Kia Unveils Ambitious Plans for India: Confirms Carens EV Launch in 2025Kia Corporation has confirmed its ambitious plans for the Indian market, including the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) tailored specifically for the region. At the CEO Investor Day in Seoul, Korea, Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia, emphasized the company’s commitment to becoming a leading EV brand by diversifying its lineup to include hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and battery EVs.
One of the key announcements is the launch of three electric vehicles in India, including the highly anticipated Carens EV. Scheduled for a debut in the latter half of 2025, the Carens EV will be the first made-in-India Kia EV and is expected to be exported to various global markets.
While specific details remain undisclosed, it is anticipated that the Carens EV will offer a plethora of features, potentially available from mid-trim onwards, and will prioritize safety with features like six airbags, Level 2 ADAS, ABS, and ESC. Additionally, the vehicle is likely to incorporate a suite of connected features.
Kia’s strategy also involves introducing two region-specific EVs for emerging markets like India. Although details about the second EV are scarce, it is speculated to be an SUV, set to make its debut alongside the Carens EV in 2025.
Looking ahead, Kia aims to bolster its product competitiveness amidst growing competition from Chinese brands in the global market. The company plans to enhance its global service and parts operations, penetrate new PBV markets, and cater to the demands of emerging markets by leveraging its China-based plants, which are projected to contribute 250,000 units by 2027.
Furthermore, Kia intends to augment its vehicle line up with advanced features such as over-the-air (OTA) technology, with 18 models expected to incorporate this technology by 2026. Additionally, the installation rate of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is slated to surpass 63% across various models by the same year.
In terms of global expansion, Kia has outlined its product roadmap, with plans to introduce two new models, the EV3 and K4 sedan, alongside updates to existing models like the EV6, K8 sedan, and Sportage SUV. Moreover, the company aims to launch two new versions, the K3 five-door and EV6 GT, catering to diverse consumer preferences worldwide.
In the Indian market, the Carens EV is set to compete against a growing array of electric vehicles. The ICE variant of the Carens comes with a price range of Rs 10.50 lakh to Rs 19.67 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), whereas the EV version is anticipated to have a price tag of approximately Rs 25 lakh. It will encounter competition from forthcoming electric vehicles like the Hyundai Creta EV, Honda Elevate EV, Maruti eVX, and Tata Curvv EV.
With these strategic initiatives and a strong focus on electric mobility, Kia is set to make significant strides in the Indian automotive market, offering consumers a diverse range of sustainable and technologically advanced vehicles tailored to their evolving needs and preferences.