Kia Electric Car Price in India 2018 A Complete Guide to Affordable EV Options

In 2018, Kia made its electric debut in India with competitive pricing, positioning itself as a key player in the affordable EV market. With the launch of the Kia e-Niro expected later in the year, prices were anticipated to start around ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom), offering a compelling mix of range, features, and value. This guide breaks down all available and upcoming Kia electric car options, helping budget-conscious buyers make informed decisions in India’s evolving EV landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Kia’s 2018 EV entry: Priced competitively to rival other affordable EVs in India.
• Government subsidies: Lowered effective cost, making Kia EVs more accessible.
• Charging solutions: Home and public charging options eased ownership concerns.
• Range efficiency: Offered up to 150 km on a single charge.
• Low maintenance: Fewer moving parts reduced long-term ownership costs.
• Booking process: Simple online steps with transparent pricing and EMI options.

Why 2018 Was a Turning Point for Electric Cars in India

Remember the first time you heard someone talk about an electric car in India? For most of us, it was still a futuristic idea—something we saw in sci-fi movies or read about in news articles. But 2018 changed the game. That year, India took real steps toward electrifying its roads, and global automakers began paying serious attention. Among them, Kia Motors, a relatively new player in the Indian market at the time, started dropping hints about its electric ambitions. While Kia hadn’t officially launched an EV in India in 2018, the buzz around its upcoming electric models—especially the Kia Soul EV and the Kia Niro EV—had car enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers buzzing.

Back then, buying an electric car in India wasn’t just about cost. It was about vision, patience, and a willingness to be an early adopter in a market still building its EV ecosystem. Charging stations were few, public awareness was low, and the options were limited. But for those who dared to look ahead, 2018 offered a glimpse into the future. And Kia, with its aggressive global electric strategy, was poised to be a key part of that future. If you were wondering about the Kia electric car price in India 2018, you weren’t alone. The question wasn’t just about numbers—it was about whether Kia could deliver affordable, practical, and stylish EVs in a country where value for money is everything.

The Electric Car Landscape in India in 2018

Before we dive into Kia’s electric offerings, let’s set the stage. In 2018, India’s EV market was still in its infancy. The government had launched the FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) scheme, but it was still in the planning phase. The first wave of electric vehicles consisted mostly of small hatchbacks and two-wheelers. The big names? Mahindra e2o Plus, Tata Tigor EV, and the Mahindra eVerito. These were the pioneers—affordable, compact, and often used in fleet operations like Ola and Zoomcar.

But the real excitement came from what was coming next. Global automakers were watching India closely. With rising fuel prices, growing pollution, and a young, tech-savvy population, India was seen as a potential EV goldmine. And Kia, fresh off its successful launch of the Kia Seltos (which came later), was already thinking electric. The question on everyone’s mind: Could Kia bring its global electric expertise to India at a price that made sense for Indian buyers?

What Did Indian Buyers Want in an EV?

Let’s be real—Indian car buyers are practical. We don’t just want cool tech; we want value. In 2018, the ideal EV for most Indians needed to tick a few boxes:

• Affordable price: Under ₹25 lakh, ideally lower.
• Decent range: At least 200 km on a single charge for city and occasional highway use.
• Reliable after-sales service: A strong dealer network and service support.
• Good looks: Because let’s face it, we care about style too.
• Low running costs: Cheaper than petrol or diesel, especially with rising fuel prices.

Kia, with its global reputation for stylish, reliable, and feature-packed cars, had the potential to meet these needs. But the Kia electric car price in India 2018 was still a mystery—because no official EV had launched yet.

Kia’s Global Electric Portfolio (And What It Meant for India)

While Kia hadn’t launched an EV in India in 2018, it had a growing lineup of electric vehicles in international markets. This gave us a good idea of what might come. Here’s a quick look at the models Kia was already selling globally:

• Kia Soul EV: A quirky, boxy electric hatchback with a 150–200 km range (WLTP).
• Kia Niro EV: A compact SUV with a 300+ km range, practical for families.
• Kia e-Soul and e-Niro: The updated versions with better batteries and tech.

These cars were already popular in Europe and North America. The Niro EV, in particular, was praised for its balance of range, space, and price. If Kia could bring a version of the Niro EV to India at a competitive price, it could shake up the market. But the big question remained: Would it be affordable enough?

Kia Electric Car Price in India 2018: What Was the Realistic Estimate?

Okay, let’s get to the heart of the matter: Kia electric car price in India 2018. Since no official launch happened, we had to rely on estimates, import costs, and global pricing. But that didn’t stop us from crunching the numbers. Here’s what we found:

Import Costs vs. Local Assembly

In 2018, Kia was setting up its manufacturing plant in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. This was a game-changer. Local assembly could drastically reduce prices by avoiding heavy import duties (which could be 60–100% for CBU imports). For example:

• CBU (Completely Built Unit) import of a Niro EV: Could cost ₹35–40 lakh due to taxes.
• Locally assembled version: Could come down to ₹25–30 lakh with FAME-II subsidies.

Kia had already hinted that it would focus on CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits for its EVs, which would help keep prices in check. This meant that the Kia electric car price in India 2018 wasn’t just about the car—it was about Kia’s long-term strategy for India.

Projected Prices Based on Global Models

Let’s look at the global prices of Kia’s electric models and estimate what they might cost in India. Remember, these are projected prices, not official:

• Kia Soul EV (2018 model): ~$33,950 (US) → ₹25–28 lakh (imported), ₹20–23 lakh (locally assembled).
• Kia Niro EV (2018 model): ~$38,500 (US) → ₹28–32 lakh (imported), ₹23–26 lakh (locally assembled).
• Kia e-Soul (2019 update): ~$34,800 → ₹26–29 lakh (imported).

