Kia Electric Truck: What We Know So Far About the New Pickup EV
While last year's plucky Tasman truck from Kia had a polarizing design, it was still considered a success. Now, Kia is celebrating by releasing a second pickup truck: an electric vehicle that, unlike the Tasman, will be coming to North America.
"Kia plans to introduce an EV pickup truck based on a new EV platform designed for both urban and outdoor use," the company said in April. "The vehicle will feature best-in-class interior and cargo space, a robust towing system, off-road capabilities and advanced infotainment and safety features."
Details right now are fairly slim but some conclusions can be drawn from Kia's statements: The inclusion of off-road capabilities will set the upcoming EV apart from the Hyundai Santa Fe, which is currently the only pickup truck Kia or its sister company sells in the US right now.
It'll be on a new EV platform so it'll also be set apart from the company's existing EV offerings, like the Kia EV6. The infotainment will likely be similar to current model Kia EVs and vehicles, like the dual-display technology in the more recent Kia Sportage SUVs.
Kia last week also showcased its more affordable EV sedan, with CNET on hand to see the 2026 Kia EV4.
Kia electric pickup truck: Will this EV succeed in the US?
Per the statement, Kia is expecting to sell roughly 90,000 of these new EV pickups per year, a lofty goal in a market where the Ford F-150 Lightning is barely hitting 30,000 units sold. By most accounts, it's an ambitious sales goal to hit for a vehicle that'll represent Kia's first attempt at appeasing the US truck buyer market. However, there is still room for optimism.
"The models built on the eGMP line sold over 100K units in 2024," said Liz Najman, director of market insights at Recurrent, a company that offers independent insights on EV performance. "Moreover, like the EV6, Kia pickups will likely be made in the US, helping avoid costly tariffs that will drive up prices for consumers. It is likely that price will be a major factor for consumers in the coming years."
Najman also said that trucks were the two top-selling vehicles in 2024, so it's possible that Kia can reach its sales goals, provided that the automaker can hit that sweet spot of competitive pricing and capability.
"Electric vehicles are seeing strong sales numbers when they deliver on what customers want," Najman said, highlighting that in electric car sales, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Jeep Wrangler PHEV each sold more than 50,000 units in 2024 and the Model 3 and the Model Y sold more than 150,000 and 370,000 units, respectively.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
2 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I've been charging EVs at home for the last year — here's 5 things I learned
Last year when I charged an EV at my home for the first time, I was shocked to find out how obnoxiously slow the entire experience was just to add back a measly 8 miles of range. I wasn't prepared for that, especially when I was told that you could easily gain back about 40 miles of range overnight with Level 1 charging. Since then, I've tested more than 40+ EVs and PHEVs and learned quite a few things about the entire process — while also logging how much range they add back with each charge. For anyone looking to buy any of the best electric cars, or upgrading from their gas guzzler, they might have apprehensions about charging at home. But you shouldn't. That's why I want to share what I've learned from charging EVs at home for the past year. From what you'll need to do it, to expectations around charging times, I'm sharing everything you need to know. Unless you have a new home already equipped with a Level 2 charger, chances are you're going to stick with Level 1 charging at home by the time you pick up your new EV from the dealership and head home. Early on during my testing, I was surprised by the slow charging speeds of many of them — like EVs from Hyundai and Kia. At one point during my testing of the Kia EV9, the charger that came equipped with the vehicle stopped charging right away. I only realized that it kept on tripping the GFI outlet I was using outdoors, but neglected to investigate to find out a fix. Eventually I found out that it was due to how the amperage was set too high, which caused the GFI outlet to go off. Additionally, this is also the reason why I was getting such slow speeds with Level 1 charging. You can actually set the amperage to draw out power from a standard 120V outlet. In some cars it can be set in the charging menu, with some EVs allowing you to adjust it to exactly how much — while others have preset options. For Kia and Hyundai, though, adjusting the amperage speed is done through the charger itself with a physical button that cycles through them. After determining the sweet spot — 12 to 15 amps depending on the vehicle — I soon found Level 1 charging at home to be much faster. The fastest rates I've seen were 4 miles of range per hour with the Lucid Air. