Kia’s vehicles are about to get a smart upgrade, starting in 2027

This one is about car technology, not home energy upgrades, so it won't affect your house or any efficiency plans. Still, here's what's happening: Hyundai is rolling out a new infotainment system called Pleos across its car lineup, and Kia will start getting it in 2027. Pleos runs on Android Automotive OS, giving drivers a smartphone-like experience with apps and customizable screens, similar to what Tesla offers. It comes with a large screen option (12.9 or 14.6 inches) and an AI voice assistant called Gleo AI that can answer questions, find restaurants, give directions, and search the web for news and sports.

Hyundai already put Pleos in its new Grandeur sedan in South Korea, where it sold over 10,000 units in its first month, up 80% from a year earlier. The system is also debuting in Europe on the IONIQ 3. Kia hasn't said which models will get the upgrade first, but its flagship vehicles, possibly the K9 sedan or the electric EV9, are considered likely candidates.

None of this involves home electricity use, rebates, or efficiency programs. It's simply a look at new dashboard technology coming to Kia and Hyundai vehicles over the next couple of years.