Kia is officially joining the extended-range EV (EREV) party. The South Korean automaker just announced plans for two major new models aimed squarely at the U.S. market: an EREV version of the popular Telluride three-row SUV arriving in 2029 and a brand-new body-on-frame EREV pickup truck slated for 2030.
This move comes at a perfect time. With U.S. EV demand softening and many buyers still hesitant about pure battery-electric range anxiety, EREVs offer the best of both worlds: electric driving for daily commutes and a gas generator for long trips or towing. If you’re searching for Kia Telluride EREV, Kia EREV pickup truck, or the latest on extended-range hybrid SUVs and trucks, this is the story you’ve been waiting for.
What Is an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV)?
Before diving into Kia’s plans, let’s quickly explain the technology:
- Wheels are powered only by electric motors — just like a full EV.
- A gasoline engine acts purely as a generator to recharge the battery on the go.
- You get EV-like driving with instant torque and zero tailpipe emissions in electric mode, plus the ability to refuel quickly like a traditional hybrid when the battery runs low.
This setup allows for a smaller, more affordable battery than pure EVs while delivering 500–600+ miles of total range (based on similar EREV announcements from Hyundai and others). Automakers like Ford, Jeep, Ram, and Scout Motors are also betting big on EREVs, making Kia’s entry a significant industry shift.
2029 Kia Telluride EREV: The Family SUV Goes Long-Range Electric
The Telluride has been one of America’s favorite three-row SUVs since its launch. Now Kia is doubling down:
- 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid launches first (this year) as a conventional hybrid.
- 2029 Telluride EREV follows, turning the family hauler into a true extended-range electric vehicle.
No official battery size, horsepower, or exact range figures have been released yet, but EREVs are ideal for large SUVs like the Telluride because they don’t require massive battery packs. This keeps costs down and pricing competitive — crucial for a vehicle that already dominates the midsize three-row segment.
Expect the Telluride EREV to retain the spacious interior, upscale cabin, and strong towing capability that buyers love, while adding silent electric driving and impressive efficiency.
Kia’s New Body-on-Frame EREV Pickup Truck: Tasman-Based Challenger
Kia isn’t stopping at SUVs. The company is also bringing a dedicated body-on-frame pickup truck to the U.S. for the first time, and it will launch as an EREV by 2030.
- Based on the Kia Tasman (already on sale in Australia, Middle East, South America, and Africa).
- Designed as a rugged, truck-first vehicle with serious off-road and towing credentials.
- Will join the EREV lineup alongside the Telluride.
This is huge news for truck buyers who want electric performance without sacrificing range or capability. The Tasman already looks tough and modern — imagine that platform with electric motors up front and a gas generator in the back.
Kia’s Big Hybrid and EREV Expansion Plan
Kia isn’t putting all its eggs in the EREV basket alone. The company plans to grow its U.S. hybrid lineup from 5 models today to 8 by the end of the decade. Current hybrids include the Niro, Sorento, Sportage, Carnival, and Telluride, with more coming (Seltos hybrid this year, plus K5, K4, and the new pickup).
Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song said:
“EVs, HEVs, autonomous driving, and robotics will serve as key drivers for Kia’s fastest growth to date.”
The goal? 4.13 million annual global sales by 2030, with 1.15 million hybrids/EREVs and 1 million pure EVs. EREVs are clearly the bridge technology to keep momentum while full EV infrastructure catches up.
How Does This Compare to the Competition?
Kia is jumping into a growing EREV field:
- Hyundai (Kia’s sister brand) already teased an EREV with up to 600 miles of combined range.
- Ram, Ford, Jeep, and Scout are all developing similar extended-range trucks and SUVs.
- Traditional hybrids from Toyota and Honda still dominate, but EREVs offer more electric-only driving.
Kia’s timing looks smart — delivering real-world usability that pure EVs sometimes struggle with in cold weather, towing, or rural areas.
What Buyers Can Expect from Kia EREVs
While full specs are still under wraps, here’s what we know so far:
- Telluride EREV: 2029 launch — perfect for families wanting efficiency and space.
- Tasman-Based Pickup EREV: 2030 launch — rugged truck capability with electric torque.
- Lower battery costs than full EVs → more affordable pricing.
- Seamless electric + gas range — no more range anxiety on road trips.
- Strong alignment with Kia’s “Movement that inspires” brand promise.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters for EV Shoppers in 2026
Kia’s announcement proves the extended-range EV segment is heating up fast. The Kia Telluride EREV and new hybrid pickup truck give buyers who love the brand’s value, design, and reliability a realistic path to electrification without compromising on range or capability.
If you’re in the market for a three-row SUV or full-size truck and want electric driving with hybrid peace of mind, mark your calendars for 2029–2030. These vehicles could be game-changers.
Stay tuned — as more details, battery specs, pricing, and official renders drop, we’ll update this page. In the meantime, which one excites you more: the Telluride EREV or the new Kia pickup truck? Drop your thoughts below!
