Kia’s electric pickup truck caught on camera testing in California

A heavily camouflaged prototype of Kia's upcoming electric pickup truck has been spotted testing in California. The YouTube channel KindelAuto captured footage of the truck during a road test, offering a glimpse of what Kia has in store for the growing electric truck market.

The prototype has a double-cab configuration and a size similar to Kia's EV9 SUV so it could compete with models like the Ford Ranger and potentially even the Rivian R1T. While the camouflage conceals many details, the prototype's front fascia resembles the EV9.

The electric truck is expected to ride on Kia's E-GMP platform, a modular architecture already used for several popular EVs, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, as well as the Kia EV6 and EV9. This flexible platform allows for various battery and motor configurations, promising a wide range of performance and range options.

The sighting of the prototype aligns with Kia's previously announced plans to launch two electric pickup trucks by 2026. One of these trucks is intended for emerging markets, while the other will be a dedicated electric pickup truck tailored for markets like the United States.

Questions remain regarding its production location. Kia would need to manufacture the truck domestically to qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit available for US-built EVs.  As the company continues to test and refine its electric pickup truck, more details regarding its specifications, features, and pricing are expected to emerge.

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