Corsa at 1,035,440, Ford Focus at 1,004,153, Volkswagen Golf at 997,788 and Volkswagen Polo at 997,788.
12. Unsurprisingly, white coloured vans remain the most popular at 2,745,635 units, but for those looking for a Scooby Doo ‘mystery machine’, there are 372,993 blue vans in use.

Today, Tuesday 01 April, Kia UK has launched its latest array of customer offers across its model line-up to help people get into a new car.

Each of Kia’s fully electric models are available with 3.9% APR finance options, and they also benefit from a 1 Year Free Kia Charge Plus subscription. For existing Kia finance customers looking to renew and make the switch into a new fully electric EV3, new EV6, EV9 or Niro EV, there’s the added benefit of a further £1,000 saving.

Kia’s Q2 2025 offers run from 01 April until 30 June 2025, and are available across the Kia UK dealer network and online¹.

3.9% APR on Kia fully electric cars – EV3, new EV6, EV9 and Niro EV
Looking to make the switch to electric power? The Kia EV3, new EV6, EV9 and Niro EV can each now be bought with a 3.9% APR finance offer and with no minimum customer deposit.

A generous £2,000 Finance Deposit Contribution (FDC) is further available for the new EV6 and £1,500 for the Niro EV². This includes all grades of the new EV6, which ushers in key enhancements to Kia’s multi award-winning fully electric car that was first launched in 2021.

The Kia EV9 – ‘2024 World Car of the Year’ and ‘2024 UK Car of the Year’ – is available in three distinctive grades, offering seating for up to seven people as standard.

The ‘2025 UK Car of the Year’, the Kia EV3, is the latest and most affordable compact electric SUV from the brand, with prices starting from £33,005 on-the-road and featuring a range of up to 375 miles (WLTP Combined).

Kia EV Finance Upgrade
Already have a Kia, but want to go electric? Existing Kia Finance customers of any Kia model can save £1,000 with the ‘Kia EV Finance Upgrade’ when switching to one of Kia’s award-winning fully electric cars – EV3, new EV6, EV9, or Niro EV³.

EV6 Loyalty Saving
For customers who trade in their current Kia EV6 there’s an additional £1,000 loyalty saving available off the price of a new Kia EV6⁴. This exciting model is the winner of numerous awards and has only been made better by recent improvements, including a new larger 84kWh battery (previously 77kWh) offering up to 361 miles of range (WLTP combined cycle) from a single charge. The new EV6 retains the same 800V electrical system, ensuring less time spent at the charge point with 10-80% battery in 18 minutes, or up to 214 miles in 15 minutes spent at the fastest 350kW ultra-rapid chargers. The EV6 Loyalty Saving offer is available in addition to the Kia EV Finance Upgrade offer.

1 Year Free Kia Charge Plus
Kia’s fully electric models, the EV3, new EV6, EV9, and Niro EV each benefit from a 1 Year Free Kia Charge Plus subscription¹. Voucher codes will be provided directly to new customers of these fully electric models shortly after the registration of their vehicle.

Exclusive to Kia customers, Kia Charge is designed to simplify public EV charging and offers seamless access to more than 875,000 connectors across the UK and Europe. Kia Charge Plus provides a 15% discount versus the standard Kia Charge Easy tariff across most networks, excluding bp pulse, Pod Point and Ionity. Kia Charge Plus also waives the session fee, making electric motoring even more attractive.

5.9% APR on Kia Sportage and select SUVs
The UK’s best-selling SUV, the Kia Sportage is available with 5.9% APR finance offers, including petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Customers looking to get behind the wheel of Kia’s popular compact SUV models can now benefit from a new 5.9% APR finance offer⁵. The offer includes the Stonic, XCeed, and Niro HEV. Each of these cars further benefit from substantial FDCs for customers choosing a 3 Year PCP offer: Stonic £1,250 FDC; XCeed £2,000 FDC, and Niro HEV £2,000 FDC. 

7.9% APR on Kia’s best-selling cars
Customers looking to get into a Picanto, Ceed, Ceed Sportswagon, ProCeed, Niro PHEV or Sorento, can get 7.9% APR on select finance offers⁶.

