Skip to main content

What if the electric truck battle involved competitors on a smaller scale and involved the Kia Telluride EV truck? The Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevy Silverado EV are two massive full-size trucks, but the Rivian R1T is more of a midsize option. The Kia Telluride truck could rival the Rivian R1T as a more affordable rival. 

The Kia Telluride EV truck could tackle the Rivian R1T 

Kia Telluride EV truck rendering
Kia Telluride EV truck rendering | Kdesigng

The Rivian R1T is one incredible electric truck to consider, but it doesn’t exactly have any rivals close to its size. AutoEvolution dared to dream about a midsize competitor to enter the arena, known as the Kia Telluride EV truck. 

While the Telluride truck hasn’t officially been announced, the clues are there. Kia has highly ambitious zero-emission goals while planning to introduce 14 new EV models by 2023. Two of those models are reportedly going to be trucks. 

As Kia tackles tons of new segments, the growing electric truck segment with the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, Ram EV, and Chevy Silverado EV can’t be ignored. After the 2023 Kia Telluride arrives with a refresh, it could be the perfect time to get in the game. 

What to expect with the electric Kia truck 

Information about the Kia Telluride EV truck and other potential models is being kept under wraps. However, we do know that Kia is planning to enter the electric truck segment. One truck will be a dedicated electric pickup truck, and the other will be a strategic model for emerging markets. 

Rumors suggest that the Kia Bongo EV could be the option for emerging markets. Also, Kia could manufacture larger all-electric SUVs and trucks in 2024. So, the Kia truck could be here faster than we think. 

Best of all, Kia is calling the potential Kia Telluride EV truck an entry-level model. That means it could be affordable. Currently, you can get started in a new Rivian R1T model for about $67,500, while the Kia Telluride has an MSRP of $33,090. 

But the Kia truck will need to match Rivian’s stats. With the 135-kWh battery pack, the Rivian R1T has an EPA-estimated range of about 314 miles. The Long-Range battery that promises over 400 miles of range was delayed until 2023. 

The Rivian R1T boasts 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.3 seconds and can tow up to 11,000 lbs. 

Will the truck be based on the Kia EV9? 

The Kia EV9 concept in sand
Kia EV9 concept | Kia

The Kia Telluride EV truck could be based on the new Kia EV9 SUV. Or a new truck could emerge. We’re still waiting to learn more. However, the Telluride clearly influenced the looks of the EV9 concept. 

While the Kia EV6 has 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, Kia hasn’t released any detailed specs for the EV9. It rides on a new EV platform that provides additional eight inches of wheelbase to provide a smoother ride, but it’s three inches shorter than the Telluride. 

It could have a range of about 300 miles, making it on par with rivals. But Kia promotes ultrafast charging speeds of up to 350 kW to replenish its battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 to 30 minutes. 

Kia is bringing a lot of new electric vehicles to the table, and two of them will be trucks. We will keep you updated as we learn more.

Related

The Kia Telluride Is Being Transformed Into A Pickup Truck

Best in Trucks & SUVs
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.