The KIA EV5 will soon undergo a significant upgrade.

KIA is preparing to refresh the Chinese-made EV5, which was launched before the version sold in Europe. The technical changes introduced with this update have been revealed through a series of registration documents in Australia, the market where the Chinese variant is sold.

Firstly, the front-wheel-drive version will become more powerful, rising from 218 HP (160 kW) to 238 HP (175 kW). The all-wheel-drive variant will see its power increase from 313 HP (230 kW) to 339 HP (249 kW). The batteries will remain unchanged, continuing to be of the LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) type with capacities of 64.2 and 88.1 kWh respectively. As readers familiar with the model may already know, the European version is different.

The models destined for the Old Continent, manufactured in South Korea, come equipped with an NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) battery pack of 81.4 kWh, which grants the vehicle a maximum range of 530 km according to WLTP standards. This battery is paired with two propulsion systems: one featuring front-wheel drive with 218 HP (160 kW) and another offering all-wheel drive with 265 HP (195 kW) or 306 HP (225 kW) if the high-performance GT version is chosen.

The EV5 will also undergo some aesthetic changes, with new bumpers serving as the main distinguishing feature from its predecessor. Additionally, the interior will benefit from updates, including a screen that extends to the passenger side and a completely redesigned center console.

An 800-volt architecture for the KIA EV5?

Some media reports suggest that the KIA EV5 might adopt a new electrical architecture as well, since the E-GMP platform it is built on comes in both 400-volt and 800-volt versions. Currently, the 400-volt EV5 can be charged at a maximum power of 150 kW in direct current. There is no confirmation yet on whether the SUV will switch to an 800-volt system, but if it does, its peak power should increase and charging times should decrease.

Although the batteries in the Chinese version won’t match those in the European model, aesthetic changes should be present in both; moreover, we shouldn’t rule out the possibility that units destined for our market may also see an increase in engine power. In any case, the mid-life restyling of the EV5 will still have to wait a while.

It’s most likely that if KIA ultimately decides to equip the EV5 with an 800-volt architecture, this modification will eventually reach its smaller siblings, the EV3 and EV4, which share the same mechanical components. The smallest model, the EV2, which is based on a different version of the E-GMP platform, is unlikely to undergo any changes in the short term.

Source | ecomento