Kia India, which currently sells premium electric models like the EV6 SUV and the EV9 SUV, is gearing up to enter the mass electric vehicle (EV) segment with two new models, based on the Carens Clavis MPV and the Syros SUV, according to sources.
The EV avatar of the Carens Clavis will be showcased in July, a source said, adding that the Syros-based EV will make its debut in the second half of FY26, either in late Q3 or early Q4.
Another source, familiar with the development, said that Kia is targeting a range of around 450 km on a single full charge for the Carens Clavis EV.
Several electric models with similar range, although different body styles, and priced below Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom) are currently available in the Indian market.
With range being one of the most important aspects of EVs, carmakers in India are looking to introduce mass-market electric models with a range of 400 km to 500 km in real-world on-the-road driving conditions. Some are even eyeing over 500 km of range.
The internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the Carens Clavis was launched merely a month back in May, while that of the Syros entered the market three months before it in February.
One of the sources said that although Kia has concentrated on premium EV models until now, the company will look to increase the volumes with the introduction of mass-market models.
Kia announced in March that the Carens crossed sales of 2,00,000 units in 36 months since its launch in CY22. The source said that the carmaker is looking to utilise the brand value that the Carens has created in the ICE segment through an electric version in the EV segment.
For reference, Kia entered the EV space with the EV6 in CY22. Then came the flagship EV9 in CY24. While the EV6 is now priced at Rs 65.96 lakh (ex-showroom), the EV9 is available for Rs 1.30 crore (ex-showroom). Both models are sold in India as completely built-up (CBU) models.
The electric car space is relatively small in India at present. Although the industry volumes have grown from 58,373 units in FY23 to 99,296 units in FY24 to 1,18,096 units in FY25, the market share has been underwhelming, with just 1.5% in FY23, 2.3% in FY24 and 2.7% in FY25.
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