Kia Plans Body-on-Frame Truck with Hybrid and Range-Extended Options by 2030

Kia has announced plans to release a body-on-frame truck by 2030, equipped with hybrid and range-extended electric vehicle options. The truck will mark Kia's entry into the full-size pickup market, where body-on-frame construction provides durability for heavy-duty use. This initiative aligns with the automaker's broader push toward electrified mobility.

The hybrid variant will combine a gasoline engine with electric motors to improve fuel efficiency and performance. The range-extended option will use a small internal combustion engine to generate electricity for an electric drivetrain, extending the vehicle's driving range beyond that of pure battery-electric models.

Kia has not disclosed specific details on battery sizes, power outputs, or pricing at this stage.

Kia's move comes as global demand for pickup trucks rises, particularly in North America, where the segment dominates sales. Body-on-frame trucks, such as those from Ford and General Motors, are popular for their towing and payload capacities. By 2030, the company aims to position this model as a competitive alternative in a market increasingly focused on sustainability.

The announcement reflects industry trends toward hybrid and extended-range technologies as bridges to full electrification. Kia, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, has already introduced hybrid and electric vehicles in other segments. Production details, including manufacturing locations, remain unspecified.

Stakeholders, including potential buyers and investors, will monitor how Kia integrates these powertrains to meet regulatory standards and consumer preferences. The truck's release could affect Kia's market share in the light truck category. Further updates are expected as development progresses toward the 2030 timeline.