Key Highlights
- Kia reveals India roadmap for EV
- EV9 India launch confirmed as CBU unit
- Carens EV and more to arrive by 2026
Kia Corporation is set to expand its EV presence in India. The South Korean auto manufacturer has established a good grip in the Indian car market with ICE models and is expected to grab a fair share in the EV market too. During its Investor Day 2024 event, Kia revealed its plan to unveil new electric SUVs in the country and the roadmap it aspires in the coming years. Amongst the confirmed Kia EVs heading to the Indian shores are the flagship EV9 and the Carens EV.
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Kia’s India Electric Vehicle Roadmap
Kia Motor’s CEO & President, Huo Sung Song announced the latest developments around its EV strategy for the Indian market. The South Korean auto giant will brig a major push in the EV segment starting with the Kia EV9 later this year.
Kia plans to boost its EV game with at least six new models by the next two years. The company aspires to populate its EV portfolio with the EV3 subsequently followed by the EV2 and more in the next two years. In a statement, the CEO said, “In response to EV market changes, Kia will launch six EV models by 2026, starting with the upcoming EV3 in 2024, followed by EV2, EV4, and EV5 in major markets, including the US, Europe, and South Korea.” That said, “the brand further aims to introduce two India-specific EVs by 2026. Song added, “In emerging markets, the company will deploy two region-specified EVs, such as the Carens EV for the Indian market.
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Expected Kia Electric Vehicles In India And Their Launch Timeline
Kia is rumored to begin its EV venture in the Indian market with the launch of EV9. The flagship 5-door electric SUV has recently been awarded the title for the World Electric Car of The Year and World electric Vehicle. Kia is said to launch the EV9 by the end of 2024 with around Rs. 1 crore (ex showroom) price range.
Just as the EV6, the Kia EV9 will also be imported and sold as a CBU (Completely Built Up) unit in the country. Kia will be targeting the MPV segment next with the Carens EV launch. While the information on the Carens EV is scarce, it is said to be one of the direct competitions to the BYD E6 offering around 500 km driving range.
Additionally, Kia also plans to include the Clavis EV as a mass-market unit which will likely be rivaling the likes of MG ZS and the upcoming Creta EV. Both these models are said to be added to Kia EV collection by 2026 in India with former possibly arriving early by 2025.
