Kia Electric & Hybrid Cars UK 2026: Complete EV6, EV9 & EV3 Guide with Salary Sacrifice Savings
Source: Kia Press Gallery
Kia has transformed from a practical manufacturer into one of the most exciting electric and hybrid vehicle design leaders globally. Industry-leading warranties, advanced technology, and a comprehensive model range make Kia a compelling option for UK salary sacrifice customers.
The Korean manufacturer’s "Opposites United" design philosophy has earned plenty of recognition and serves as an inspiration point for Kia’s designers. The EV9 achieved a clean sweep of major international design awards, including the Red Dot "Best of the Best," iF Design Gold, and IDEA Gold Trophy. These represent the highest levels of design recognition in automotive.
Kia's dedicated E-GMP platform delivers 800V ultra-fast charging that can add 100km of range in just five minutes, plus you get the confidence of Kia's industry-leading 7-year/100,000-mile warranty (extended to 8 years for EV batteries). If you’re looking for a new car, a Kia is a great place to start!
Kia's Electric Revolution & Platform Technology
Kia has evolved from making reliable cars into creating some of the most beautiful electric vehicles on UK roads.
Design Philosophy
The "Opposites United" design philosophy brings together contrasting elements from nature and technology to create emotionally engaging vehicles. It’s built on five design pillars: “Bold for Nature”, “Joy for Reason”, “Power to Progress”, “Technology for Life” and “Tension for Serenity”. The results speak for themselves, with the EV9's historic clean sweep of major design competitions putting Kia alongside traditional luxury brands.
The Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)
This ground-up electric design allows for flat floors, optimal weight distribution, and an industry-leading 800V charging architecture that supports up to 350kW DC fast charging. The multi-voltage capability automatically switches between 400V and 800V charging without any input from you.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)
Vehicle-to-load capability comes standard across the range, providing 3.6kW output for powering household appliances or emergency backup power. The platform is ready for bidirectional charging too, extending to Vehicle-to-Grid applications.
Kia Electric Model Range
Kia EV3
Starting from £33,005
The EV3 has already garnered awards and accolades despite its launch late last year. It became the best-selling retail EV in the UK (in its first half-year) and won Best Car of the Year 2025! This shows customers want distinctive designs compared with the typical compact electric cars on the market.
The specifications:
Standard Range (58.3kWh): 267 miles WLTP range, 201hp, 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds
Long Range (81.4kWh): 375 miles WLTP range, 201hp, same acceleration but extended capability
Charging: 400V architecture, up to 128kW DC charging (10-80% in 31 minutes)
Practicality: 460 litres of boot space expanding to 1,250 litres with rear seats folded
Interior: 12.3-inch curved display, ambient lighting, premium materials throughout
Safety: 5-star Euro NCAP rating with comprehensive driver assistance systems
The EV3 bridges the gap between premium and accessible electric mobility while maintaining Kia's distinctive design flair.
Kia Niro EV
Starting from £30,454
For urban commuters, the Niro EV remains the accessible entry point in Kia's lineup, offering practical crossover versatility with electric efficiency for city driving and weekend escapes.
The specifications:
Single battery option: 64.8kWh delivering 285 miles WLTP range
Performance: 201hp motor, 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds, front-wheel drive
Charging: 400V charging up to 77kW DC (10-80% in approximately 45 minutes)
Practicality: Compact crossover dimensions with 451 litres of boot space
Interior: 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, sustainable materials
Position: Ideal for urban driving without SUV bulk or premium pricing
The Niro EV's main strength is its compact size (perfect for those living in built-up areas), combined with sufficient range for longer journeys, making it ideal for city dwellers who enjoy escaping the hustle and bustle at the weekend! It was even featured in our article: Best Electric Cars For Your Dog!
Kia EV6
Starting from £45,585
The Kia EV6 was recently updated and represents Kia's technology showcase, combining genuinely sporty handling with practical five-seat family accommodation and establishing Kia's credibility in the premium EV segment.
The specifications:
Air (77.4kWh RWD): 361 miles WLTP range, 226hp, 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, top speed 115mph
GT-Line (77.4kWh AWD): 314 miles WLTP range, 321hp, 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds, top speed 115mph
GT-Line S: Enhanced specification with premium interior materials and advanced features
EV6 GT: 577hp, 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds, offering supercar performance
Charging: 800V architecture reaching 350kW peak speeds, adding 100km range in 5 minutes
Practicality: 520 litres of boot space, flat floor design, spacious five-seat interior
Technology: Dual 12.3-inch curved displays, augmented reality head-up display, premium Meridian audio
Despite sharing the E-GMP platform with Hyundai's IONIQ 5, the EV6 focuses more on sportier dynamics and longer range, achieving segment-leading efficiency.
