Kia is developing an electric, car-based pickup to go alongside the forthcoming Tasman, if video of the vehicle testing in California is anything to go by.

Spy photographer KindelAuto captured footage of the electric pickup undergoing testing in California, posting it on YouTube (which you can see below). Despite the disguise, it’s clear that the design has been influenced by both the large KIA EV9 electric SUV and the US-market Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup.

Unlike the frame-based diesel-powered Tasman, which targets the likes of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, this yet-unnamed electric pickup is expected to use a monocoque platform to go head-to-head with car-based pickups like the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. The blend of useful payload and towing capabilities with car-like comfort and economy appeals to many who find traditional pickups too large — full-size pickups such as the Ford F-150 and RAM 1500 dominate the US market — or those who want to move from an SUV to something more practical.

Kia electric pickup caught testing

While the exact underpinnings are still undetermined, Kia has several suitable platforms in its lineup, including the E-GMP platform that sits beneath vehicles as diverse as the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Genesis GV60.

The electric Kia pickup is anticipated to feature dual motors for all-wheel drive and will likely target a driving range of around 300 miles. This would require a battery of around 100kWh. Coincidentally, Kia instals a 99.8kWh battery pack in its EV9 SUV.

The pickup’s payload and towing capacities will aim to meet or exceed those of existing car-based pickups, which fall short of traditional pickups in the US and the UK. As a benchmark, the Ford Maverick can tow up to 1800 kg and carry up to 680kg in its load box.

Kia electric pickup caught testing
Photo: youtube.com/@KindelAuto

With a new Hyundai Santa Cruz expected to be revealed in 2025, ahead of a 2026 launch, it’s possible that Hyundai might align development with Kia, but we understand that Korean companies are going their separate ways in this segment.

At this early stage, there’s only one thing we can be certain about: there are currently no plans to bring this (or any other compact pickups) to the UK.

Phil Huff
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