- Kia celebrates its 80th anniversary with a one-off electric restomod of the 1996 Pride 1.3 LX, created with Electrogenic.
- The Pride EV features a 107bhp electric motor, three driving modes, and a 120-mile range, while retaining its retro manual transmission.
- This project highlights Kia’s blend of heritage and innovation, underscoring its commitment to an electric future.
Kia creates one-off electrified 1996 Pride 1.3 LX with Electrogenic, celebrating the brand’s 80th anniversary
Kia has marked its 80th anniversary with a unique electric restomod. The Pride EV is a one-off EV, created in collaboration with British specialists, Electrogenic. Based on a 1996 Kia Pride, the car swaps its original 1.3-litre petrol engine for a powerful electric motor. This new motor produces 107bhp (80kW), giving the Pride EV 77% more power than before.
The EV keeps its retro charm with its original five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. However, Electrogenic has added some upgrades, such as twin battery packs totalling 20kWh. These are positioned over the axles to improve balance and weight distribution. The car offers three driving modes: Eco, Sport, and Auto, allowing drivers to choose between performance and efficiency. On a full charge, it can travel up to 120 miles.
Despite the electric conversion, the EV is lightweight, with only a 20kg increase. It even retains its analogue dashboard, with the fuel gauge cleverly converted to display the battery level.
This restomod showcases Kia’s legacy, blending its past with its electric future. While the Pride EV won’t be available for purchase, it shines a light on the brand’s commitment to electrification.
