Kia Carens EV Spotted Testing: Launch Expected In 2025

Almost every car manufacturer in India is currently planning or already working on an electric vehicle, and it seems Kia India has a similar plan. While they offer a variety of electric vehicles in the international market, they are now planning to introduce an all-electric version of their popular MPV, the Carens. Not only do they have plans, but they have also already begun development. The electric version of the Kia Carens was recently spotted on Indian roads.

For those following Kia, the South Korean manufacturer is planning to launch an updated version of the Carens MPV in the market. They are extensively testing the MPV for Indian conditions, and it is expected to be launched next year.

The global debut of the Carens EV is anticipated in the first half of 2025, although we are not sure when it will be available in India. There is a possibility that Kia might launch the EV first and then bring the facelifted version of the Carens to India.

Kia will be introducing the Carens with a revised front fascia and rear design. The design of the Carens EV is also expected to be similar to the ICE (internal combustion engine) version, though the electric version will definitely include EV-specific elements such as a closed grille and new alloy wheels.

In the spy picture that surfaced online, we can see Kia’s signature tail lamp design with C-shaped LED elements and a connecting LED bar. The bar running across the width of the car accentuates the width of the MPV.

The image, taken from the rear, shows that the Carens EV has a different suspension setup, and the exhaust is missing. As for the platform, the Carens EV is expected to share it with the upcoming Creta EV. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to expect an electric version of the Seltos to hit the market as well.

When it comes to the powertrain, no information is currently available online. However, given that the EV will share its platform with the Creta EV, we can expect a similar 45 kWh or larger battery pack in the Carens EV. It will be a front-wheel-drive EV. Kia aims to compete with the upcoming BYD eMax 7 MPV with this model.

In addition to the Kia Carens EV, the brand will also launch new models like the EV9 and the Kia Carnival next month. The manufacturer is also working on a compact SUV that will be positioned between the Sonet and Seltos. It will be officially called the Syros and is expected to launch in early 2025. The Syros has been spotted testing several times.

As for the Carens, it is a three-row MPV that has been on the market for a couple of years now. The MPV is due for an update and is currently available with a variety of petrol and diesel engine options.

These include a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine, and a 1.5-liter turbo diesel engine. The turbo petrol and diesel engines offer an iMT option, along with DCT and manual transmissions, respectively. The naturally aspirated petrol engine, however, comes only with a 6-speed manual transmission.

via: ACI