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Every home is equipped to handle Level 1 charging because the EV's adapter plugs in directly to any ordinary 120V outlet. In my particular situation, Level 1 charging is sufficient because my commute from home to the train station is less than 8 miles roundtrip. But for others who commute farther each day, I can't stress enough how Level 2 is much more practical. This is because Level 2 charging is much faster and it honestly is better for the battery health of your EV. It takes DAYS to charge on Level 1, but typically you'd get close to a full charge overnight with Level 2. This is because Level 2 charging at home typically delivers around 7 kW to 19 kW of power. For PHEVs that have much smaller batteries than your typical EV, you could fully charge them in a matter of a couple of hours — versus the 8 to 10 hours with Level 1. The difference is night and day compared to Level 1, so I'd suggest installing one at home. That's unless you're equipped to install it in the first place. One thing I've learned about Level 2 charging is that you'll need to have the adequate electrical components in place to install one, plus the necessary permits you might need to get from your township. In addition to the cost of the actual Level 2 charger you'll need to buy, you might be surprised that you might end up needing to replace your existing circuit panel. I only found out about this after an electrician came out to install a smart home panel that would work in conjunction with my existing circuit breaker, which is a 100-amp one. Unless you have a well-informed car salesperson, you might only find out about this much later on — so that's why it's good to know this now to anticipate the extra cost. All of these additional costs might dissuade some people to stick with Level 1 charging at home, but there are incentives that can help to offset the cost. Many new EV purchases could come with bonus offers that could discount the cost of installing a Level 2 charger. It's also worth checking with your power company to see if there are existing programs that could help drive the cost down. For example, my electric company is running a program that offers up to $1,500 incentives to install a Level 2 charger at home — which you'd need to apply for to get them. Obviously, this amount will vary depending on where you live, but anything is better than nothing. One thing that has intrigued me is the possibility of limitless power with the help of a power station, especially one with a massive battery and can charge with a solar panel — like the Anker Solix F3800 with its 3.85 kWh battery. Basically, you're going to get nothing more than Level 1 charging speeds with a power station. Although the Anker Solix F3800 was partially charged when I started charging the Chevrolet Blazer EV at home, it ended up adding back 6 miles of range before it was completely tapped out. This isn't practical at all, but it does come in a pinch if the power's completely out due to some kind of outage. And finally, charging an EV has had a minimal impact on my monthly electric bill — which goes to prove how EVs have better long term savings than traditional gas-powered vehicles. Take the Hyundai Kona Electric, which is the most efficient EV I've tested in the last year. It packs a small 64.8 kWh battery and is rated for up to 230 miles of range. Your actual cost of charging it at home will be different from mine, as electric range varies by power company. But let's take the national average of $0.17/kWh as a baseline. This comes out to a cost of $11.02 to charge the Kona EV. If we take another EV, like the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox LT, it would cost $14.45 to essentially get 315 miles of range. Think of that total the next time you fill up your gas tank at the rate of $3/gallon.