Enhanced Finance Deposit Contributions¹
Kia’s generous FDCs ensure the latest offers are made even more appealing for both new and returning customers. Savings include: £2,000 towards a deposit of the new EV6, Niro HEV or XCeed; or £1,500 for the fully electric Niro EV. £1,250 towards a Stonic, while £1,000 counts towards a Sportage (petrol or HEV), Ceed, Ceed Sportswagon or ProCeed. Finally, £500 goes toward a Picanto, Niro PHEV, Sportage PHEV, or Sorento.

That’s possible with an EV charged by Ohme, the UK’s largest and fastest growing home EV charging company, if a driver switches to a dynamic home electricity tariff.

With Starbucks’ most popular coffee, a Caramel Macchiato, costing £4.10, that would enable an EV driver to drive 234 miles with Ohme on a home electricity tariff such as Intelligent Octopus Go at 7p/kWh. From 1 April 2025, the new Standard Variable Tariff of electricity will be 27p/kWh.

“This forthcoming electricity price rise underlines how important it is for EV drivers to charge their cars at home on a dynamic smart tariff to access the greatest savings,” said Ohme CEO David Watson. “Ohme is the only home EV charging company whose products have been compatible with every UK energy tariff since launch, giving EV drivers the maximum amount of choice available at the lowest cost.”

The unique charging software and technology in Ohme’s chargers can connect with the national grid in real time and automatically adjust its charging for drivers to take advantage of all the times of low price charging with the latest generation of smart tariffs.

The cost of the UK annual average of 6800 miles would set a driver back £119 – less than £10 a month – whereas at the new electricity rate that would be £459. Fully-charging a Volkswagen ID.3 with a 77kWh battery from 0% with an Ohme smart charger on a dynamic tariff could cost just £5.39 for its 344 mile WLTP claimed range.

Ohme has also just introduced the new MultiCar function to its app enabling drivers with more than one EV in their household to easily switch between them when choosing which car to charge. The MultiCar function means that Ohme users can easily differentiate between personal and company cars, with their associated charging costs included for each vehicle – a crucial element if required to claim the costs of any home charging for expenses.

Ohme is the official charger provider for Mercedes-Benz, Volvo Cars and the Volkswagen Group in the UK and Ireland as well as Smart and Hyundai in the UK, it is also the official exclusive charger provider for customers on the Motability scheme, the largest fleet operator in the UK. Ohme has also just won two awards for the ePod and for best tariff integration in the 2024 What Wallcharger? Awards.

For more information go to: www.ohme-ev.com

Five-time Olympian Tom Daley swapped gold, silver and bronze for pop yellow and green this week, when he headlined the launch of the multi award-winning Renault 5 in the heart of London, with fellow guests including broadcasters Greg James and Jonny Smith and Master Chef: The Professionals finalist chef Matt Ryle.

Before retiring from competition last year, Daley became one of Team GB’s most recognised athletes, making his Olympic debut on the diving blocks aged just 14 in 2008, and going on to win a wholly appropriate five Olympic medals plus 11 World, Commonwealth and European Championship medals. Today he’s a leading voice for the LGBTQ+ community, a broadcaster within sport and entertainment, an author, and creator of the brand, Made With Love.

Soon to be proudly driving a Renault 5, Daley was delighted to enjoy his first experience in the car, which has earned plaudits for its stunning design, in-car tech and for making electric motoring truly desirable.  Revelling in seeing the car for the first time, ahead of taking delivery of his own later this year, Daley even made use of its baguette holder to deliver a crucial ingredient for the evening’s menu.

Daley said: “At the pool I did all I could to avoid making a splash – but in the Renault 5 you can’t help it! The car felt so special, from its design on the outside to the tech inside, and it was such a joy watching all the heads turning and the smiles beaming at the pop yellow paintwork as I rode through London. But the best bit has to be the baguette holder – what could be more French than that? I love the car’s sense of fun!”

