Kia’s India-centric recreational EV: Caren to debut in 2025
The South Korean automobile giant, Kia’s 2024 investors day meet highlights are visionary. It concluded with the Korean carmaker confirming the development of the Carens EV for the Indian market. The EV which was referenced back in 2022 as an India-centric recreational EV, which we believed to be based on the 3-row MPV.
The flagship Kia EV9 SUV is expected to arrive in India later in 2024, leaving the Kia EV6 as the Korean automaker's only all-electric vehicle available right now. Additionally, Kia Corporation has announced its plans to become a leading EV brand by diversifying sustainable models like hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery EVs, with a projected sales target of 2.48 million units annually by 2030. The company aims to increase the total sales of electrified models to constitute 58 percent of Kia's total sales in 2030.
At the CEO Investor Day in Seoul, Korea, Ho Sung Song, Kia President and CEO, outlined the company's roadmap for the global electrification era through EVs, HEVs, and PBVs
Kia plans to introduce two new models, the EV3 and K4 sedan, and three updates, the EV6, K8 sedan, and Sportage SUV, and two new versions, the K3 five-door and EV6 GT, in the global market in 2024.
Currently, The planned Carens EV for India has no technical details provided by the automaker. We think the stated range with a single motor system will probably be between 400 and 500 miles. It is expected to feature both vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities and DC rapid charging.
Also Read: Why You Should Consider Refinance Car Loan & How It Can Help?
Kia plans to expand the number of vehicles with state-of-the-art features like over-the-air (OTA) technology to 18 and increase the installation rate of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to more than 63 percent of models by 2026.
Although there are currently few specifics available about the Carens EV's equipment list, we think Kia will stuff it full of goodies. The standard Carens' dual 10.25-inch digital displays for infotainment and instrumentation, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, and a sunroof are anticipated to be included in the electric MPV.
The Kia Carens EV is expected to go on sale there sometime in 2025. It will be the most reasonably priced electric MPV in India and won't have a direct competitor when it launches, but its costs are expected to start at Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). It will be a more cost-effective alternative to the BYD E6. Although it is not expected to launch till 2026, Maruti is also planning to produce an electric MPV. In the meantime, if you would like a hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Innova Hycross and Maruti Invicto are excellent choices.
Also Read: 1. Mahindra is Offering Massive Discounts up to 1.59 Lakhs Ahead of the Launch of XUV3XO 2. Check Out Kangana Ranaut’s Brand New Addition to her Car Collection 3. All About the Brand New Mahindra XUV 3XO