CNET
2 hours ago
- CNET
Refinance Rates Tick Higher: Mortgage Refinance Rates on June 12, 2025
Average mortgage refinance rates have been volleying between 6.5% and 7% as fears of both higher inflation and an economic slowdown play tug-of-war with financial markets. Overall, rates are too high for most homeowners to save money from refinancing. After three interest rate cuts last year, the Federal Reserve has left rates unchanged in 2025 to assess the economic fallout from President Trump's policies on trade, immigration and government spending. While the Fed is expected to resume lowering interest rates this summer, a major refinancing boom is unlikely if average rates stay above 6% — which most economists and housing market experts predict. However, if you're looking to change the length of your loan or switch to a different type of mortgage, refinancing might still be something to consider. Keep in mind that mortgage refinance rates change daily based on a range of economic and political factors. For expert predictions on where rates might be headed, check out our weekly mortgage rate forecast. When mortgage rates start to fall, be ready to take advantage. Experts recommend shopping around and comparing multiple offers to get the lowest rate. Enter your information here to get a custom quote from one of CNET's partner lenders. About these rates: Bankrate's tool features rates from partner lenders that you can use when comparing multiple mortgage rates. Today's refinance rate trends At the start of 2025, many expected inflation to keep cooling down and the Fed to cut interest rates, which would have gradually lowered mortgage refinance rates. However, stronger-than-expected inflation and uncertainty about Trump's economic policies have changed those predictions. Even with some brief dips, mortgage rates and overall financing costs have remained stubbornly high. Investors are concerned that the president's plans for widespread tariffs, mass deportations and tax cuts could significantly increase the government's debt and fuel inflation while also driving up unemployment. What to know about 2025 refinance rate expectations Most housing forecasts still call for a modest decline in mortgage rates by the end of the year, with average 30-year fixed rates potentially edging below 6.5%. But even when the central bank resumes policy easing, experts say homeowners shouldn't expect rates to fall in tandem with the Fed's benchmark federal funds rate. While the central bank's policy decisions influence how much consumers pay to borrow, the Fed doesn't directly control the mortgage market. For refinance rates to fall meaningfully, we'd likely need to see several Fed cuts coupled with clearer signs of a slowing economy, like cooler inflation or higher unemployment. It usually takes time for these broader interest rate adjustments to show up in the rates lenders then offer to consumers. What does it mean to refinance? When you refinance your mortgage, you take out another home loan that pays off your initial mortgage. With a traditional refinance, your new home loan will have a different term and/or interest rate. With a cash-out refinance, you'll tap into your equity with a new loan that's bigger than your existing mortgage balance, allowing you to pocket the difference in cash. Refinancing can be a great financial move if you score a low rate or can pay off your home loan in less time, but consider whether it's the right choice for you. Reducing your interest rate by 1% or more is an incentive to refinance, allowing you to cut your monthly payment significantly. But refinancing your mortgage isn't free. Since you're taking out a whole new home loan, you'll need to pay another set of closing costs. If you fall into that pool of homeowners who purchased property when rates were high, consider reaching out to your lender and running the numbers to see whether a mortgage refinance makes sense for your budget, said Logan Mohtashami, lead analyst at HousingWire. How to select the right refinance type and term The rates advertised online often require specific conditions for eligibility. Your personal interest rate will be influenced by market conditions as well as your specific credit history, financial profile and application. Having a high credit score, a low credit utilization ratio and a history of consistent and on-time payments will generally help you get the best interest rates. 30-year fixed-rate refinance The current average interest rate for a 30-year refinance is 7.02%, an increase of 11 basis points compared to one week ago. (A basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.) A 30-year fixed refinance will typically have lower monthly payments than a 15-year or 10-year refinance, but it will take you longer to pay off and typically cost you more in interest over the long term. 15-year fixed-rate refinance The current average interest rate for 15-year refinances is 6.27%, an increase of 13 basis points compared to one week ago. Though a 15-year fixed refinance will most likely raise your monthly payment compared to a 30-year loan, you'll save more money over time because you're paying off your loan quicker. Also, 15-year refinance rates are typically lower than 30-year refinance rates, which will help you save more in