Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia to go EV-only in 2035 and become carbon neutral by 2045

Kia has big eco plans that include ditching combustion power completely and, eventually, launching a new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle

Kia EV6 front tracking

Kia has announced that it will only sell electric vehicles globally by 2040 and plans to become completely carbon neutral across its entire supply network and manufacturing infrastructure by 2045.

As part of this strategy – which includes being fully-electrified in Europe by 2035 – Kia has plans to introduce its first ever hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, which could launch within the next decade according to reports and will utilise next-generation fuel-cell technology in development by sister brand Hyundai.

The Hyundai Motor Group has already announced plans for a rapid expansion for the technology, with plans to launch a new hydrogen-powered sports can and a target of becoming the first manufacturer to have a hydrogen fuel cell option in every commercial vehicle sector by 2028. This technology would likely be used to underpin Kia's first hydrogen fuel cell model at a later date.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Kia has seven new electric vehicles planned for launch between now and 2027. The brand recently teased the next step in this strategy with the Concept EV9 – a seven-seat electric SUV prototype which will soon morph into a production model for the American, Chinese and Middle Eastern markets.

Kia also says that all of its production plants will be powered by renewable energy by 2040; the company’s facility in Slovakia has already made the switch to green energy.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

A new recycling process will see further old materials from scrapped cars used in new models. The brand says this will reduce the amount of virgin plastic it consumes. By 2030, Kia aims to increase the amount of recycled plastic it uses to 20 per cent of its total demand. 

The recycling process will also extend to the battery packs in its electric vehicles. The firm is consulting external companies about repurposing the cells into energy storage systems, with the scheme due to go online as early as next year.

Kia has already signed-off several initiatives that it says will help clean up the planet and realise its eco goals. The first project, called “Blue Carbon” will see the company help restore and preserve Korea’s coastal wetlands, promoting the growth of carbon-absorbing seaweed and protecting the marine life that inhabits the area in the process.

The company is also working with the Ocean Cleanup, the non-profit organisation that’s aiming to rid the planet’s seas and waterways of plastic waste. Kia will then use the rubbish collected as a raw material in its vehicle production.

Hosung Song, President and CEO of Kia, said: “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. In line with our vision of becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider, we commit to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.”

Click here to read our review of the new Kia EV6...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Kia's new app turns your phone into a car insurance black box
New Kia EV3 - front cornering

Kia's new app turns your phone into a car insurance black box

Kia’s new app sends data to your insurance provider in order to receive usage-based premiums
News
25 Jun 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV gets a range boost before it’s even arrived
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV gets a range boost before it’s even arrived

Kia’s ID. Buzz rival can potentially go further on a single charge than first thought
News
18 Jun 2025
Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
29 May 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025