Kia has unveiled one of the strangest yet most entertaining EV accessories of the year, a gasoline-scented air freshener aimed at electric vehicle drivers who miss the smell of traditional motoring. The limited-edition item, shaped like a miniature jerrycan, was launched in Finland alongside the debut of Kia’s new EV4.
Developed in collaboration with Finnish perfumer Max Perttula, the scent blends notes of motor oil, metal, birch tar, and even jasmine, a flower that naturally produces some of the same hydrocarbons found in gasoline. According to Perttula, the goal was to add “a touch of nostalgic fun to the EV transition” by recreating one of the most recognizable smells in car culture.
Kristen Brown
Humor with a Purpose
The campaign, created by Kia’s Finnish distributor Astara Auto, is more than a novelty. It recognizes that some drivers struggle to let go of the sensory cues tied to combustion, the sound of revving, the feel of vibration, and yes, even the smell of fuel. For Kia, it’s a clever way to bridge the emotional gap between old-school car enthusiasm and the new electric era.
That message fits neatly with Kia’s growing EV ambitions. Models like the EV4, EV6, and EV9 represent the brand’s shift from value-oriented mainstream vehicles to confident, design-led electric products. For example, the flagship SUV is now more accessible thanks to generous lease deals for the EV9, which combines low monthly payments with 0% financing, a move designed to boost EV adoption while incentives remain competitive.
Similarly, Kia is continuing to court traditional buyers through attractive ICE and hybrid options. The Sportage remains one of the most affordable leases in its class, helping bridge shoppers toward electrification at their own pace.
Nostalgia Meets a New Era
Kia’s gas-scented air freshener may be tongue-in-cheek, but it reflects a real trend. Automakers are realizing that the shift to electrification could be cultural to the driver. Drivers accustomed to decades of combustion experiences often find the EV transition emotionally sterile. By acknowledging that nostalgia, Kia humanizes its brand while showcasing creative marketing instincts.
It’s also a reminder that while Kia is expanding its electric lineup worldwide, it’s being selective about where certain models land. The automaker’s North American lineup will remain focused on the EV6 and EV9 for now, with smaller EVs reserved for global markets like Europe and Asia.
Why It Matters
Kia’s gasoline-scented air freshener is less about the smell itself and more about the message, that change doesn’t have to erase what people love about cars. It’s a tongue-in-cheek way to say goodbye to combustion, and to remind drivers that the thrill of driving can survive, even if the fumes don’t.
