Kia Seltos EV Could Be The First Locally Developed EV From The Korean Brand, Expected To Debut In 2025

• Kia and Hyundai all set to start production of indigenously developed EVs for the Indian market.
• Kia Seltos EV could be the brand’s first locally manufactured EV for India.
• Expected launch to take place in 2025, and could be followed by the Carens EV.

In 2025, Kia India is set to commence production of its locally developed EV model, with plans for further expansion of its EV lineup. And it is highly anticipated that Kia will introduce the Seltos EV as its first indigenously developed EV model, following the footsteps of the Hyundai Creta EV which has been spotted testing on Indian roads on multiple occasions.

The Kia Seltos EV will be based on its ICE (Internal combustion engine) counterpart and will retain its silhouette with probable EV specific changes made to it. The exterior will likely have EV design elements like a closed grille, aero-designed alloy wheels and different bumper design to aid its aerodynamics. 

The interior design could be tweaked but the features list will likely be retained from its ICE counterpart like the 10.25-inch infotainment screen, digital driver’s display, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats and a premium sound system. It will also encapsulate ADAS features as found on the current ICE models along with other safety equipment like ABS, EBD, electronic stability control, and a 360-degree camera setup with parking assist. 

We do not have any information regarding the powertrain and battery pack that it will pack within, but we expect the Seltos EV to be offered in both long and short range variants with an expected range exceeding 400 km. In a recent development, Hyundai Motor India and Kia India have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Exide Energy Solutions Ltd s to facilitate local battery production for dedicated EV models tailored to the Indian market.  

The Carens EV has also been confirmed for a launch and will  follow the same path owing to the brands commitment to upscale the EV production. Additionally, the company will prioritise the development of EV charging infrastructure.

Upon launch which is expected to happen in 2025, the Kia Seltos EV could be retailed from price starting at Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom) and will rival the MG ZS EV as well as upcoming Hyundai Creta EV, Maruti Suzuki eVX, and Tata Curvv EV.