Key highlights
- Kia India plans to have 10 models by 2030
- Eight of these models are expected to be electrified
- CNG is also being considered as part of Kia’s future India strategy
Kia India is preparing for a much more electrified future. The carmaker plans to expand its India portfolio to 10 models by 2030, with eight of them expected to feature electrified powertrains. That could include pure EVs as well as hybrids.
The company is also looking at CNG-powered models, giving buyers more choices as the transition away from conventional petrol and diesel cars gathers pace.
This is a fairly big change from Kia’s current India line-up, which is still largely made up of petrol and diesel-powered SUVs and MPVs.
More EVs and hybrids are coming
Kia has already confirmed several products that will form part of this electrification push.
The Syros EV is the latest entrant with an affordable price point. The Sorento Hybrid and Carnival Hybrid will bring hybrid technology to Kia’s larger SUVs and MPVs. The Seltos too might get an hybrid variant.
The company has not revealed the complete list of the models that will get electrified. So, there is plenty of room for more EVs and hybrids to join the line-up before 2030.
And Kia’s definition of electrification is deliberately broad. The eight models will include xEVs, rather than eight pure electric cars. That means hybrids will play an important role alongside battery-powered models.
The CNG bet
Kia India is also betting on getting more CNG options. Currently, only the Carens Clavis gets a dealer fitted CNG kit. However, that is about to change and Kia will now offer factory fitted CNG kits. We believe that the Carens Clavis will be the first model to get this fuel option. This will be mainly targeted towards taxi and fleet operators.
With EVs, hybrids and potentially CNG joining the existing petrol and diesel options, Kia’s India portfolio could look very different by the end of this decade. And given how quickly buyer preferences are changing, keeping multiple options on the table might just be the smarter strategy.
Also read: Tesla Model Y RWD India test drives commenced, Grok AI added
