Kia has officially confirmed that an electric version of its mid-size pickup is on the way, increasing the likelihood of a Tasman launch in North America, possibly with drivetrains not yet available elsewhere.
Christo Valentyn, Head of Marketing for Kia South Africa, recently let slip that a battery electric vehicle (BEV) Tasman is in the works, despite earlier speculation leaning only toward a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version. This revelation boosts the chances of the Tasman making its way to the US, particularly if it aligns with Kia’s plans to produce EVs in Georgia.
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Tasman EV: Surprising but strategic
Until Valentyn’s statement, the idea of a BEV Tasman seemed unlikely. We have already seen Kia testing a mid-size BEV pickup based on the EV9 platform in California, and Kia has openly discussed as a full-size pickup to compete with the Ford F-150 Lightning. However, the Tasman’s role in Kia’s electrification plans appeared limited to a PHEV.
Valentyn’s candid remarks suggest that Kia is prepared to broaden its electric portfolio, leveraging the Tasman’s modular platform to deliver a mid-size BEV pickup sooner than expected.
This strategic pivot could be crucial for Kia’s entry into the US pickup market. Building the BEV Tasman in Georgia would help the automaker avoid the 25% “Chicken Tax” on imported pickups, making it more competitive in the US. If Kia commits to producing the electric Tasman in the US, it increases the possibility of building the internal combustion engine (ICE) versions there too, potentially opening the door for the Tasman to compete directly with established mid-size pickups like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.
US market potential and BYD’s absence
Kia’s move to develop a BEV Tasman is especially noteworthy given the current gaps in the US market. BYD’s Shark 6, a mid-size BEV pickup, will not be sold in the US due to tariffs, leaving the market open for a new player. Of the mid-size PHEV and BEV pickups planned for the US, the Tasman PHEV and BEV will likely be the most affordable options in this segment. If Kia can produce the Tasman competitively in the US, it may be a watershed moment in the Hyundai Motor Group’s hopes to rise from 3rd position in global vehicle sales.
ICE Tasman hints and V6 testing in the US
Kia’s intentions for the US market may extend beyond just the BEV Tasman, and even the 2.5L petrol and 2.2L diesel planned for global markets such as Australia and South Africa. While Australia’s strict New Vehicle Efficiency Standards have dampened hopes for 3000+ cc’s of displacement, Kia was reportedly spotted testing the Tasman in the US, powered by the 3.3L twin-turbo V6 engine from the Kia Stinger where it makes 274 kW (368 hp) and 510 Nm (376 lb-ft).
This suggests that Kia is seriously considering bringing both the ICE and electric versions of the Tasman to the US. Kia has stressed the Tasman was built from the ground-up in a very modular way. Therefore, Kia may as well drop a petrol donk in a Tasman body if they’re already building those bodies for the BEV, right? Maybe…
Now, we don’t know for sure if this “BEV Tasman” will use the Tasman’s modular body, or if the monocoque mule built upon the EV9 is going to share the Tasman name. We hope and believe that the EV9 pickup will be its own city-bound beast. This is because of reports in November of a Tasman without a visible exhaust pipe.
We should know more very soon. Either way, a US-built Tasman would not only sidestep the Chicken Tax but also allow Kia to meet the expectations of American buyers who value affordable performance.
Final thoughts
The confirmation of a BEV Tasman significantly raises the likelihood of the Tasman reaching US shores. Kia’s investment in US-based production facilities makes a compelling case for local manufacturing, which would enable the automaker to offer competitive pricing. With BYD absent due to tariffs, the Tasman could position itself as the most affordable and versatile option in the emerging mid-size electric pickup segment.