Next Kia EV To Rival BYD eMax7, Toyota Innova Crysta, Hycross; Likely To Be Revealed At Auto Expo 2025 | V3Cars

03 November 2024
By Mahesh Yadav
0

We are starting to see pics of Carens EV on public roads more often now. This leads us to believe that the car is getting closer to its production form and we may see it at the 2025 Expo.

Kia currently have 2 EVs in their portfolio right now: the ridiculously expensive EV6 and the even-more-ridiculously-expensive EV9. While it’s understandable that these are so pricey since they are imported. So, the Carens EV will not only become their first mass market EV, but also their first made-in-India EV. It’ll also add a new form factor to their EV lineup. The EV6 is a hatchback, the EV9 is an SUV and the Carens EV will have an MPV bodystyle.

Also Read: Hyundai Creta EV Reveal & Launch Likely At Expo 2025

Note: If you want to buy a new car, Calculate Car Loan EMI with V3Cars

Why Carens EV?

While we’re expecting Hyundai to launch the Creta EV early in 2025, bringing the Carens EV instead of the Seltos EV allows the Hyundai group to play their cards with some diversification. If the SUVs continue their supremacy, then the Creta EV will have a better chance of success. However, if the economy slows down and overpriced SUVs begin to take a backseat, then the practical and not-so-body people movers could gain popularity.

Moreover, Hyundai are also working on the Creta EV, which shares the platform with the Carens EV. So, Kia will not only get some expertise sharing in the development but also their previous experience with selling and maintaining the Kona EV.

Why No Dedicated EV Platform?

The MG Windsor and Tata Curvv EV are some of the more affordable C-segment cars with a dedicated EV-spec platform. The Carens EV and Creta EV will continue to share the platform with their petrol versions. This provides them some economies of scale. It also means less time and cost spent in R&D.

Moreover, most other electric SUVs in the similar price band (Rs. 15 lakh - 30 lakh) also share their platform with their petrol cousins. For instance, the ZS EV is based on the Astor’s platform. The Atto3 is also based on its petrol-powered sibling, which is only offered in some international markets. Similarly, the eMax 7 also uses an ICE-based platform. That’s why they have a long front end, which is otherwise used to accommodate the engine. Some of these cars, such as the eMax7 even have their charging point where they normally have a fuel filler cap. The ZS is the only EV in this segment which has its charging port, where it’s most convenient for an electric car — on the nose.

Kia Carens EV Launch Timeline

After the reveal at the Auto Expo 2025, we expect Kia to give the Creta EV some breathing room. Leaving it alone will allow the two brands to make sure they don’t cannibalise each other’s products, which will also have overlapping price tags. The Carens EV can also benefit from all the initial customer feedback Hyundai receive from their Creta EV customers.

With the reveal at the Mobility Expo 2025, we expect the Carens EV prices to be announced sometime in the 2nd quarter of 2025 calendar year.

Also Read: Hyundai Creta 1.5L Turbo Petrol-Auto City, Highway Mileage Test

Note: Calculate Car Fuel Cost with V3Cars for India and Other Countries