Hyundai and Kia have planned 6 new electric models (3 from each brand) for the Indian market. Both automakers are reported to roll out 2 new EVs each year, starting from 2022. While the updated Hyundai Kona and Kia EV6 will arrive sometime next year, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia e-Niro will hit roads in 2023. The Korean sister brands also aim to tap the mass market with the Made-in-India EVs, which are likely to come in 2024.
The upcoming Hyundai and Kia entry-level electric cars will be SUVs featuring small battery packs. In order to achieve aggressive pricing, the carmakers will use a low-cost skateboard platform and lots of locally sourced components. The new Made-in-India Hyundai and Kia EVs will deliver real-world range of around 200km-220km, and offer good ground clearance. Both models are expected to be priced below Rs 15 lakh, thus making them beneficiaries of FAME subsidy.
We have reported earlier that Hyundai will develop new EVs based on an all-new platform under its “Smart EV” project. Reports suggest that the carmaker will introduce at least three budget electric cars under this project. All these models will be especially designed for the emerging markets including India. The same platform will be shared with Kia for its upcoming EV models. The new entry-level Hyundai and Kia electric SUVs will be exported to overseas and India will serve as production hub for both models.
In other updates, the South Korean carmakers are planning to foray into the compact MPV segment early next year. Rumour has it that the Hyundai Stargazer 7-seater MPV that’s recently introduced in the Indonesian market will make its way to India. It will measure around 4.5 meters and feature ADAS (advanced driver assistance system). The upcoming Kia compact MPV (codenamed Kia KY) will be based on the Seltos’ platform.