The event menu was created by chef Matt Ryle, who found fame through his loving cookery of classic French dishes, on television and at Maison François, a brasserie and wine bar in the heart of St James’s, and newly opened Café François, which overlooks Borough Market. He created five special Renault 5-inspired canapes for guests, nodding at everything from the car’s quintessentially French style to its historical victory on the Monte Carlo Rally, all served with Renault 5-themed drinks, featuring yellow and green ingredients.

Ryle, who will shortly take delivery of an R5, said: “There’s no question the Renault 5 has the winning recipe; it’s beautiful to look at, and packed with cutting-edge technology. But above all it’s also great fun – I loved the pop yellow colour, and as a chef who loves the very best of France I couldn’t stop smiling at all the little French flourishes, from the cockerel motifs to the French flags – and of course that baguette holder. It gives the car such a wonderful character.”

Daley was interviewed at the VIP event by broadcasters Greg James and Jonny Smith, both of whom started driving Renault 5s earlier this month, underlining their double-act status by both opting for yellow cars with the two-tone black roofs. Late last year the pair reviewed the Renault 5 in Nice for the international first drive and fell in love with its marriage of practicality, keen price-point and refreshingly unique styling.

James said: “Just looking at the Renault 5 makes me happy. I’ve had an obsession with Renaults since I was a kid and as soon as I heard about the reboot, I knew I was going to get one. It’s a brilliant celebration of all things French and unlike so many new cars, they’ve remembered why people fall in love with them. Yes, they have to be a good and fit into your life, but crucially they also have to be fun. Ever since I saw the press release saying the R5 came with an optional baguette holder, I put my name down for one and it’s been worth the wait. It’s as good to drive as it is to look at.”

Smith added: “Greg and I met through a mutual broad appreciation for cars – from retro stuff to new EVs. He grew up around Renaults – his first car was a Clio – and so he was hammering me with messages after seeing my first-look video on the R5. We’ve since driven it at length in France (whilst spotting classic Renaults in rural French back streets) and spent more time than is healthy discussing perfect specs. For us Renault seems to have captured the true spirit of the original car, and made an EV aesthetically charismatic and dynamic to drive, together with a decent-sized boot and enviable price tag. On the road it gets more attention than most supercars. That speaks volumes.”

Other VIP guests at the event included TV presenter Danni Menzies,  automotive influencer, Maximillian Chester, lifestyle, fashion and luxury influencer Victor Reis, food, cookery author and blogger Claire Dinhut and electric car advocate and presenter Nicola Hume.

The Maison 5 pop-up is running at Future Stores, an innovative immersive retail space in Oxford Street, from 22^nd-30^th March. The event offers customers the chance to experience for themselves how the multi-award winning Car of the Year makes electric cars not just affordable, but fun and desirable, too. At select times during the week presenters Jack Scarlett (Fully Charged Show, Electroheads) and Nicola Hume (Red Bull Racing’s ‘Talking Bull’ podcast, Electrifying) will engage with the public to answer questions and showcase the all-electric Renault 5

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric harks back to its glorious past while building on the enduring love-affair it shared with many. The epitome of modernity, it blends agile handling with new technology – from Reno, the helpful avatar ready to partner you on every journey, to the built-in Google services. Priced from £22,995, it offers a range of up to 252 miles on a single charge, and can recharge to 80% in only 30 minutes.

For more information on the Renault 5 E-Tech electric, please visit https://www.renault.co.uk/electric-vehicles/r5-e-tech-electric.html

• Third generation of pioneering British-built LEAF EV will appeal thanks to sleek design
• Nissan’s updated e-POWER will offer improved refinement, efficiency and emissions
• Designed in London – all-new Micra set for launch as compact electric vehicle
• Third generation JUKE to follow in FY26 as a pure EV 

(LONDON, UK) March 26 2025 – Nissan’s ongoing electrified product offensive will be powered up with the launch of two all-new electric vehicles in 2025 – and a third coming soon – as well as an update to one of its most innovative and popular technologies.

Workers at Britain’s biggest car plant in Sunderland are preparing to start production of an all-new third generation version of Nissan’s pioneering LEAF electric vehicle, with first cars rolling off the production line later this year.

