Kia is shifting its focus towards the mass-market EV sector in India, following the launch of its premium EV models like the EV6 and EV9. The upcoming Syros EV has been spotted undergoing testing in India. An automotive enthusiast observed the EV version of the Syros during its drive to a charging station in Kochi.
The exterior design of the Kia Syros EV is largely similar to the ICE-powered Syros. The test model featured camouflage on the front, rear, and up to the window line. The pillars, ORVMs, and roof rails appear identical to those on the ICE Syros. A shark fin antenna was also visible.
The new Syros EV is expected to incorporate EV-specific features, such as a closed-off grille and a charging port slot. A test mule seen previously in South Korea had its charging port on the left side. Apart from these adjustments, the vehicle design is very close to the standard Kia Syros.
Minor updates might be present in the front and rear detailing, with the side profile likely remaining largely unchanged, perhaps with EV-specific badging. The test vehicle spotted in Korea was equipped with the same alloy wheels as the ICE Syros. The green calipers and EV-specific badging are the only visible distinctions.
Although Kia has not officially announced the specifications, the Syros EV is anticipated to utilize battery packs from the Hyundai Inster EV. The Inster EV has options of either a 42-kWh or a 49-kWh battery pack. These packs utilize nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry. The range offered is 370 km with the larger battery pack, and a 10% to 80% charge can be achieved in about 30 minutes. The Syros EV may have similar performance figures.
The Kia Syros EV will primarily compete with models such as the Tata Punch EV and Windsor EV, while some variants could also challenge the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 400 EV, and the upcoming Fronx EV. The Syros EV could be offered at a starting price around Rs 14 lakh, with the top variants potentially reaching close to Rs 20 lakh.