Kia has officially announced that its first electric vehicle for the Indian market will be an electric variant of the Carens. However, it’s worth noting that an electric version of the Seltos is also in development, and the forthcoming Kia EV3 SUV serves as a preview of what’s to come.
Unveiled in concept form last October, the EV3 shares similar dimensions with the Seltos, and upon closer inspection, one can observe similarities in silhouette with its internal combustion engine counterpart as well. Within the concept car, the interior follows a minimalist design approach, featuring a unified display at the center for control and a series of toggle switches for climate control and other functions. Kia has adorned the cabin with a pleasing beige color scheme, catering to preferences in markets like India, while ensuring ample interior space with a completely flat floor design.
In the teaser images, the headlamps and taillamps are prominently featured, displaying a vertically oriented design that shares striking similarities. These teasers suggest that the final production model will closely resemble the concept car, maintaining consistent shape and size.
Considering India’s pivotal role as a global production hub for the Seltos, it’s plausible that the EV3 will undergo assembly at the Anantapur plant. Whether for export or domestic supply, it’s anticipated that production for the Indian market will largely occur locally. Nevertheless, components for global markets are likely to be sourced from India.