Kia Carens EV

Features: The upcoming Carens EV is expected to carry features similar to the upcoming Carens facelift but gain a few modern-day features. Key highlights may include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an all-digital instrument cluster (both displays with EV-specific user interface and menus), cruise control, ambient lighting, rear window sunblinds, an electric sunroof, LED headlights, connected car tech, driving modes, front and rear seat ventilation, and faster charging USB ports. Safety equipment of the electric MPV should comprise a 360-degree camera, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, hill hold assist, rear-wheel disc brakes, blind view monitor, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with EBD, brake assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.

Motor: Powering the Kia Carens EV is likely to be a choice of two battery packs with varying ranges. They could be coupled to a single motor. That said, the electric vehicle is expected to offer a range of about 450 km. Expect Kia to equip the all-electric Carens to provide fast DC and AC charging capability. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) might also be on the cards.

Rivals: The new Carens EV will not have any direct rivals but it will rival a few electric SUVs from the compact segment, such as the Hyundai Creta Electric, MG ZS EV, and Tata Curvv EV. It will also serve as an affordable alternative to the BYD e Max 7.

South Korean automaker Kia is readying a major update for its Carens but the news is that it will introduce the facelift alongside the new all-electric Carens. Launches of both models are slated for around mid-2025. Introduced in 2022, the MPV is a feature-rich offering from Kia but has started to show its age. The electric equivalent of the Carens is expected to feature fresh styling in line with the brand’s newest models, the EV3, EV6, and EV9. It will likely use the K2 platform modified for electrified powertrain. The interior may also get a redesign compared to the on-sale model. Kia could offer the Carens EV with two battery pack options and a single motor setup with an estimated range of about 450 km.