EV9 to EV5: Kia's Thai Electric Offensive Unveiled
Kia's Thai EV Strategy Model Launches Kia's ambitious plan to build a 250,000-unit/year EV factory in Thailand faces uncertainty amid failed incentive talks with the government, while simultaneously launching premium EVs like the $143K EV9 SUV. The Korean automaker navigates fierce Chinese competition in Southeast Asia's second-largest auto market. Model Offensive EV9 & EV5 Launches Kia launched its flagship EV9 SUV in March 2024 with two variants: EV9 Pricing & Specs Earth Long Range: ฿3.499M ($95K) | 680km range GT-Line AWD: ฿3.899M ($106K) | 5.3s 0-100km/h The EV5 mid-size SUV followed in April 2024 with four trims priced from ฿1.249M ($34K) to ฿1.749M ($48K), offering 530-650km ranges[3]. Early adopters receive 7-year warranties and free home charger installations[6]. Government Incentives & Market Dynamics Thailand's EV3.5 package (2024-2027) offers: Up to ฿100K ($2.8K) subsidies for EVs under ฿2M 40% import duty reduction for CBU...