The new third-generation Kia Forte has been on sale since the 2019 model year, offering exceptional value and sporty styling inspired by the Kia Stinger. It also spawned the hotter Forte GT. According to Autohome, another new variant of the stylish sedan could be coming soon because Kia is reportedly developing an all-electric version of the Forte.

For now, the electric Forte has only been confirmed for China, where it's known as the K3. A 56.5 kWh lithium-ion battery will reportedly enable the Kia Forte EV to cover around 300 miles on a single charge. This estimate is based on the New European Driving Cycle, which translates to around 200 miles in the US on the EPA cycle.

To distinguish it from its combustion-powered sibling, the Kia Forte EV will have unique exterior elements such as a closed grille and a blue strip running across the bottom of the grille surrounds like the Kia Niro EV. A new wheel design will also offer better aerodynamic efficiency. As for the powertrain, an electric motor will offer 184 hp. The publication claims the Kia Forte EV will be unveiled in June and go on sale in China this September.

Joining the Kia Forte EV will be a plug-in hybrid version with blue accents, fake exhaust tips, and a blue trim running along the tailgate.

Chances are it will share the same powertrain as the Niro Plug-in hybrid featuring a four-cylinder 1.6-liter engine with 105 horsepower and 109 lb-ft of torque and an electric motor rated at 60 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. Combined, this setup produces 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque and delivers 26 miles of electric range.

There's no word yet if the Kia Forte EV will be sold in the US, but there's a good chance we'll get a hybrid version since Hyundai recently unveiled the first-ever Elantra Hybrid for the US market. However, Kia has already announced an ambitious plan to launch 11 fully electric models by 2025, the first of which will go on sale next year as a new standalone model.