Kia Developing New EV Platform For India

• Kia’s first made-in-India EV likely to come out by 2022
• First Kia EV for India expected to be a plug-in hybrid
• Kia currently has three EVs in its global lineup - Niro, Soul and the Optima
• Upcoming EVs will include all-electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell powered vehicles

It is well known that Kia is all set to debut in the Indian market next year with its first SUV based on the SP concept. However, the South Korean carmaker has now revealed its plans to develop an all new EV platform for India.

This new platform will be underpinned by the Kia’s first EV, which is likely to be a plug-in hybrid. As far as the launch is concerned, Kia officials have said that the timing depends on the upcoming policies by the state and central governments. A lack of a clear policy roadmap and adequate charging infrastructure are among the biggest hurdles for EVs in India.

Highlighting the need for an India-specific EV platform, the carmaker also talked about some specific challenges like the harsh road and weather conditions. And while the development will be completely India centric, Kia has not ruled out the possibility of the new platform being a derivative of existing EV platforms that underpin the Soul and Niro EVs.

While Kia is still tight lipped about the first EV launch, we expect it to come by 2022 as that’s when the new CAFE ( Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) norms are scheduled to come into effect.

We believe EVs are set to make a big leap in India considering the implementation of the CAFE norms. Under this rule, carmakers will have to maintain a minimum standard of average fuel efficiency for cars across their portfolio. Hence, we expect carmakers to launch more hybrids and EVs along with conventionally powered cars to achieve the required target and the introduction of India-centric Kia EV would be a step in the right direction.

Globally, Kia plans to launch 13 new EVs by 2025. These will include all-electric vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell powered vehicles.The India-specific EV will be one of the 13 cars. Kia currently has three EVs in its lineup: Niro, Soul and Optima. Where the Soul and Optima are available in all-electric variants only (apart from ICE powered), the Niro is available in all-electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell electric variants as well.

While we still have to wait some time for the first EV from Kia in India, the South Korean carmaker has already started testing the feasibility of its EVs in the country and has signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government to further the growth of electric mobility in the state. Under this MoU, Kia has handed over three EVs, including a Niro Hybrid, a Niro PHEV and a Niro electric, to the state government. The carmaker has also inaugurated a charging station at the state secretariat and hopes to accelerate the adoption of EVs by more government bodies in the near future.

Also Read:

Tata Harrier: Specs and Variants Revealed

Tata Harrier: Image walkaround

Tata Harrier Digital MID: In-Depth Look