Restomod Heritage

Based on a 1996 Kia Pride 1.3 LX five-door, the Pride EV retains its original five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel-drive layout, but its petrol engine has been replaced with a fully electric powertrain. The 1.3-litre engine is swapped for a 107bhp (80kW) electric motor, delivering 99% more torque than the original. Twin 10kWh battery packs, installed over each axle, also improve the car’s weight distribution, making it more balanced than it ever was in its petrol-powered days.

Visually, the Pride EV stays true to its 1980s roots, with 12-inch steel wheels and boxy styling. However, it now sports a ‘White Pearl’ respray — taken from Kia’s modern EV palette — while the interior retains its grey cloth trim, updated with lime green stitching to reflect the brand’s current electric design cues.

Performance Upgrades

One thing that isn’t retro is the Pride EV’s performance. Thanks to its 107bhp electric motor, the restomod sprints from 0 to 62mph in an estimated eight seconds — outpacing the original by 50%. The Pride EV also features three drive modes — ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’, and ‘Auto’ — giving drivers the option of relaxed, efficient cruising or sharper, more spirited acceleration. In ‘Eco’ mode, it replicates the original 60bhp output, optimising the range to around 120 miles per charge. Switch to ‘Sport’, however, and the extra torque brings the Pride EV to life in a way the old model could only dream of.

Electric Conversion

The conversion, completed by Electrogenic in Oxfordshire, preserves the car’s original structure and is fully reversible for anyone wishing to return the Pride to its petrol-powered roots. The analogue instruments have been cleverly repurposed to display the battery’s charge level, keeping the cabin’s retro charm intact.

Despite the addition of two battery packs, the car’s weight has only increased marginally, from 850kg to 870kg. Modern features like drive-by-wire throttle control have been integrated, though regenerative braking has been kept minimal to maintain the traditional feel of the manual gearbox.

Innovation Through Tradition

The Pride EV is the latest in a series of one-off projects from Kia UK, following in the footsteps of the track-ready Stinger GT420 and the custom-built Soul EV beach buggy. Though the Pride EV won’t go into production, it offers a playful nod to the brand’s history while demonstrating how far Kia has come in the realm of electric vehicles.

This project aligns with Kia’s ‘Plan S’ strategy, which aims to launch 15 electric models globally by 2027, with nine destined for the UK market. While the Pride EV remains a one-off, it proves that small, lightweight EVs can be both practical and engaging to drive — an achievement that’s certainly worth celebrating.