Kia India MD Park Tae-jin said the company is considering alternative electric vehicles, including hybrids. This is after his predecessor clearly denied any hybrid from the brand or the Hyundai group. If the latest report is true, the automaker has already started electrifying the petrol engines in India. Kia is reportedly developing a powerful hybrid version of its 1.2-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines which will be available in India. The new hybrid powertrain will be launched in 2025. Kia Motors The global portfolio includes powerful hybrid models such as the Carnival and K8 sedans and SUVs such as the Niro, Sorento and Sportage.
However, it is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor, making it unsuitable for price-sensitive markets like India. The battery and powertrain slot allows Kia Motors to introduce hybrid technology in India, paving the way for models like Seltos, Carens and Sonet to have a hybrid option in the future.But he says The new compact SUV (codename: AY) may be Kia’s first hybrid model in India. It is thought to be between the Sonet and Seltos.
The spectacular success of Maruti and Toyota partnership in mid-size SUV space where Hyundai Group dominated, could fade away with the hybrid strategy that the Japanese duo have. If this happen, Hyundai India will also bring the same eventually. The Aura and Grand i10 Nios along with every car with a 1.5l and 1.2l petrol engine option will get a hybrid. An EV, CNG, Petrol, Diesel and a hybrid will what take down Maruti, Tata and Mahindra? Let’s wait and watch.