the long run. 10-year fixed-rate refinance The current average interest rate for a 10-year refinance is 6.05%, a decrease of 2 basis points over last week. A 10-year refinance typically has the lowest interest rate but the highest monthly payment of all refinance terms. A 10-year refinance can help you pay off your house much quicker and save on interest, but make sure you can afford the steeper monthly payment. To get the best refinance rates, make your application as strong as possible by getting your finances in order, using credit responsibly and monitoring your credit regularly. And don't forget to speak with multiple lenders and shop around. Reasons to refinance Homeowners usually refinance to save money, but there are other reasons to do so. Here are the most common reasons homeowners refinance: To get a lower interest rate: If you can secure a rate that's at least 1% lower than the one on your current mortgage, it could make sense to refinance. If you can secure a rate that's at least 1% lower than the one on your current mortgage, it could make sense to refinance. To switch the type of mortgage: If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage and want greater security, you could refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage. If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage and want greater security, you could refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage. To eliminate mortgage insurance: If you have an FHA loan that requires mortgage insurance, you can refinance to a conventional loan once you have 20% equity. If you have an FHA loan that requires mortgage insurance, you can refinance to a conventional loan once you have 20% equity. To change the length of a loan term: Refinancing to a longer loan term could lower your monthly payment. Refinancing to a shorter term will save you interest in the long run. Refinancing to a longer loan term could lower your monthly payment. Refinancing to a shorter term will save you interest in the long run. To tap into your equity through a cash-out refinance: If you replace your mortgage with a larger loan, you can receive the difference in cash to cover a large expense. If you replace your mortgage with a larger loan, you can receive the difference in cash to cover a large expense. To take someone off the mortgage: In case of divorce, you can apply for a new home loan in just your name and use the funds to pay off your existing mortgage.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Everything we learned during Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote
Apple's 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference keynote was sparse on the kind of groundbreaking announcements it's usually known for. With no major hardware reveals until September and no pressure to wade into undercooked tech categories like AI or augmented reality, the Silicon Valley giant went back to basics. The message was clear: iOS needs an update. That was the crux of this year's keynote, with Apple CEO Tim Cook and Senior VP Craig Federighi diving deep into the all-new iOS 26 redesign, dubbed Liquid Glass. Apple also confirmed it's introducing a new naming convention for all of Apple's software platforms, aimed at aligning with the company's vision for the future. While Apple Intelligence and AI weren't the headline act, the OS does include new AI features that will hopefully spark some enthusiasm among consumers. According to a new survey by CNET, just 11 percent of US consumers upgrade their phones for AI features. From live translations to music tools and Safari enhancements, AI is embedded across the system, even if it feels a bit reactionary following the Google I/O 2025 keynote, which was all AI, AI, and more AI. iOS 26, along with updates across Apple's hardware operating systems, brings a mix of big swings and incremental upgrades. Here's a full breakdown of everything announced at WWDC 2025, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and WatchOS 26. And let's start with... Good enough, welcome back Windows Vista. Credit: Apple Apple's new visual style is called Liquid Glass, and the translucent UI marks Apple's most significant visual overhaul in years. It keeps the core layout familiar but introduces a suite of subtle quality-of-life improvements designed to make navigation smoother and more intuitive. 'Expressive' was the word Federighi leaned on to describe the new look, with demos showcasing apps that appear to float in space — a design language clearly borrowing from the spatial interface of Vision Pro. That spatiality now filters down to iPhone, giving everything a slick, responsive, and notably fluid feel. This includes an updated Dark Mode and an all-new Clear theme — Apple's take on a fully translucent UI that somehow feels modern, minimal, and a rich man's version of Windows Vista. It's a noticeable shift that brings a handful of thoughtful features. Nothing revolutionary, but enough to make you pause and think, okay, that's pretty clever. Credit: Apple In one of the more genuinely useful Apple Intelligence features for everyday users, Live Translations are now integrated into Messages, FaceTime, and other core apps. It's arguably the flagship AI-driven feature in iOS 26. Apple says the real-time