It appears that Kia is working on a battery-electric version of their TAM mini-car, which is scheduled to hit the Korean market this year!
We could consider Kia and Hyundai as latecomers to the “green car” scene, but lately they both have made great strides introducing their first-ever hybrid sedans, the Optima hybrid and Sonata hybrid.
Although entering the hybrid-car race late, the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group has an ambitious plan of becoming one of the top eco-friendly automaker on the planet.
To achieve the goal, both South Korean carmakers plan to unveil a wide range of low-pollution and zero-emission vehicles, using an in-house developed eco-friendly technologies.
The all-electric Kia TAM
Recently, Hyundai and Kia revealed their strategies and roles in the development of the forth-coming eco-friendly cars.
Reportedly, Hyundai is going to focus on development of gasoline-electric hybrid cars, plug-in hybrids, as well as hydrogen-powered vehicles, while Kia will play a major role in developing of fully electric vehicles.
Out of all planned low-pollution vehicles, the first to hit the South Korean streets will be a brand-new all-electric Kia TAM mini-car, which is scheduled to hit the market already before the end of the year.
Based on the new Kia Picanto, the new Kia TAM EV (internal development codename) will feature an electric motor and a set of highly-advanced lithium polymer batteries.
Kia plans a yearly production of 2.000 units and is seriously considering exporting the vehicle to foreign markets.
Depending on demand, Kia might later lift production of the fully-electric TAM to 5.000 units per year.
At this point, we have very little information about the new electric TAM (code name) city-car, but we have learned that more details about the project have been unveiled to the European media during the Kia executive’s meeting with reporters during the Frankfurt Motor Show. (Photo source: Bobaedream.co.kr)
P.S. Thanx for sending us the spy picture, Sally!
TAM will need some work. But given time, if like other KIA’s, it will be a winner. My 09 Sportage is great but the model needed a lot improvements to reach that point. Cut the negative comments, Jits. It sounds like the Randy Quaid character in Major League.
Price-wise, the Kia TAM will be the same amount of car for half the price. No brainer. I am not gonna judge it yet, Haven’t even seen it naked!
With all of your “new thoughts”, you should start your own blog. Just my opinion.