Kia India is also testing the EV variant of the Carens, new spy photos of which have reached the internet. The brand will also launch a facelift of the Carens, though with a new badge.
As can be seen from the spy shots here, the new Carens EV was captured at an EV charging point. The test mule, though heavily camouflaged and partially taped up, shows a charging point on the fascia, new set of dual-tone alloy wheels, and an ADAS sensor on the lower part of the fascia.
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Elsewhere, the Kia Carens EV will be due an all-new front fascia, radically redesigned rear, well-known side profile, updated center console, new interior trim, new steering wheel, and new gear lever.
Though Kia has kept mum about the technical details of the Carens EV, the model is likely to draw its powertrain from the just-released Creta EV. This implies that the model may receive a sole electric motor with a battery pack, delivering up to 473km on a full charge.
Expectations from Kia Carens EV
If that is the case, Kia Carens EV can be expected to share the same 42 kWh pack that has a claimed range of 390 km on a single charge and the higher 51.4 kWh pack that has a claimed range of 473 km on a single charge. Peak power could be the same at 170 bhp and 255 Nm from a front-wheel drive single motor.
The new Kia Carens EV will inherit Carens's overall shape while adopting EV5's front and rear design language, as well as Kia's characteristic geometric alloy wheel design. Less likely to inherit the Carens name, though. Syros-inspired interiors with a 30-inch Trinity Display are possible with Level-2 ADAS, Kia Connect 2.0, and other features.
Conclusion
The Kia Carens EV is making steady headway towards production, with new spy shots reaffirming significant design updates and the addition of an ADAS suite. Since it follows the upcoming Carens facelift—both of which are likely to share a new nameplate—the EV model is also likely to share its powertrain with the Creta EV. This equates to a possible range of 473 km, combined with an overhauled exterior, new interior, and contemporary tech features. With Kia keeping quiet, further details will be released in the coming months as the official unveiling is scheduled.
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