Kia has stated that an all-electric version of its highly anticipated Tasman ute is on the horizon.
While the Tasman will debut in Australia with turbo-diesel power in the first half of 2025, an electric variant is slated to arrive by mid-2026, marking Kia’s entry into the rapidly growing electric ute segment.
Electric Tasman: What We Know So Far
The electric Tasman has been a topic of speculation since Kia’s global announcement in 2022 about developing two utes: a dedicated electric pickup truck and a strategic model for emerging markets.
The Tasman, designed with versatility in mind, is poised to serve both categories, with the battery-electric variant reaffirmed as part of Kia’s long-term strategy.
Christo Valentyn, Kia South Africa’s head of marketing, recently hinted at the electric Tasman during a media roundtable, stating,
“I’m probably not supposed to say this, but… an electric one is coming.”
Australia’s Push for Electrified Utes
Australia’s ute market is undergoing significant change, with growing consumer demand for electrified options and the looming 2025 New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).
The NVES will impose penalties on carmakers exceeding fleet emissions targets, prompting brands to offer hybrid and electric alternatives.
Kia Australia’s product planning general manager, Roland Rivero, emphasized the brand’s flexibility in adapting to these regulations.
“We’ll look at [the Tasman’s] product life cycle and determine what we need to do to maintain our sales plan of 20,000 [units annually] or 10 per cent of the market,” he said.
Unlike some manufacturers scrambling to offset emissions from internal combustion engine (ICE) models, Kia is leveraging its existing electric lineup—such as the EV6, EV5, and EV9—to earn credits under the NVES, buying time to develop electrified versions of models like the Tasman.
Competing in a Crowded Market
The Tasman EV will face stiff competition as Australia’s electric ute market expands.
Rivals include the upcoming LDV eTerron 9, Ford’s anticipated electric Ranger, and hybrid or plug-in hybrid options such as the GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4-T, Toyota Tundra Hybrid, and BYD Shark 6.
Kia’s ability to deliver a capable, well-priced electric ute will be critical to its success in this crowded segment.
The electric Tasman is expected to incorporate advanced battery technology, potentially utilizing Kia’s cutting-edge E-GMP platform, which powers other EVs in its lineup.
Launch Timeline and Pricing
The diesel-powered Tasman will arrive first, hitting Australian roads in early 2025. The electric version is expected to follow a year later, by mid-2026.
While pricing details for the electric Tasman remain under wraps, it will likely be positioned competitively against other electrified utes in the market, such as the LDV eTerron, which starts around $92,000.
Why the Electric Tasman Matters
The introduction of an electric Tasman aligns with Kia’s global push towards sustainability and electrification.
As one of Australia’s most anticipated vehicles, the Tasman EV could reshape consumer expectations for utes, blending practicality with zero-emissions capability.
Kia’s focus on offering a robust EV lineup underscores its commitment to leading Australia’s transition to electric vehicles.
“Our upcoming EV3 and EV5 models will help carry the load initially,” said Mr. Rivero, highlighting Kia’s broader electrification strategy.
Let's Look Ahead
The Kia Tasman electric ute is more than just a vehicle—it represents the future of Australia’s evolving automotive landscape.
As consumer demand for greener, more efficient vehicles grows, the Tasman EV could emerge as a key player in the nation’s shift to sustainable transportation.
With its launch less than two years away, all eyes are on Kia to deliver a game-changing electric ute that meets the needs of Australian drivers while setting new standards in performance and efficiency.
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