Kia Carens EV to launch next year, Kia EV9 launch expected later this year
Kia Motors is set to make significant introductions in the electric vehicle market in India, with plans to introduce a range of models including Carens EV. The company’s President and CEO, Ho Sung Song, announced during its Investor Day 2024 that it will launch two new EV models to cater to diverse consumer demands.
The introduction of the Carens EV and other mass market EVs will expand their portfolio to make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, Kia is gearing up to launch its flagship EV9 SUV in India later this year via CBU route.
Kia is poised to launch the Clavis EV and the Carens-based EV, codenamed the KY-EV, in the second half of 2025. These models are expected to cater to the growing demand for electric SUVs in the market. Kia estimates that both EV models could achieve combined sales volumes of 50,000-60,000 units by 2026.
Kia has set ambitious sales targets for its EVs, aiming to sell 5,87,000 units of mass market EV models by 2026, representing 66 percent of its total EV sales. To achieve this goal, Kia plans to leverage its full EV lineup and tap into new demand through Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs).
Despite concerns about a potential slowdown in EV demand in the short term, Kia remains optimistic about the long-term growth prospects for EVs, citing global CO2 reduction regulations and declining EV prices as key drivers of demand.
Looking ahead, Kia has outlined plans to launch a total of 15 EV models by 2027, with six mass market models scheduled for introduction in major markets. The company aims to sell 1.6 million EV units by 2030, with the proportion of EV sales in major markets expected to increase significantly.
While Kia’s EV ambitions are big, it remains to be seen how the Indian market will respond to its EV offerings and what share of the market Kia will be able to capture. The Carens EV will definitely become a big hit in the commercial fleet segment.
