Kia is all set to enter India’s mass-market electric vehicle space with its upcoming Kia Carens EV. This new electric car has been spotted multiple times during testing, and latest spy shots reveal interesting new details – including a front charging port and Tamil Nadu test plates.
Let’s take a look at everything we know so far about the upcoming Kia Carens Electric MPV. 
Kia Carens EV – Spied in Action
Kia has been actively working on expanding its electric vehicle lineup in India. The company is expected to launch an electric version of the popular Kia Carens MPV, and it’s currently being tested on Indian roads.
The recent test vehicle was seen charging from the front, which aligns with what we’ve seen in Hyundai Creta Electric test mules. This has sparked speculation that the Kia Carens EV will share the same powertrain as the Hyundai Creta EV.
Tamil Nadu Test Mule – Not Hyundai, But Kia
The latest spy shots showed the car with Tamil Nadu registration plates, which created some confusion about whether it’s a Hyundai vehicle. However, a closer look confirms it’s indeed a Kia Carens EV – thanks to the distinct alloy wheel design, which is clearly from Kia.
Even though most Kia test cars in India use temporary AP plates (Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh), this one’s Tamil Nadu plate likely comes from Kia-Hyundai’s shared testing resources in the region.
Front Charging Port – Same as Hyundai Creta EV?
Yes, just like the Hyundai Creta EV, the Kia Carens Electric has a front-mounted charging port. It’s highly likely that both models will share battery and motor configurations, as they are expected to launch around the same time and belong to the same segment.
Expected Battery, Range & Performance – What We Know
If the Kia Carens EV shares specs with the Creta EV, here’s what you can expect:
- Two battery pack options:
- 42 kWh (Claimed range: 390 km)
- 51.4 kWh (Claimed range: 473 km)
- Single electric motor:
- 170 bhp power
- 255 Nm torque
- Front-wheel drive configuration
This performance will make it ideal for both city drives and highway trips, especially for Indian families.
Design & Interiors – Inspired by Kia EV5
The Kia Carens EV will keep the same overall MPV shape as the ICE version but will feature:
- EV5-inspired front and rear styling
- Signature Kia geometric alloy wheels
- A more futuristic and clean look
Inside, we could see several upgrades:
- Syros-inspired interior layout
- 30-inch Trinity Display (integrated digital cluster + infotainment)
- Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)
- Kia Connect 2.0 with connected car features
- Premium upholstery and ambient lighting
Kia Carens EV India Launch Timeline
Kia has not officially announced the launch date, but considering the advanced stage of testing, the Kia Carens EV India launch could happen in early 2025. It is likely to be priced competitively to take on rivals like Hyundai Creta EV, MG ZS EV, and Tata Curvv EV.