Kia electrifies the Australian Open with fleet of EVs
Kia will supply 50 all-electric vehicles to the 2025 Australian Open, the most prestigious Grand Slam tennis event in the Asia-Pacific region.
The electrified fleet will comprise 25 of its EV9 full-sized SUVs, 15 mid-sized EV5 SUVs, and 10 EV6 crossovers. The all-new EV3 compact SUV will also be on display at the event, which runs in Melbourne from January 12-16, 2025.
The Kia EVs at the 2025 Australian Open will be used to transport players, match officials, and VIPs. The cars on display, including the EV3, will serve as touchpoints for fans who wish to explore the benefits of electrified motoring.
In 2024, the EV9 was named Australia’s Car Of The Year by Drive, the country’s leading motoring publication. The EV9 was also awarded top spot for World Electric Vehicle and World Car Of The Year.
Australia has shown a positive trend in EV adoption in recent years. From 2022 to 2024, EV sales jumped by a record 150%, with 110,000 all-electric vehicles purchased in Australia last year. During this period, EVs made up 9.5% of all light vehicle sales.
The EV Council, Australia’s national body representing the EV industry, noted that there were 122 EV models on sale in Australia in 2024; a 50% jump from 2023. Along with this increase in choice, a near doubling of fast and ultra-fast charging stations has also boosted consumer confidence.
Tesla dominated the 2024 Australian electric car market, with its Model Y proving to be the most popular new EV, with 21,253 units sold. The Tesla Model 3 was a close second with 17,094 sold, while the MG4 wound up third with 6,934 sold.
Kia ranked sixth overall, with 3,610 cars sold throughout the year. Despite lagging behind BMW and Volvo who came out fourth and fifth in terms of EV sales respectively, Kia’s EV sales numbers represented an 18.8% increase on the previous year.
Kia arrived in Australia in 1997, and is now the Australian Open’s longest-running major partner, having been involved with the event since 2001.