In addition, the 6,000-strong team will build upgraded versions of the Qashqai – one of the UK’s best-selling cars – thanks to new e-POWER technology that enhances refinement and efficiency.

And the next generation Juke – available for the first time as an EV – will arrive in FY26.

As if all that wasn’t enough, Nissan will also launch an all-new fully electric Micra in 2025, designed by the team at Nissan Design Europe, based in Paddington, London.

Return of Micra as an EV
First to launch in 2025 will be the all-new Micra. It will remain true to the DNA of its predecessors with a compelling mix of audacious style and simplicity in a compact package.  

The new Micra was designed at Nissan Design Europe in London, using AmpR Small platform shared with Renault’s R5. It will be available with two battery options: 40 and 52kWh, providing a maximum range of over 248 miles. Sales of the new Micra will begin before the end of the year. It will be built at Ampere ElectriCity plant in Douai, France 

Third generation of Leaf EV to follow
The second new vehicle to be launched in Europe in 2025 also represents the return of a historic nameplate, LEAF – a badge forever associated with the pioneering EV which started the mass-market electric vehicle revolution when it was introduced in 2010. 
The third generation of LEAF will attract buyers thanks to its eye-catching aerodynamic shape. It has been developed on Nissan’s CMF-EV platform, architecture it shares with its larger sibling, the Ariya.  

The European version of the new LEAF will be manufactured at Nissan’s state-of-the-art production facility in Sunderland, in the north-east of England. It forms part of Nissan’s EV36Zero project– a blueprint that will transform Sunderland Plant into a flagship EV hub, bringing together electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery production.

Nissan’s updated e-POWER will offer more refinement and efficiency
Having reinvented the hybrid powertrain when it was launched in 2022, Nissan’s unique e-POWER technology will also benefit from an upgrade this year. Following the Japanese principle of Kaizen – continuous improvement – the changes to the e-POWER system on Qashqai will deliver improvements to its emissions, efficiency and refinement, bringing the driving experience even closer to that of a full EV. Nearly 250,000 e-POWER equipped vehicles have been sold in Europe since its introduction. 

Third generation JUKE to follow in FY26 as pure EV  
Beyond 2025, Nissan’s engineers continue to develop the third generation of its JUKE compact crossover, which is scheduled for launch in FY2026 as an EV, based on the Hyper Punk concept car which was presented in October 2023 at the Japan Mobility Show. 

Speaking about all the product updates in the coming years, Leon Dorssers, Regional Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle-East, India, Europe & Oceania) region, said: “The renewal of Nissan’s European line-up is the realisation of our bold plan to electrify our range in Europe. All the new models will share common Nissan DNA: striking design, technical innovation and intuitive technology – a combination of qualities which we are confident will attract new buyers to Nissan, as well as continuing to appeal to existing customers who already love how Nissan vehicles enrich their daily lives.”

David Moss, Senior Vice President, Region Research & Development, AMIEO, said: “As well as welcoming the return of the Micra as an EV and the third generation of our revolutionary LEAF, we’ve made significant steps with one of our most popular technologies. Having reinvented the hybrid with introduction of e-POWER by making it quieter and more responsive than a traditional hybrid, the forthcoming updates to e-POWER will make it even more efficient, more refined and closer overall to a pure EV-driving experience. It will remain the powertrain of choice for buyers who love the feel of driving electric, but don’t want to recharge.” 

The announcement of new electrified models for Europe is part of a wider product update, with strategic new global model launches announced today across Japan, the US, China, Latin America Middle-East, India, Africa and Oceania. 

Automotive data experts Solera cap hpi’s figures show that in January 2015, the average EV travelled 6,355 miles per year, 2,288 miles less than an average petrol car. A decade later, in January 2025, the average annual mileage of an EV has increased to 8,740 miles per year, 444 miles more than the petrol average. 

The data reveals that since April 2023, when the average EV annual mileage total was 7,895 miles – 358 more than petrol cars, the number of EV miles has been more than for petrol cars every month since.

Solera cap hpi partly attributes the reason for the increase in EV mileage over petrol vehicles to the rapidly improving technology in EVs and less range anxiety amongst drivers, boosted by the accessibility of more public and domestic charge points in recent years. There is also some impact from the vastly improved choice of electric models, which was originally limited to smaller cars.

