Hyundai Motor Company's Casper Electric and Kia's EV3 on Thursday won World EV of the Year and World Car of the Year, respectively, at the 2025 World Car Awards, marking four consecutive years of recognition for the brands’ EV fleet.
With this achievement, Hyundai Motor Group has won the top honor, World Car of the Year, five times over the past six years, starting with the Kia Telluride SUV in 2020. The automaker’s electric vehicles then went on to claim the title for four years straight with the Ioniq 5 in 2022, Ioniq 6 in 2023, EV9 in 2024 and EV3 in 2025.
Competing against 52 models, including Hyundai Motor's Casper Electric and BMW X3, the EV3 was recognized as the best. Notably, the long-range model of the compact full-electric SUV boasts a driving range of 501 kilometers on a single charge and allows for fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes with a 350-kilowatt charger. It also offers various convenience features such as spacious first and second-row seating, an extendable sliding console table and 485 liters of trunk space to maximize storage.
“This award highlights Kia’s global leadership in providing sustainable mobility solutions through innovative technology and exceptional design,” stated Kia President and CEO Song Ho-sung. “The EV3 offers a new user experience with top-tier product competitiveness worldwide.”
Hyundai's Casper Electric, also known as the Inster, outpaced Porsche Macan Electric at the awards, demonstrating its strong product competitiveness in global markets. The compact EV offers 315 kilometers of range per charge and 30 minutes of charging with a 120-kilowatt charger.
The automotive award, a prestigious global accolade since 2004, was announced during the New York International Auto Show, where Hyundai Motor and Kia showcased their flagship vehicles targeting the US market.
Hyundai Motor unveiled the all-new Palisade, set to launch in the US later this year. The large-sized three-row SUV adds a hybrid version alongside the gas-powered model for the first time.
Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO Jose Munoz noted, “The launch of new models like the Palisade, which features both internal combustion and hybrid powertrains, signifies Hyundai’s strong portfolio and diverse powertrain options. …Hyundai is also investing in extended-range electric vehicles, hybrids, internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cell cars.”
Outlining the company’s business plan, Munoz added that Hyundai plans to expand its EV lineup to 21 models and increase hybrid offerings to 14 models, aiming to achieve annual sales of 2 million electrified vehicles by 2030.
According to Hyundai Motor North America CEO Randy Parker, the carmaker has set new records for the US market for four consecutive years, with retail sales increasing by 4 percent in 2024 from the previous year. From January to March, sales rose by 10 percent on-year, marking an all-time high first-quarter performance.
Kia debuted the EV4, its first all-electric sedan, which it expects to roll out in the first quarter of 2026. The new K4 hatchback model also made its global premiere, with sales scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
hyejin2@heraldcorp.com
