Kia Motors, the South Korean automotive giant, is poised to transform India’s electric vehicle landscape with the launch of two locally manufactured EVs by 2026. The announcement, made by Kia India, came in the wake of Ho-Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia Motors, confirming the company’s ambitious plans to introduce mass-market EVs tailored for emerging markets. The first of these vehicles is expected to hit Indian roads this year, offering a more accessible entry point into the electric mobility wave.
The electric versions will be based on Kia’s popular Carens MPV and the newly unveiled Syros subcompact SUV, signaling the company’s intent to cater to a wide spectrum of Indian customers. However, Kia has yet to confirm which model will debut first. These models will complement Kia’s already established presence in the EV segment, which includes the premium Kia EV6. The EV6 recently received a significant upgrade with a larger 84 kWh battery, ultra-fast charging capability, and an 18-minute charging time for 80% capacity, albeit with a reduced single-charge range of 650 km compared to the previous 708 km.
Harpreet Brar, head of Sales & Marketing at Kia India, shared the company’s strategy during the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, stating that Kia is focused on adding affordable mass-market EVs to its lineup. These developments underline Kia’s dedication to making EVs accessible to a broader Indian audience and expanding its mobility ecosystem .
Globally, Kia’s electric ambitions are equally remarkable, with plans to introduce 15 EVs by 2027. This lineup will feature models like the EV3 launching this year, followed by the EV2, EV4, and EV5. While specifics are scarce, the entry-level models are expected to offer a substantial range of over 350 km on a single charge and are likely to share technology with the parent company’s existing platforms .
To further consolidate its position, Kia has also showcased the larger, three-row EV9 at the expo, which is scheduled to join the lineup in 2026. As Kia deepens its roots in the Indian EV market, it is undoubtedly setting the stage for an electrified future, promising innovative, reliable, and sustainable mobility solutions .
Kia is evidently looking to electrify India (along with the rest of the world).
