Kia Yet To Decide Between Hybrids And EVs For India

We already have word from Kia that it will not launch any new models in India in 2021. That said, we also have another word on the Korean carmaker’s plans for launching electric models in the country. While the plan to offer electrified models in India is still on, the folks at Kia are yet to take a call on whether Kia should offer hybrid or electric powertrains.

Tae-Jin Park, Chief Sales and Business Strategy Officer, Kia India, said, “We are carefully studying which segment is best here, compared to EV vehicles. When we compare hybrid and EVs it is not finalised, which one is better. Some competitors are focussing on hybrid, some are focussing on EV. We (at) Kia India are not finalised yet.”

Where there is doubt, there is room for speculation. Kia’s lineup consists of a few EVs and hybrid models which could be introduced here. Globally, Kia’s lineup consists of seven EVs and hybrid models. This includes the most recently unveiled EV6 and Optima PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) as well as the Soul and Niro EVs, which were showcased at the Auto Expo 2020. Back in 2019, Kia had also given a Soul EV to the Andhra Pradesh government to promote electric mobility in the state. It is yet to be seen which hybrid/EV model makes it here.

While we leave Kia to finalise its decision, we have some news regarding the Seltos and Sonet. Kia has launched the updated versions of these models, along with the new Kia logo. We could also get special editions of these models, likely to be launched later this year.

Kia will also introduce a 7-seater SUV, probably based on the Seltos. The three-row SUV is likely to arrive in 2022.