A Hybrid Kia Pickup Truck Will Happen, Thanks To Genesis

 Whether a plug-in hybrid or a conventional "plug-less" version will arrive remains a mystery, but the automaker's already considering the latter, with a parallel development already in place. Whether a plug-in hybrid or a conventional "plug-less" version will arrive remains a mystery, but the automaker's already considering the latter, with a parallel development already in place.

According to Dong Hoon Kang, the automaker's vice president of mid-large sized vehicle chassis engineering design center, Kia already has a hybrid system and is now "considering it is good for utes and/or ladder-frame SUVs." However, the executive also confirmed that it hasn't decided on it yet, Australia's Drive reports.

A Hybrid System For Rear-Wheel-Based Vehicles Is Required
There's a good reason for this skepticism. The problem lies with the said current hybrid system, which debuted in the Hyundai Palisade - a two-motor hybrid system paired with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. That setup is only available in front-wheel-drive-based (FF) vehicles - at least for now. With the Tasman being rear-wheel-based (FR) truck, a unique system needs to be developed to meet its requirements.

"Now, the system that we developed in the Palisade, that's the FF system. Tasman is FR system, so we need an FR system," Kang told Drive. That's not to say that the Hyundai Group is already in the process of developing this system. In fact, you'll just need to turn your attention to its premium marque, Genesis, to know that it's already happening.

Already Being Developed For The Genesis GV80
The electrified GV80, which will arrive first with a plug-less hybrid version before getting a full revamp, is currently in development. Its FR setup will be applicable to the Tasman, so it's safe to say that the timeline of the electrified Kia truck hinges on the pace of the hybrid GV80. Of note, the latter is expected to launch sometime between next year and 2027, with a power output that would be greater than the 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo-four.

For America, however, Kia has other plans. A midsize truck has already been confirmed for the US, which will be unique to the market and will likely be made locally. However, it's not impossible that whatever hybrid setup will be developed for the Tasman will also be used for its American counterpart, given the popularity of hybrids lately.