When Kia reported record sales in the first quarter, Eric Watson, Kia America VP of Sales, took a rosy picture for the future: After the latest versions of its two best -selling electric vehicles, EV9 and EV6, are fully in Kia's facilities in Georgia, the road is paved for further sales growth (1).
When Kia announced that the production of the EV9 in the USA from South Korea in 2023 announced to the United States, he relied on his decision 2) to his EVS, which were offered for the tax credit of 7,500 US dollars for new EV, which was offered by President Biden as part of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
But the EV9 battery still came from South Korea and China, which meant that only a partially tax credit of 3,750 US dollars would receive. From this year, the EV9 can qualify for the full credit of 7,500 US dollars, since Kia converted the procurement of his battery into his work in Georgia.
As for the EV6, 2025 markings of the first time when its production takes place in the United States, and most of its disguises are also an option for the full tax credit.
However, there are remarkable exceptions: Both the EV6 and the EV9 GT (3) -DE, which are known to deliver more horsepower – ie faster – and (4) A “more aggressive styling and accents” cannot be qualified for the tax credit: this is because the production for these vehicles continues to be based in South Korea.
The complete loan should continue to be available to those who rent the vehicles because leasing under the IRA does not have the same procurement requirements.
Another great unknown for the GT trim is whether the 25% tariffs are used again for all imported vehicles. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump stopped the most tariffs that were announced for 90 days in early April.
While the prices for the new EV6 and EV9 still have to be announced, the combination of the tariffs and the mood for the tax credit could seriously impair the appeal of the GT equipment.