The data also points to several reasons for the falling mileage figures of petrol cars. The pandemic exacerbated the long-term downward trend in mileage, with average annual mileage falling 12% over the last ten years. Changes in work patterns, including increased remote working, have reduced the need for daily commutes. Improved public transport options and a growing awareness of environmental concerns have led to big shifts in travel habits, and the rise of online shopping and digital services has also decreased the necessity for frequent car trips, contributing to the overall reduction in miles driven.

Dylan Setterfield, head of forecast strategy at Solera cap hpi, comments: “Our data reveals that people in the UK are driving increasingly fewer miles now than they were 10 years ago. It also shows that EV motorists now travel further in their cars than drivers of petrol cars and have been doing so consistently for almost two years. By generating average mileage data such as this for the whole of the UK, Solera cap hpi is helping motorists to get the full picture of how car use is changing in line with advancing technology, rising fuel costs, growing environmental awareness and how we have generally become less reliant on cars. The data indicates that the changes in driving habits are likely to be long-lasting, reflecting that people’s day-to-day lives now involve less driving than they used to.

“Comprehensive and reliable automotive insights stem from our strategic industry collaborations. By fostering partnerships across the automotive sector, we’ve secured access to an expansive and precise information network. This investment in relationships enables us to deliver accurate, trustworthy data, empowering motorists with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their vehicles and driving habits.”

Renault is making switching to an electrified car more accessible than many drivers may think thanks to its limited time Award-winning E-Tech Event, which takes place at the brand’s nationwide retailers until 3^rd March.

During the promotion, which comes just in time for anyone considering a new 25-plate car, the Award-winning E-Tech Event sees customers benefit from up to £1,000 on top of selected Renault E-Tech electric, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid retail car offers.

The event builds on the success and popularity of the French manufacturer’s ever-growing electrified E-Tech line-up. Against 2023, its UK sales of pure-electric vehicles were up 77% and those of hybrids grew by 29%.

Models featured in the limited-time promotion have been haloed by the motoring press, with several contributing to Renault averaging over one industry award a week in 2024.

Whether customers are making the jump to a full electric car or are making the transition via a hybrid, the Award-winning E-Tech Event has a car for them.

During the event, deposit contributions for Clio, Captur and Symbioz E-Tech hybrid models increase by £400 on top of existing PCP finance offer contributions (of up to £2,400 for Clio E-Tech hybrid, to £2,150 for Captur E-Tech hybrid, and £2,650 for Symbioz (7.9% APR representative, 6,000 miles, 48 months).

Arkana, Austral and Rafale E-Tech models gain an extra £1,000 on top of existing PCP offers during the event, boosting already generous finance contributions on the trio of hybrid models of up to £3,250 for Arkana (5.9% APR representative), up to £3,500 for Austral (5.9% APR representative) and up to £5,000 for Rafale (5.9% APR representative for HEV, 2.9% APR representative for PHEV).

There’s also the opportunity to save on the new flagship of the Renault range – the Rafale E-Tech PHEV with 300hp and all-wheel-drive. It is now available with a reduced interest rate of 2.9% APR representative (lowered from 5.9% APR representative) ⁽⁵⁾, and, during the event only, a deposit contribution of up to £5,000.

The 100% electric Megane and Scenic E-Tech ranges also receive an extra £1,000 on top of the existing PCP finance contributions of up to £3,000. This means customers could be driving a 25-reg Renault Scenic techno E-Tech 170hp comfort range for £299 per month¹ via a 2.9% APR representative deal over 48 months with a £5,369 customer deposit.

Megane E-Tech electric buyers can choose an exclusive 0% APR representative PCP finance offer over four years with no minimum deposit required. This makes a 25-plate Megane E-Tech electric evolution comfort range available for £279 per month² with a total Renault deposit of £2,500 and customer deposit of £5,632, or £388 per month³ with a customer deposit of £388.

To qualify for the additional deposit contribution, orders must be placed between 14^th February and 3^rd March, with vehicles registered by 31^st March.

