Kia has joined corporate cousin Hyundai and LG Chem in a quest for true innovation in electric vehicle development. The effort is to identify, and then invest in 10 EV and battery start-ups that show mass production potential. The companies selected will then join with corporate engineers to work on bringing innovations to the marketplace. The program follows LG Chem’s successful Battery Challenge competition last year. New Energy Nexus, the international start-up support organization, will manage and facilitate the competition. Entrants can apply through www.evbatterychallenge.com from June 22 to August 28.