Kia is gearing up to make a significant move in the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market. The brand plans to launch two mass-market EVs in the country within the next 18 months. During its Investor Day 2024, Ho Sung Song, Kia’s president and CEO, announced that the Carens EV, along with another model, will hit the Indian market to cater to diverse consumer needs and demands.
Additionally, Kia plans to introduce the EV9 flagship SUV in India by 2024 to further diversify its EV portfolio. “The EV line-up strategy involves following up our flagship EV models with the introduction of mass EV models for enhanced consumer accessibility.” Ho Sung Song told ACI.
The EV strategy Kia will follow involves the sequential introduction of flagship EV models followed by mass-market EVs. With this, Kia will have EVs in both budget and higher end price brackets.
Following this strategy, Kia is set to unveil the Clavis EV and the Carens EV in the latter half of 2025. The Clavis EV, which is codenamed AY-EV, is anticipated to be a mass-market electric SUV. Kia expects the Clavis EV to contribute significantly to Kia’s EV sales targets.
Alongside the Clavis EV, Kia also plans to introduce the Carens EV, which is codenamed KY-EV. As the name suggests, this will be the EV version of their popular MPV Carens. With both of these mass-market launches, Kia aims to solidify their position in the Indian EV market and take a fair share of the total sales.
“The goal for 2026 is to achieve sales of 5,87,000 units of mass EV models, with the aim of accounting for 66 percent of total EV sales. In emerging markets, we will differentiate the brand with enhanced high-quality customer experiences and respond to increasing demand by diversifying manufacturing bases.” Song added.
Kia has ambitious sales targets which show their commitment for EVs. By 2026, the brand plans to achieve total sales of 5,87,000 units of mass-market EV models. To achieve this target, Kia intends to introduce Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs) to increase demand and enhance customer experience. In growing markets like India, Kia plans to differentiate by providing high-quality customer experiences and diversifying manufacturing bases to meet increasing demand.
To eliminate the risks associated with EV adoption, Kia has devised a flexible manufacturing line and plans to introduce ICE-derived EVs. Despite short-term concerns about EV demand, Kia remains positive about the long-term growth trajectory of EVs, driven by global CO2 reduction regulations and declining EV prices.
“The EV sales target of 1.6 million units by 2030 requires selling 1.3 million more units than 2024. The proportion of EV sales in major markets is planned to grow from 13 percent in 2024 to 52 percent by 2030, with the Korean and North American markets reaching up to 40 percent, and Europe up to 79 percent,” said Song.
Kia has outlined an extensive EV launch plan for the future. The company plans to launch a total of 15 EV models by 2027. The company aims to achieve an EV sales target of 1.6 million units by 2030, with a significant proportion of sales in major markets. Song did not share specific details regarding the Indian market’s volumes and EV share.
The post Kia Carens EV And Clavis EV Launching Soon: Details first appeared on Cartoq.
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