The Kia Imagine EV To Go From Concept To Reality In 2021

• Likely to feature connected headlamps and suicide doors like the concept.
• Expect it to feature a more conventional dashboard design with horizontal screens and the latest Kia tech.
• Will be built on a new electric platform. Technical specifications are yet to be revealed.
• Unlikely to make it to India anytime soon.

We already knew from earlier reports that Kia Motors has been working on an all-electric crossover based on the Imagine electric vehicle (EV) concept showcased at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show. However, we never got a specific timeline for the vehicle’s debut until now. Kia’s COO for Europe Emilio Herrera has confirmed that the crossover EV will make its debut in 2021.  

Going into how it may look, it may not be as radical as the concept but we expect the electric crossover to feature a tall-boy stance. We could also get exterior bits from the concept like connected headlamps and suicide doors. The main talking point inside the concept is, of course, a synchronised setup of 21 screens covering the entire dashboard. Don’t expect the production iteration to feature such a radical setup, instead, we could get more conventional horizontal screens with the latest Kia tech.

The electric crossover will be built on a new electric platform that debuts next year. While Kia has remained tight-lipped about the specifications of the electric powertrain, we do know that the concept features a skateboard battery-integrated chassis with induction-charging capabilities.

While there is still a long way to go before the Imagine-based electric SUV makes its debut in 2021, it is unlikely to make it to India anytime soon. The carmaker has recently made a mark with the Seltos and its Carnival MPV is lined up for a January 2020 launch. Post that is the Kia QYI, which has been spied testing in India.

The carmaker is also working on an all-electric iteration of the Seltos for 2020, which is likely to be limited to Asian markets aside from India. However, there is a possibility that the electrified Seltos may be considered for India taking into account the success of its internal combustion engine sibling and recent EV unveils in India like the Nexon EV and the MG ZS EV.  

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