Kia has committed to having a fully electric model range in Europe by 2035 and in key global markets by 2040, supporting its carbon-neutral plans.

Globally, Kia has committed to achieving carbon neutrality through its value chain by 2045

The announcement was made today (11 November) at its ‘Kia Sustainability Movement’ virtual presentation as the brand unveiled its roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045; the same target as Hyundai.

Kia’s vision is to become a ‘Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider’ and, as with Hyundai, its carbon neutrality plans are based on three key pillars – in Kia’s case, dubbed ‘Sustainable Mobility’, ‘Sustainable Planet’ and ‘Sustainable Energy’.

These will help the brand reduce carbon emissions in all operational factors; from supply, logistics, vehicle production and vehicle use through to disposal of waste.

By 2045, Kia plans to reduce 97% of the company’s 2019 level of carbon emissions. The company will reach carbon neutrality by implementing additional measures to fully offset its remaining carbon emissions.

“For us, it is not only about setting goals and reaching targets. It is about setting a vision that will inspire others to join the movement to benefit humanity and protect the environment,” said Hosung Song, president and CEO of Kia. “In line with our vision of becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider, we commit to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.”

Achieving full electrification in major markets by 2040 is a significant part of this. As daily use of vehicles accounts for the single largest portion of carbon emissions generated by any mass vehicle manufacturer, Kia is particularly prioritising the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to a full zero-emission line-up.

As such, it will further accelerate implementation of its mid- to long-term Plan S strategy revealed two years ago and its plans now include both next-generation battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) – the brand will launch its first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2028 to complement its BEV line-up.

This follows Hyundai Motor Group’s ‘Hydrogen Vision 2040’ announcement in September, when the group revealed its plan to also use hydrogen fuel cell technology to achieve carbon neutrality.

At today’s event, Kia also previewed the fully electric Concept EV9 SUV ahead of its AutoMobility LA reveal. Based on the same Hyundai Motor Group Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) architecture as the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, it hints at the next model in Kia’s dedicated BEV line-up. It also showcases the brand’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions and uses upcycled materials developed from ocean waste.

Kia will also transition all its company fleet vehicles to BEVs or FCEVs by 2030.

It has also committed to working with its suppliers to reduce carbon emissions from the parts supply stage.

And it also announced a new project to proactively make a tangible contribution to preserving the environment, by boosting the amount of ‘blue carbon’ – carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems – instead of just reducing emissions.

The brand is also partnering with non-profit organisation ‘The Ocean Cleanup’ to help rid the world’s oceans of plastic, and is planning to implement plastic recycling processes during the vehicle disposal stage.