"EV4 over Seltos"... Kia Saves 2 Trillion Won in Social Costs

Expanding Electric Vehicle Lineup to 15 Models by 2030

Kia sold 190,000 electric vehicles last year, resulting in a reduction of emissions that saved nearly 2 trillion won in social costs. Kia plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup to 15 models by 2030 to further reduce carbon emissions.

In its recently published '2025 Sustainability Management Report,' Kia disclosed for the first time a comparison of carbon emissions based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) between electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles. The comparison focused on Kia's first electrified sedan, the EV4, released in March, and the internal combustion engine Seltos.

The EV4, equipped with E-GMP and a fourth-generation battery, is a core model for the mass adoption of electrification, offering the longest driving range among Hyundai Motor Group's electric vehicles at 533 km on a single charge. The Seltos, meanwhile, is a popular model with cumulative sales reaching 23,815 units as of May this year.

The EV4 emits zero direct carbon emissions during driving, whereas the comparable internal combustion engine Seltos emits 28.48 tons (CO2 equivalent). Kia evaluated that each EV4 reduces carbon emissions by 28.48 tons compared to its counterpart.

Kia sold a total of 194,124 electric vehicles last year, which translates to a reduction of 5,528,652 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. According to the International Value Impact Foundation, the social cost of carbon (SCC) per ton of greenhouse gas is approximately $236. Based on Kia's reduction in carbon emissions from its electric vehicle sales, this equates to a savings of about 1.9179 trillion won in social costs.

Notably, the EV4 achieved a 27% reduction in carbon emissions compared to similar internal combustion engine vehicles based on LCA. The EV4's LCA carbon emissions amount to 35.4 tons (based on 200,000 km driven), while the Seltos emits 48.7 tons.

A Kia representative stated, "Although the EV4 is equipped with a high-voltage battery, resulting in relatively higher carbon emissions during the raw material extraction phase compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, there are no direct carbon emissions during driving. Carbon emissions generated during electricity production are gradually decreasing, so the total carbon emissions of electric vehicles will be significantly reduced compared to internal combustion engine vehicles."

Additionally, Kia announced that it applied 4% (approximately 10.7 kg) of recycled plastic to its compact SUV, the EV3, resulting in a reduction of social costs by about 108.7 billion won.

Meanwhile, in line with its electrification plan to operate a lineup of 15 electric vehicle models by 2030, Kia is set to launch various new electric vehicles starting in the second half of this year. Following the launch of the mid-size SUV EV5 in August, the compact SUV EV2 (a Europe-exclusive urban electric vehicle) will be unveiled in February next year. Kia plans to expand its lineup to six models, including the EV6, EV9, EV3, and EV4.