Kia, the Korean automotive company, is poised to commence the production of electric vehicles (EVs) in India, marking a significant step in its global EV strategy.
Currently, Kia imports its sole EV model, the EV6, into India as completely built units (CBUs) and sells them in limited quantities. Establishing a dedicated EV manufacturing facility in India will allow Kia to produce electric cars locally, which is expected to lead to more competitive pricing.
During the inaugural Kia EV Day event on October 12, the company unveiled its future plans for EVs. This event featured the introduction of two new electric concept vehicles, the Kia EV3 and EV4, which will join Kia’s global EV lineup alongside models like the Ray, EV6, EV9, and EV5.
Kia has announced its intention to produce strategically designed EVs in India, particularly tailored for emerging markets. This suggests that India will serve as a hub for exporting Kia’s EVs to other countries. Kia currently operates a manufacturing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, where it produces internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles like the Seltos, Sonet, and Carens.
While Kia has not provided specific details about the timeline or location of its EV manufacturing facility in India, the company aims to implement its strategy by 2025. Kia’s broader goal is to expand its global EV production facilities to a total of eight by that year.
India holds significant potential as a market for affordable EVs, aligning with Kia’s global EV strategy to offer competitive pricing. Ho Sung Song, CEO of Kia, emphasized the importance of making EVs available for around $25,000 in the market, hinting at potential future sales strategies to achieve this goal.
