Summary
- Kia EV5 has made an impact in the Australian EV market, selling 289 units in January 2025
- The EV5 is taller than the EV6, despite the confusing nomenclature
- A visit to the dealership revealed staff trained in all drivetrains, with new features like regen braking
- The EV5 comes with a phone app, featuring functions like turning on the air conditioning and scheduling charging
- Customers are increasingly interested in EVs, with a Kia EV5 owner sharing positive feedback and experiences
Article
The Kia EV5 has made an impact in the Australian EV market, with 289 units sold in January 2025, making it the third best seller behind the Tesla Model Y and the SAIC MG4. Despite its confusing nomenclature, the EV5 has outperformed its little brother, the EV6. The dealership staff were busy with deliveries during a visit, but the test drive revealed some observations on the car’s performance and features. The salespeople at the dealership were knowledgeable about the competition and the increasing demand for EVs.
The test drive of the Kia EV5 in “Sport” mode revealed some sluggish acceleration and difficulties with regen braking settings. The car had a lot of buttons on the steering wheel, which felt overwhelming compared to a minimalist Tesla Model 3. The sales rep highlighted features like the touchscreen and easy clean screen mode, while also mentioning Tesla and Leapmotor as competitors in the EV market. The dealership aims to educate customers about the benefits of EVs, especially for short distances in metropolitan areas.
The experienced sales rep explained that many customers come in looking for a Kia, not necessarily an EV. He mentioned the range of the EV5 Air and the upcoming long-range version, emphasizing the increasing demand for EVs and the importance of charging infrastructure. The discussion also touched on price parity with petrol vehicles and the perceived value of Korean tech compared to Japanese automakers. The Kia EV5 comes with a range of features like a phone app, proximity sensors, and Smart Cruise Control.
Feedback from the Australian EV5 community was positive, with one driver, John, sharing his experience of transitioning from a Kia Ceed to the EV5. John appreciated the build quality, boot space, and Smart Cruise Control of the EV5, noting the advantages over Tesla models in terms of price and user interface. He listed pros and cons of the EV5, including range and charging anxiety, but overall, he and his family were happy with the car. The technical review of the EV5 highlights Hyundai Motor Group’s successful transition to electric vehicles.
In conclusion, the Kia EV5 is a significant addition to the growing number of battery electric vehicles on Australian roads. With positive feedback from drivers like John and a focus on educating customers about the benefits of EVs, the EV market in Australia is poised for further growth. The EV5’s features, range options, and competitive pricing make it a viable choice for those looking to make the switch to electric transportation. As the cleantech revolution continues, support for independent coverage like CleanTechnica is crucial in accelerating the transition to sustainable mobility solutions.
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