Kia Carens EV Enters Electric Taxi India Market

With the new Carens EV HTM, Kia is now targeting India’s fast-growing electric taxi space. Priced at ₹18.20 lakh (ex-showroom), the seven-seater electric MPV is designed for commercial operators who need practicality, long range and lower running costs than diesel powered rivals.

Battery, Range and Charging

Under the floor lies a 42 kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a 99 kW (133 hp) electric motor. Kia claims a 404 km range (MIDC-certified), which should be more than enough for a full day of city driving.

When time is short, the Carens EV can be plugged into a 100 kW DC fast charger, from 10% to 80% in just 39 minutes. So operators can keep the taxi running for longer hours without long charging breaks.

Features Built for Fleet Operators

The Carens EV HTM has been designed with taxi operators in mind, setting it apart from the regular Carens. Highlights include:

• Seven seat layout, perfect for ride sharing or large families.
• A speed limiter has been set at 80 km/h to comply with taxi regulations.
• GPS tracker and six panic buttons, for real time monitoring and added safety.
• Essential safety kit like six airbags, ABS and Vehicle Stability Management remains standard.

Kia has tailored the Carens EV for fleet use by skipping luxury extras and focusing on essentials, making it both practical and cost-effective.

Savings and Market Advantage

Kia says a taxi running around 75,000 km a year can save up to ₹4 lakh in fuel bills by switching from diesel to Carens EV. Add to that lower servicing costs of an electric powertrain and it’s a cost effective long term option for fleet owners.

Rivals and Market Position

The Kia Carens EV will take on diesel MPVs like Toyota Innova Crysta and upcoming EV fleet players. With its competitive price, long range and strong charging support, Kia is looking to make a strong presence in India’s growing taxi market. Deliveries will start soon.

FAQs

How far can the Kia Carens EV electric taxi go on a single charge?
It offers a claimed range of 404 km (MIDC) on a single charge.

How fast can it charge?
With a 100 kW DC fast charger, it can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 39 minutes.