Kia Carens EV Confirmed For India; Expected Launch In 2025

At the recent CEO Investor Day in Seoul, Korea, Kia confirmed the Kia Carens EV for the Indian market, making it one of the most affordable EVs from the South Korean carmaker here. Expected to be launched by 2025, the Kia Carens EV will fetch anywhere around ₹ 20- 22 lakh (ex-showroom, India), making it the first electric MPV in the country at this price point.

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Kia has not yet revealed any technical details of the Carens EV, however, we feel the upcoming will give a range of about 400 km, but won't be based on the E-GMP platform, that underpins several of the Hyundai-Kia's pure EVs. So, expect the Carens EV to be based on the same platform as the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV with several similar elements sourced from the refreshed Kia Carens.

In the product roadmap, Ho Sung Song, Kia President and CEO announced two EVs for India along with six EV models by 2026, starting with the upcoming EV3 in 2024, followed by EV2, EV4, and EV5 in major markets, including the U.S., Europe, and South Korea. The brand also plans to produce both EVs and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles at 13 factories globally, including seven in South Korea and six overseas. In addition, two EV-dedicated plants will be operated in South Korea.

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During the event, Kia updated its mid-to-long-term business strategy with a focus on electrification, and its PBV business. Kia reiterated its 2030 annual sales target of 4.3 million units, including 1.6 million units of electric vehicles (EVs). The 2030 annual sales target is 34.4 per cent higher than the brand’s 2024 annual goal of 3.2 million units.

The company also plans to become a leading EV brand by selling a higher percentage of electrified models among its total sales, including hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery EVs, projecting electrified model sales of 2.48 million units annually or 58 per cent of Kia’s total sales in 2030.

Kia will also secure maximum flexibility in its line-up operation with plans to strengthen its hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) line-up from six models in 2024 to nine models by 2028, with HEV powertrain options offered for most of the brand’s major models.

Kia will launch its first PBV, the medium-sized PV5, in 2025, signalling the start of its PBV-related business. Following this, in 2027, the brand will launch the PV7, a large PBV that offers generous space within its PBV lineup. In 2024, Kia plans to introduce two new models - EV3 and K4 sedan, three refreshed models - EV6, K8 sedan and Sportage SUV, and two derivatives - K3 five-door and EV6 GT.