Kia to launch two electric SUVs in India by 2026

Kia could launch two electric SUVs in India in the next two years. The company is likely developing these models with strict cost targets to price them competitively in the price-sensitive market.

According to a recent report from Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea, Kia is working on an India-specific new small EV, which it internally calls ‘AY1 EV.’ Unlike for the EV3, EV5, EV6, and EV9, for this electric car, the carmaker is modifying the ICE version, codenamed ‘AY1.’ Kia started working on the donor model in early 2023 and recently added the electric derivative.

The South Korean carmaker wants to start selling the AY1 EV in India in the second half of 2025. The company filed trademark applications to secure the names ‘Clavis’ and ‘Syros’ in the country in November 2023 and March of this year, respectively, and could use one of them for this model. The Sonet and Seltos SUVs, launched in the country in 2019 and 2020, respectively, were a huge success. So Kia may incline more towards the second name, starting with the letter’ S.’

Kia could price the AY1 EV between 15 million won (about €10,100) and 20 million won (about €13,500). Interestingly, the company is also working on a long-wheelbase version of the AY1 EV, which it refers to with the codename’ AY1 EV LWB’ in the internal circle. The report does not say whether the LWB variant will feature extra space for second-row passengers or additional seating capacity with a third row. According to Pulse, the AY1 EV LWB will launch in the second half of 2026.

An earlier report from local publication Autocar Professional said Kia will use the Sonet’s platform for the AY1 EV and give the model an SUV body style, which is all the rage right now in India. The manufacturer could thus choose a boxy and authentic SUV character inspired by the Soul/Soul EV instead of the softer-looking Sonet, possibly with attributes like a broad and squarish body, a prominent, flat bonnet, upright A—and C-pillars, and a high ground clearance.

According to Autocar Professional, Kia plans to manufacture only 20,000 of the AY1 EV annually, just 25% of the volume it targets for the AY (80,000 units). The company could market this model as a direct rival of the Tata Nexon.ev, one of India’s most popular electric cars.

pulse.mk.co.kr, autocarpro.in