New Delhi:Kia India has highlighted its multi-powertrain strategy for the Indian market and confirmed that hybrid powertrains and factory-fitted CNG models
are under making. Kia India executive Atul Sood in his interaction with Autocar Professional noted that the brand will continue to invest across different drivetrains.
Sood further confirmed that the brand was working towards eight electrified models in its India portfolio by 2030.
Alternate energy plans for Kia’s India portfolio
Kia’s long-term electrification strategy for India covers both battery EVs and strong-hybrid models. The company currently sells four EVs in the country, including the EV6, EV9, Carens Clavis EV and the recently launched Syros EV. It has already confirmed that a strong-hybrid version of the Seltos is under development.
According to Sood, the immediate focus is on localising hybrid technology to improve affordability, although the company has not announced a launch timeline. When asked about an all-electric Seltos, similar to the Hyundai Creta Electric, Sood said the idea is under evaluation, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Kia is also preparing to introduce the Sorento in India. The three-row SUV is expected to arrive as a locally assembled model in the coming months. It is likely to become Kia’s first strong-hybrid offering for the Indian market. In addition, the Carnival is also expected to receive a hybrid powertrain for India.
With hybrids planned for the Seltos, Sorento and Carnival alongside the four EVs already on sale, Kia’s electrified portfolio would expand to seven models. To achieve its target by 2030, another model, likely a compact SUV from its lineup, a toss-up between the Sonet or Syros, could also adopt hybrid technology.
Alongside electrification, Kia has confirmed that factory-fitted CNG models are underway for India. Presently, the brand only offers dealer-installed CNG retrofit kits for the Carens. However, Sood said work on integrated factory-fit CNG variants is in the schemes.
While no launch schedule has been revealed, he added that Kia is assessing the feasibility of CNG powertrains across multiple models.
