Kia’s Electric Ute Set to Outperform Tasman: What Australian Drivers Should Know

We always keep a keen eye on what’s happening in the ute market—especially when it comes to innovations in electric vehicles. Kia has recently confirmed its ambitious plans for an electric ute, designed specifically for the North American market, and expects this model to outsell the popular upcoming Kia Tasman.

As Australia’s leading supplier of premium ute canopy solutions, we’ve successfully fitted our MRT canopy packages to a wide range of vehicles, including numerous Ram utes. Our popular Tradesman Package and adventure-ready Explorer Package have already proven themselves on many Ram vehicles across Australia.

Key Takeaways:

• Kia plans an electric ute for North America, targeting 90,000 annual sales.
• Kia’s Tasman ute will debut in Australia and other markets, aiming for 80,000 annual sales.
• Australia is unlikely to receive Kia’s North American electric ute, but the Tasman may eventually offer an electric version locally.
• MRT continues to support electric and diesel utes alike with our comprehensive canopy packages.

Kia’s EV Ute Targets the US—But Australia Gets the Tasman

Kia announced its electric ute at the 2025 Investor Day, stating it plans to sell around 90,000 units per year. This figure is about 10,000 more than what it expects for the upcoming Kia Tasman.

While this EV ute will only be sold in North America, the Tasman will be launched in Australia, South Korea, and emerging markets where diesel utes are popular.

The Tasman will feature a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) and aims to capture a 6% market share with 80,000 annual sales.

Kia says the electric ute will be built on a dedicated EV platform. It’s designed for both urban roads and off-road conditions. Key features will include:

• A roomy interior

• Large cargo space

• A tough towing system

• Off-road capabilities

• Advanced infotainment and safety tech

Why the EV Ute Won’t Be Coming to Australia (Yet)

The electric ute is being built at Kia’s factory in Georgia, USA. This plant only produces left-hand drive vehicles, which means it won’t be sold in Australia for now.

But there’s good news. Kia’s Tasman ute may eventually include an electric version. In December, Christo Valentyn—Kia South Africa’s Head of Marketing—confirmed that an electric Tasman is coming.

At the Tasman launch in Australia, Roland Rivero, Kia’s Product Planning General Manager, said all options are on the table. That includes mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fully electric versions.

MRT Has You Covered—Diesel or Electric

As the market shifts toward electrification, MRT is ready. We’ve already equipped countless Ram vehicles with our canopy solutions, including the Tradesman and Explorer packages. These setups are built for work and adventure—no matter what powers your ute.

Whether you stick with diesel or switch to electric in the future, we’re here to help you get the most from your vehicle.

Explore our full range of MRT canopy packages here and get in touch to find the right fit for your build.