Production-Ready Kia EV5 Leaked By Government

Thanks to China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the newKia EV5SUV has leaked, giving us our best look yet at Kia's next electric vehicle.

Like the largerEV9, Kia has kept the styling of the EV5 very close to the conceptunveiled earlier this year. The boxy body shape is littered with futuristic details, like the new digital Tiger Face and eccentric headlight design. While the styling has been toned down slightly, we have to admit that the production EV5 is a striking crossover. It should be a more affordable option for those who can't quite stretch to an EV9.

一个s perCar News China, the EV5 features an LFP battery produced by Chinese automaker BYD. A single electric motor produces 215 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. No acceleration figures are provided, but the EV5 is said to have a top speed of 115 mph.

While the Chinese market EV5 will use the LFP battery, models destined for global export will use a Lithium-Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt-Oxide (NMC) battery with a reported 372 miles of range.

In terms of size, the Kia EV5 measures 181.7 inches long, making it slightly shorter than the 183.5-inch-long Kia Sportage. The electric SUV is marginally wider than its gas-powered sibling, at 73.8 inches, and slightly taller at 67.5 inches. The wheelbase is practically the same as the Sportage, at 108.3 inches. The EV5's curb weight is more in line with the far bigger Telluride, weighing in at a hefty 4,123 lbs.

Kia-Yueda will reportedly manufacture Kia's EV5 in Yancheng. Interestingly, the EV5 produced in China will be sold in other markets, making it the company's first China-made EV for global markets. It hasn't yet been confirmed for an American launch, however, we remain hopeful. If and when the EV5 arrives in America, we're guessing Kia will manufacture it in America to benefit from local production incentives.