Kia EV9: The Luxury Flagship
Starting from £65,985
The EV9 seven-seat SUV redefines luxury electric family transport through award-winning design and sustainable materials.
The specifications:
Air (99.8kWh RWD): 349 miles WLTP range, 201hp, 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds, seven-seat capability
GT-Line (99.8kWh AWD): 313 miles WLTP range, 378hp, 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds
GT-Line S: Premium variant with swivelling captain's chairs and 14-speaker Meridian system
Charging: 800V ultra-fast charging up to 350kW (10-80% in 24 minutes)
Dimensions: 5.01m long, 1.98m wide, creating spacious three-row accommodation
Innovation: Captain's chairs rotate 180 degrees for social interaction during charging
Materials: Mycelium from mushroom roots, recycled fishing nets, 70+ recycled PET bottles per vehicle
Technology: Dual 12.3-inch displays, Face Connect personalisation, premium sustainable luxury
The EV9's historic design award sweep (Red Dot "Best of the Best," iF Design Gold, IDEA Gold Trophy) puts it alongside traditional luxury brands while creating a "moving living space."
EV4: The Strategic Game-Changer (Now Available to Salary Sacrifice)
Starting from £34,695
The latter half of 2025 brought the EV4 launch in both traditional hatchback and sleek Fastback sedan variants (the former is pictured below).
What you can expect:
EV4 Hatchback: Starting at £34,695 with up to 388 miles WLTP range (large battery)
EV4 Fastback: From £36,995 extending to £45,395 for flagship GT-Line S
Performance: Multiple powertrain options, including performance variants
Production: Local European manufacturing from Slovakia for improved delivery times
Technology: Latest Kia connected services and driver assistance systems
The New EV5
Starting from £39,295
The all-new Kia EV5 has officially arrived in the UK, joining Kia’s electric SUV line-up alongside the Sportage. Slightly larger and more spacious, it combines everyday practicality with the latest E-GMP platform technology.
Specifications:
Battery: 81.4 kWh
Range: Up to 329 miles (WLTP)
Power: 214 bhp, 0–62 mph in 8.4 s
Charging: 10–80 % in 30 mins (150 kW DC)
Trim levels: Air (£39,295), GT-Line (£42,595), GT-Line S (£47,095)
Image source: Kia Press Office
Inside, the EV5 offers a roomy five-seat layout with a 566 litre boot (1,650 litres folded) and a modern three-screen dashboard. It features ChatGPT-powered voice assistance, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), and Kia Connect infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.
Safety tech includes Highway Driving Assist 2.0, Smart Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Avoidance 2.0 as standard, with the GT-Line S adding luxury touches like ventilated seats, a Harman Kardon® sound system, and a 360° camera.
Order books are now open!
Kia Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) Models
As Kia expands its electric line-up, its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) range offers a perfect middle ground between fully electric and traditional petrol driving. These models give you the freedom to complete most daily journeys on electric power, with the reassurance of a petrol engine for longer trips. If you’re not quite ready to go fully electric, or you just want more flexibility, Kia’s PHEVs make an excellent stepping stone.
Kia Niro PHEV
Starting from £30,795
The Niro PHEV offers a versatile mix of electric-only driving for your daily commute, plus the convenience of petrol for longer trips. It sits neatly between a full EV and a conventional hybrid, which is ideal if you want electric operation most days without range anxiety.
Specifications:
Engine/battery: 1.6 litre petrol engine + 11.1 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery (UK spec)
Electric-only range: Approx. 30-40 miles (WLTP estimate)
Combined power: Smooth performance from petrol and electric motors
Charging: Home wall-box or 3-pin plug compatible; regenerative braking improves efficiency
Image source: Kia Press Office
The Niro PHEV is practical for commuters who can drive mostly on electric power but want the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer journeys.
Kia Sorento PHEV
Starting from £47,405
For three-row seating and larger family requirements, the Sorento PHEV offers plug-in flexibility in a bigger SUV - perfect if you need capacity and want to minimise petrol use.
Specifications:
Electric-only range: Approx. 35 miles (UK spec)
Powertrain: 1.6 T-GDi petrol engine with seven-seat SUV architecture
Practicality: Flexible layout for family and long-distance driving
Image source: Kia Press Office
The Sorento PHEV is perfect for larger families who want to cut emissions without sacrificing space. Charge regularly for low-cost commutes and use the petrol engine for longer journeys.
Kia Sportage PHEV
Stepping up in size, the Sportage PHEV brings the benefits of plug-in driving to a compact SUV. This makes it well-suited if you’re looking for extra space and a taller driving position.
