Kia aims to expand its India electric vehicle (EV) product portfolio with a range of new models in the coming years. The South Korean automaker has confirmed the launch of the Kia EV9 electric SUV for 2024, which will come via the CBU (Completely Built-Up) route. The plan also outlines the introduction of two new mass-market electric cars, slated to hit the roads in the second half of 2025. This announcement was made by Kia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song, at the brand’s Investor Day 2024.
One of the upcoming Kia electric cars will be the Kia Carens EV (codenamed KY-EV), while the other is more likely to be the Kia Clavis EV (codenamed AY-EV). Details of both EVs are not available at this point in time. However, it’s reported that Kia plans to achieve a combined sales volume of 50,000 – 60,000 units with both mass-market EVs by 2026, accounting for 66 percent of the total EV sales in the country. On a global scale, Kia plans to launch 15 new EVs by 2027, including the EV3, EV2, EV4, and EV5.
Prior to launching the Kia Clavis EV, the South Korean automaker will introduce its ICE version, expected to make its global debut towards the end of 2024. Its India launch might occur in early 2025. The Clavis will feature an upright stance and high ground clearance. While some of its design elements will be borrowed from the Exter, it may share a few features with the Sonet.
The Kia EV9, which will be the brand’s flagship electric offering in India, will be part of Kia 2.0 strategy. In global markets, the electric SUV is available with 76.1kWh, RWD, and 99.8kWh, RWD battery pack options. The top-end trim comes with two electric motors and an AWD setup. The EV9 underpins the E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) architecture and measures over 5 meters in length. It will be offered with two seating configurations – 6 and 7 seats.