translations are processed entirely on-device and can even mimic the user's voice during translation — a technical flex that's impressive, if slightly uncanny. The feature also extends to music, with support for real-time lyric translations and live pronunciation to help users sing along. How seamless it all feels in practice remains to be seen. The Phone app is getting a streamlined new layout that brings Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails into a single, unified view. Building on the existing Live Voicemail feature, Apple is also introducing Call Screening, which prompts unknown callers to explain why they're calling, giving you the chance to decide whether it's worth your time. Apple wants to give you your time back. Credit: Apple The standout addition, though, is Hold Assist. When you're stuck waiting for a live agent, your iPhone will now alert you the moment a real person picks up. A small upgrade, but a smart one. Photos are finally — finally — getting the visual "overhaul" it desperately needed. The app has been a mess since iOS 18, when Apple turned what was a perfectly functional interface into something oddly convoluted, burying albums and making navigation a chore. Credit: Apple With iOS 26, Photos is being restructured around two main tabs: one for your full photo library and the other for your collections. Apple is framing it as a sleek, modern redesign, but really, it's a return to the pre-iOS 18 layout, just better looking. It's a reinvention of the wheel, sure, but at least it's a wheel that actually rolls. Credit: Apple Group chats are getting a solid quality-of-life update in iOS 26, with the addition of Apple Pay integration and built-in Polls. It's a small but meaningful upgrade that makes coordinating with friends or splitting bills a bit more seamless. Messages is also getting smarter about unknown numbers, automatically sorting them into a separate folder. From there, you can mark them as known, request more info, or delete them entirely. Which is particularly useful for online daters navigating their talking stage graveyard. Now integrated with Apple Intelligence, the app will now suggest creating a poll when it detects that a decision needs to be made, and works in tandem with Image Playground for generating custom backgrounds to personalize your chats. The new design for CarPlay introduces a compact view for incoming calls, so drivers can see who's calling without losing sight of critical info like navigation directions. Credit: Apple Messages in CarPlay now supports Tapbacks and pinned conversations, making it easier to keep track of active chats on the go. Plus, with the addition of widgets and Live Activities, staying informed while driving looks to be more seamless and less distracting. Apple also introduced CarPlay Ultra, an enhanced version of CarPlay designed specifically for its luxury automotive partnerships, starting with Aston Martin. Despite the name sounding like a subscription tier (it's not… at least for now), CarPlay Ultra is touted as a deeper, more immersive integration of Apple's software into the car's entire being. Credit: Apple Instead of being confined to the central infotainment screen, CarPlay Ultra extends across all driver-facing displays, blending iPhone functionality with the vehicle's native systems for a more unified and premium in-car experience. Apple Maps is getting a memory upgrade in iOS 26 with Visited Places, a feature that logs where you've been, like restaurants or shops, and organizes them right in the app. Sure, Google Maps has done this for years, but Apple's finally catching up. Credit: Apple The app also gets smarter about your daily patterns. Using on-device intelligence, iPhone can now recognize regular routes — like your commute — and surface preferred directions, flag traffic delays, and suggest faster options, all from the lock screen. As expected, it raises some privacy flags. But Apple claims both Visited Places and daily route tracking are end-to-end encrypted and can't be accessed by the company itself, though by now, that promise feels more like a standard PR line than a standout feature. Adding to the pile of privacy-adjacent updates, Apple Wallet in iOS 26 now supports Digital ID for passports, though Apple is quick to note it's not a replacement for your physical passport. You can add it to your Wallet, and it's currently accepted by TSA in 10 states and Puerto Rico. (For context, Digital IDs are recognized in 14 states total, but holdouts like New York and Louisiana use their own apps and don't support Apple Wallet.) Credit: Apple Boarding Passes are also getting smarter with Live Activities integration. They let you share your flight status with friends in real-time, so they know when you land — no group text updates required. Credit: Apple Apple is finally taking mobile gaming more seriously with the new Apple Games app. It pulls everything into one place—a Home tab for updates to the games you actually play, a dedicated section for Apple Arcade, and a Library that tracks every game you've ever downloaded. There's a new 'Play Together' tab for comparing scores, sending invites, and competing in real-time challenges with friends. It works in portrait or landscape, and pairs smoothly with a controller. According to