For more information about Renault E-Tech hybrid and electric models, please visit: https://renault.co.uk

Kia Corporation today unveiled the exterior design of its PV5 Passenger and PV5 Cargo models ahead of the brand’s second Kia EV Day, which will be held in Tarragona, Spain.

Previewed by the Concept PV5 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2024, the mid-sized PV5, is the first model to make its debut under Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) global business strategy.

Designed to redefine the concepts of space and mobility, the PV5 will leverage Kia’s world-leading EV technology and fulfil the diverse needs of a broad customer base by providing unprecedented flexibility and customisation through innovative modularity.

Kia will offer the PV5 in several configurations, including the base models: the ‘Passenger Van’ designed for passenger convenience, and the ‘Cargo Van’ optimised for freight transport. Additionally, derivative models and converted (specialised) variants will be revealed at the 2025 Kia EV Day.

The Kia PV5’s contemporary design transcends traditional light commercial vehicles, featuring a fresh aesthetic that emphasises flexibility and customisation through a modular approach.

“While the PV5 is offered in three different body styles to provide innovative solutions for a diverse range of customer needs, they all embody the same consistent design values inspired by Kia’s design philosophy, Opposites United,” said Karim Habib, Head of Kia Global Design. “Each model confidently expresses a solid, bold, futuristic character and a highly capable attitude.”

What are the Kia PV5’s design philosophy and key exterior features?
When viewed from the front, the Kia PV5 Passenger Van and PV5 Cargo Van models offer a similar appearance. Each variant is defined by a bold and futuristic character, projected by a clean upper area.

Signature technical lighting integrates with the vehicle’s A-pillar, while the overall design exemplifies Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy, which combines a sleek upper body with a robust, technical lower section.

The PV5’s black geometric wheel arch claddings and rocker panels give the vehicle an ultra-capable, almost off-road-like appearance, while PV5’s clean profile demonstrates how Kia’s PBV technology redefines space and mobility. The corners of the sturdy lower bumper are interchangeable, serving both aesthetic and protective functions.

Kia PV5 Passenger Van Design
The PV5 Passenger’s refined geometric profile accentuates its contemporary look and delivers excellent visibility thanks to the large window area, made possible by a low beltline. The model’s window area is framed by striking black graphic glass surrounds that contrast with the PV5’s body colour.

Robust black geometric wheel arch claddings and rocker panels give continuity with Kia’s SUV lineup and suggest an off-road character, confidently linking the high-tech upper cabin with the more rugged and purposeful lower body.

The bold signature lighting and sleek black accents on the main headlight units elevate the PV5’s modern appeal, while the parting line in profile enhances the geometric silhouette and contributes to a tough aesthetic.

The rear of the PV5 Passenger highlights the PBV’s robust, modern character and projects a functional, logical nature. The elegantly chamfered D-pillar line extends to the rear, enhancing the vehicle’s sense of volume.

The PV5 also features a single lift-up tailgate door, set above a strong bumper that mirrors the protective corners at the front. The body colour stretches from the side to the rear, amplifying a horizontal stance and creating unified visual continuity of design.

Kia PV5 Cargo Van Design
While the PV5 Cargo shares the same geometric design as the PV5 Passenger, it features a boxier profile that reflects its enhanced space efficiency. Clean, modern aesthetics with a clear sense of order to each element elevate the PV5 Cargo’s design over traditional light commercial vehicles.

A key difference lies in the Cargo’s twin side-opening tailgate doors, which provide optimal practicality and easy access for loading and unloading, allowing users to customize their experience to meet their specific needs.

The rear design complements the sleek side lines, providing a solid and modern look. This approach boosts load capacity and creates a more spacious, open feel.

Looking Ahead: 2025 Kia EV Day
Kia will host its 2025 Kia EV Day in Tarragona, Spain, on 24 February, during which Kia will unveil the PV5’s product offerings, including derivative models and various conversion options, in conjunction with its strategic plans for the PBV business. Detailed design and product features of the PV5 will be officially revealed on 27 February, and an event video will be released on the Kia Worldwide YouTube channel in March.