Bringing back the Kia Pride as an EV is a surprise few saw coming. First of all, you wouldn’t normally expect the term “restomod” from Kia, but here we are. To celebrate its 80th year, Kia has revived the old-school Pride hatchback into a fully electric car. It’s a fun, nostalgic revival of the past with some modern upgrades—making us wonder if Kia might explore more of these retro-electric projects in the future.
Related: Can Kia’s upcoming EVs rival with the popular electric sedans in the Philippines?
Kia’s UK team collaborated with Electrogenic, an EV conversion company, to bring the Pride into the electric era. Using a 1996 Pride as the base, this new version swaps out the gas engine for a 108 hp electric motor with 235 Nm of torque. The classic hatchback now runs entirely on electric power, offering zero emissions and a range of about 193 kilometers on a full charge, thanks to two 10 kWh battery packs.
The Pride EV stays true to its roots with its familiar look, featuring a new White Pearl paint that matches Kia’s current EV lineup, like the EV6 and EV9. It also keeps its original 5-speed manual gearbox, modified with a new clutch to handle the motor’s added power. The Pride EV can switch between three driving modes: “Eco” mode limits power to match the original engine, “Auto” mode raises the power slightly, and “Sport” mode allows a faster 0-100 km/h in about 8 seconds. Charging is also uncomplicated, with a Type 2 connector, the EV recharges in about six hours using a standard 3.3 kW charger.
The ‘boring’ little Kia Pride is back as an electric car!
It’s not often you see a car like the Kia Pride come back to life, let alone as an EV! Did you see that coming?
Shaynah Miranda on Oct 09, 2024You are here:HomeLatest StoriesNewsThe ‘boring’ little Kia Pride is back as an electric car!
Bringing back the Kia Pride as an EV is a surprise few saw coming. First of all, you wouldn’t normally expect the term “restomod” from Kia, but here we are. To celebrate its 80th year, Kia has revived the old-school Pride hatchback into a fully electric car. It’s a fun, nostalgic revival of the past with some modern upgrades—making us wonder if Kia might explore more of these retro-electric projects in the future.
Related: Can Kia’s upcoming EVs rival with the popular electric sedans in the Philippines?
Kia’s UK team collaborated with Electrogenic, an EV conversion company, to bring the Pride into the electric era. Using a 1996 Pride as the base, this new version swaps out the gas engine for a 108 hp electric motor with 235 Nm of torque. The classic hatchback now runs entirely on electric power, offering zero emissions and a range of about 193 kilometers on a full charge, thanks to two 10 kWh battery packs.
The Pride EV stays true to its roots with its familiar look, featuring a new White Pearl paint that matches Kia’s current EV lineup, like the EV6 and EV9. It also keeps its original 5-speed manual gearbox, modified with a new clutch to handle the motor’s added power. The Pride EV can switch between three driving modes: “Eco” mode limits power to match the original engine, “Auto” mode raises the power slightly, and “Sport” mode allows a faster 0-100 km/h in about 8 seconds. Charging is also uncomplicated, with a Type 2 connector, the EV recharges in about six hours using a standard 3.3 kW charger.
Inside, the Pride EV also keeps its classic design, including the original tape player, manual windows, and air-conditioning. New accents like lime-green stitching add a bit of a fresh look while keeping the 90s vibe intact. Although just a one-time build for now, it’s a great way for Kia to celebrate its roots while showing what’s possible in EV retrofitting.
Hopefully, the EV Kia Pride goes into production and makes it to our market! Until then, you can explore Kia’s lineup on AutoDeal. Easily browse models, specs, and prices from home, no dealership visit needed! See what’s available at AutoDeal.com.ph.
Related Articles
Kia Philippines leads industry with 71 percent sales growthExperience the full Kia lineup at The Kia Movement this weekendNew year, new price: The 2026 Kia K5 got a price bump abroad, and we’re still waiting in PHKia shares more about the PV5 electric van — Here’s what we knowThe 2026 Kia Sportage offers a fresh look and more features
Latest News
- Hyundai holds first Cars and Hoops event with fans in Parañaque / NewsShaynah Miranda · Sep 19, 2025Hyundai Cars and Hoops held in Parañaque mixes car meet, basketball games, and test drives.
- Australia is first in line for the new Nissan Navara, will we be next? / NewsShaynah Miranda · Sep 18, 2025The upcoming Navara will share its platform with the Mitsubishi Triton and be built in Thailand, raising chances for a PH release.
- BYD Tang DM-i launches as brand’s biggest hybrid crossover yet / NewsShaynah Miranda · Sep 17, 2025The full-size hybrid crossover uses BYD’s Super DM-i system, offering 197 hp, 315 Nm torque, and seating for seven
Popular Articles
- Cheapest cars under P700,000 in the PhilippinesJerome Tresvalles · Sep 02, 2024
- First car or next car, the Ford EcoSport is a tough package to beatJun 18, 2021
- Car Maintenance checklist and guide – here’s everything you need to knowEarl Lee · Jan 12, 2021
- Most fuel efficient family cars in the PhilippinesBryan Aaron Rivera · Nov 27, 2020
- 2021 Geely Okavango — Everything you need to knowJoey Deriquito · Nov 19, 2020
- Family cars in the Philippines with the biggest trunksSep 20, 2023
- Head to head: Toyota Rush vs. Suzuki XL7Joey Deriquito · Oct 28, 2020
- Why oil changes are important for your carEarl Lee · Nov 10, 2020
- 2021 Kia Stonic — What you need to know about itJoey Deriquito · Oct 16, 2020
- Top 7 tips for buying a used car in the PhilippinesJoey Deriquito · Nov 26, 2020