Apple, Safari in iOS 26 is getting a boost in privacy and design. The mobile browser now includes advanced fingerprinting protection while browsing. Visually, Safari adopts a more rounded, edge-to-edge look — web pages now flow seamlessly from the top of the screen to the bottom. iOS 26 brings a wave of meaningful accessibility updates across the Apple ecosystem. Accessibility Reader introduces a customizable, systemwide reading experience tailored to individual needs, while Braille Access delivers a completely rethought interface for users connecting braille displays to iPhone. Apple has also improved features like Live Listen, Background Sounds, and Personal Voice, aiming to make day-to-day device use more intuitive and inclusive. Credit: Apple Apple claims iPadOS 26 is its most ambitious iPad update yet — combining the sleek new Liquid Glass design with deeper productivity features and expanded Apple Intelligence integration. The headline feature for iPadOS 26 is a powerful new Apple "invention" called Windows — an upgrade that finally lets users freely resize, move, and tile apps across their iPad screen. And no, this does not make the iPad just like a Mac. They have different names, after all. Still, it's the closest the iPad has come to feeling like a true multitasking machine, shedding some of the clunky constraints of Split View and Slide Over. It's not macOS, but it's not far off either — just don't say that too loudly in Cupertino. The Files app gets new folder customization and default app settings, and the long-awaited Preview app comes to iPad for editing PDFs and images with Apple Pencil. Creative pros get features like Background Tasks, local capture for recording, and improved audio input tools, while the Journal app, Game Overlay, and a new menu bar round out a packed update focused on making the iPad more capable, personal, and pro-friendly than ever. Credit: Apple macOS 26, now officially named macOS Tahoe, builds out the Mac experience with deeper iPhone integration, smarter system-wide intelligence, and a much beefier Spotlight. The Phone app finally lands on macOS, complete with Call Screening and Hold Assist, while Live Activities can now surface in the menu bar for real-time updates like flights or rides. Credit: Apple Spotlight gets its biggest update yet — it can now execute actions like sending emails or creating notes, and supports filtering, quick keys, and results from third-party cloud services. Apple Intelligence brings on-device Live Translation, smarter Shortcuts, Genmoji customization, and new tools in Image Playground. Credit: Apple A personal favorite from the keynote is the updated Finder, which lets users customize folder icons with colors and symbols, and themes offer more personalized desktop setups. tvOS 26 brings new content features and quality-of-life improvements to the Apple TV experience. Users can now set up individual profiles for personalized recommendations and continue watching across devices. The TV app has been redesigned to prioritize content, with streamlined playback controls that stay out of the way. Credit: Apple Cinematic poster art adds some polish, but, to be honest, the real highlight of the tvOS 26 spotlight was the Apple TV+ preview: Chief of War with Jason Momoa, Foundation season 3, Slow Horses season 5, and a new Denzel Washington film titled Highest to Lowest are all on the way. It's a steady update that Apple intends to be more personal and content-driven. Credit: Apple It kind of feels like Apple's heart just isn't in watchOS anymore, at least based on what was shown at WWDC. The headline feature is Workout Buddy, an AI-powered fitness coach that dishes out real-time encouragement, milestone callouts, and personalized playlists, all voiced by synthetic versions of Fitness+ trainers. The Workout app itself finally gets a much-needed redesign, making it easier to jump into custom routines and access pacing tools without digging through menus. Beyond that, most of what's new in watchOS is inherited directly from iOS 26 — small quality-of-life improvements that round out the experience, but don't exactly move the needle. Good enough. Welcome back 'L.A. Noire." Credit: Apple Finally, to wrap up this round-up, it's VisionOS 26 and Vision Pro — the source of inspiration behind Apple's new Liquid Glass aesthetic and translucent UI design overhaul across its platforms. This year's update doubles down on spatial computing and everyone's "love" for widgets. This includes spatially aware widgets that persist in your physical environment, letting users pin things like clocks, weather, and photos around their space, customizable down to frame depth and color. Apple's also focused on social and collaborative use cases. Users can now share spatial experiences with others in the same room or dial in friends via FaceTime. Safari supports interactive 3D models embedded in web pages, and developers can tap into new APIs to make apps more immersive. That includes Personas, which is getting a — slightly less creepy — glowup. With the help of some "enhanced volumetric rendering," Personas invade your digital space with sharper detail, full side profiles, and more natural motion. And yes, you can still watch movies and play games — because it's still a $3,500 headset, after all.