Estimated specifications:
Electric-only range: Up to 43 miles (UK claimed for previous generation)
Powertrain: 1.6 T-GDi petrol engine + electric motor with AWD option
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in around 8.4 seconds (based on comparable global specification)
Practicality: Spacious SUV body and family-friendly layout
Price: To be confirmed closer to UK release
The image is of the Sportage HEV. Image source: Kia Press Office
PHEV is confirmed as part of Kia’s 2026 model line-up, but UK deliveries are expected later in 2025 or early 2026. The official Kia UK website currently states that “a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) variant will also be available soon,” and no specific launch date has yet been announced. While finance listings exist for the outgoing version, dealer availability will depend on stock and build allocation.
This upcoming model will complement the petrol and hybrid (HEV) versions already available, offering SUV comfort with plug-in efficiency once it reaches UK showrooms.
Other Kia Hybrids & Mild Hybrids
Beyond its plug-in range, Kia also offers traditional hybrids (HEVs) and mild-hybrids (MHEVs) in the UK, such as the Niro Hybrid, Sportage Hybrid, and Sorento Hybrid. These are great options for improving fuel efficiency and lowering emissions. At The Electric Car Scheme, we offer PHEV salary sacrifice, supporting employees on their journey to Net Zero!
Kia EV Technology & Performance
Beyond the impressive specifications, Kia's electric vehicles excel through comprehensive technology integration, charging ecosystem support, and protection that leads the industry.
Advanced Technology
This includes everything from ChatGPT-powered voice control to over-the-air updates and comprehensive connected services. All models achieve 5-star safety ratings with Highway Driving Assist 2 for semi-autonomous highway driving.
Charging Infrastructure
There are now around 86,000 public charging points in the UK and with successful partnerships, like Kia Charge, you will have access to 42,200+ UK charging points across 27 networks. This covers a significant amount of the UK public charging infrastructure with consolidated monthly billing.
Industry-leading Warranty Coverage
This coverage includes a 7-year/100,000-mile comprehensive warranty with 8-year/100,000-mile battery coverage for EVs registered from January 2024. Coverage includes unlimited mileage for 36 months and full transferability to subsequent owners.
Salary Sacrifice Benefits
Kia electric vehicles deliver exceptional value through UK salary sacrifice schemes, like The Electric Car Scheme. The 4% Benefit-in-Kind tax rates (from April onwards) support the transition to electric, and they are confirmed to rise gradually (5% by 2027/8)
At The Electric Car Scheme, we provide comprehensive packages including insurance, maintenance, servicing, breakdown cover, and home charger installation. Complete Risk Protection eliminates financial risks for employers with just three months' notice for early termination.
The table shows how much salary sacrifice can save an employee who decides to lease a Kia through The Electric Car Scheme. If a 40% taxpayer who wanted to drive 10,000 miles per annum and lease a Kia EV9 Air over 4 years, they’d be able to save £516 every month. Bringing their total monthly car cost down from £1,131 to £776 per month just through salary sacrifice!
| Savings breakdown | Kia EV9 Air | Kia EV3 Air | Kia EV6 GT-Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £1,131 | £552 | £877 |
| Employee income savings | -£453 | -£221 | -£351 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£23 | -£11 | -£18 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £120 | £60 | £95 |
| Net cost/You pay | £776 | £380 | £604 |
If you want to see how much you can save on your dream EV, visit our quote tool!
Strategic Electric Leadership
Kia's Plan S strategy commits to having 11 EV models on the market by 2026, becoming a global leader in sustainable mobility. This continues with the aim for their EU product lineup to be fully electric by 2035 and all global markets by 2045. Platform consolidation uses full E-GMP for flagships and modified 400V architecture for volume models, balancing premium technology
Ready to explore Kia electric car and hybrid salary sacrifice? With industry-leading warranties, award-winning design, and comprehensive model coverage from £32,995 to £65,985, Kia offers compelling options for every UK business and employee. The combination of advanced E-GMP technology, competitive pricing, and exceptional salary sacrifice benefits makes now the optimal time to transition to stylish electric mobility.
Visit our Kia salary sacrifice page or use our instant quote tool to discover your potential savings with a Kia electric car through The Electric Car Scheme.
Are you an employer?
BOOK A DEMOAre you an employee?
SEE AVAILABLE CARSECS GUIDES AND ADVICE
Ready to Go Electric? Your Guides and Tools to a Smooth Switch
-
How the Scheme WorksFind out how salary sacrifice can work for you or your business.
-
The Charge SchemeSave 20-50% on all charging costs through salary sacrifice - at home, the office, or in public..
-
Complete Employer ProtectionAll employers and drivers are protected from day 1.
-
Used Electric CarsDiscover the most affordable way to drive electric. Cars delivered in 14 days.
You might also like…
Last updated: 11/11/2025
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
Copyright and Image Usage: All images used on this website are either licensed for commercial use or used with express permission from the copyright holders, in compliance with UK and EU copyright law. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and maintaining full compliance with applicable regulations. If you have any questions or concerns regarding image usage or copyright matters, please contact us at marketing@electriccarscheme.com and we will address them promptly.