These numbers were based on conversion rates, taxes, and Kia’s pricing strategy in other emerging markets. The key takeaway? If Kia assembled EVs locally, it could price them close to the Tata Nexon EV (which launched in 2020) and MG ZS EV (2019). That would make it a serious contender.

FAME-II Subsidies and Their Impact

One of the biggest factors affecting the Kia electric car price in India 2018 was the FAME-II subsidy. Announced in 2019 but planned in 2018, it offered up to ₹1.5 lakh in incentives for EVs with a range of 150+ km and battery capacity of 5 kWh or more. If Kia’s EVs qualified:

• Niro EV (64 kWh battery, 300+ km range): Eligible for full subsidy → Price reduction of ₹1.5 lakh.
• Soul EV (30 kWh battery, 150–200 km range): Likely eligible → ₹1–1.3 lakh subsidy.

This meant that the final on-road price for a locally assembled Niro EV could be as low as ₹22–24 lakh after subsidies. For many buyers, that was within reach.

How Kia’s EVs Compared to Other Options in 2018

Let’s be honest—Kia wasn’t the only player in the game. By 2018, Indian buyers had a few electric options. But how did Kia’s (potential) EVs stack up? Let’s compare.

Kia vs. Tata and Mahindra: The Indian Giants

The Tata Tigor EV and Mahindra e2o Plus were the only mass-market EVs available in 2018. Here’s how they compared to Kia’s projected offerings:

• Price:
  • Tata Tigor EV: ₹9.5–12 lakh (after subsidy).
  • Mahindra e2o Plus: ₹7–9 lakh.
  • Kia Soul EV (projected): ₹20–25 lakh.
  • Kia Niro EV (projected): ₹23–28 lakh.
• Range:
  • Tigor EV: 140 km.
  • e2o Plus: 140 km.
  • Soul EV: 180–200 km.
  • Niro EV: 300+ km.
• Features:
  • Tata/Mahindra: Basic interiors, limited tech.
  • Kia: Likely to offer touchscreen, connected car tech, better build quality.

The takeaway? Kia’s EVs would be more expensive, but they’d offer better range, features, and driving experience. It was a classic “value vs. premium” trade-off.

Kia vs. Global Brands: The Premium Challenge

What about global brands? In 2018, Hyundai Kona Electric was making waves globally, and MG was planning its entry. The Kona EV (launched in India in 2019) started at ₹23.71 lakh, while the MG ZS EV (2019) was priced around ₹20.88 lakh. Kia’s Niro EV, if priced similarly, would be in direct competition. The advantage? Kia’s design language was more modern, and its SUVs had better road presence.

Real-World Example: The Early Adopter’s Dilemma

Imagine this: You’re a 35-year-old IT professional in Bengaluru. You drive 60 km a day, and petrol costs are killing your budget. You want an EV, but you don’t want to settle for a basic car. In 2018, your options were:

• Buy a Tata Tigor EV now: Save money, but compromise on range and features.
• Wait for Kia’s EVs: Pay more, but get a car with 300+ km range, better tech, and a longer warranty.

For many, the wait was worth it. Kia’s reputation for reliability and style made it a top choice for those willing to pay a premium for a better EV experience.

Charging Infrastructure and Practicality in 2018

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: charging. In 2018, India had very few public charging stations. Most EV owners relied on home charging, which was a challenge in cities with limited parking or no dedicated electricity meters.

The Home Charging Reality

If you lived in an apartment, installing a home charger meant:

• Getting permission from the housing society.
• Paying for a dedicated electricity connection (if available).
• Using a portable charger (slow, 8–12 hours for a full charge).

Kia’s EVs, with their larger batteries (30–64 kWh), would take longer to charge at home. The Soul EV (30 kWh) might need 10 hours, while the Niro EV (64 kWh) could take 16+ hours with a standard 15A socket. This was a real concern for daily commuters.

Public Charging: The Sparse Network

In 2018, public charging stations were mostly in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The government had plans to install 2,700+ stations under FAME-II, but progress was slow. Kia’s advantage? Its global EVs supported fast charging (DC), which could reduce charging time to 30–40 minutes for 80% charge. But with so few fast chargers, this was more of a future-proof feature than a daily solution.

Tip: Plan Your Charging Strategy

If you were considering a Kia EV in 2018, here’s what we’d recommend:

• Get a home charger installed: Even if it’s slow, it’s convenient.
• Use office charging: Some tech parks and offices had EV chargers.
• Plan long trips carefully: Use apps like PlugShare to find charging stations.

Kia’s longer range (especially the Niro EV) would give you more flexibility, but planning was still essential.

What Kia Needed to Do to Make EVs Affordable in India

By the end of 2018, it was clear: Kia had the potential to be a major EV player in India. But to make its electric cars affordable, it needed to focus on a few key areas.

Localization of Battery Packs

Batteries are the most expensive part of an EV. In 2018, India imported most of its lithium-ion batteries. Kia could reduce costs by:

• Partnering with local battery manufacturers.
• Setting up a battery assembly line in India.
• Using smaller battery packs (e.g., 30–40 kWh) for city-focused models.

This could bring the Kia electric car price in India 2018 down by 15–20%.

Government Incentives and Local Assembly

Kia’s Anantapur plant was crucial. By assembling EVs locally, Kia could:

• Avoid heavy import duties.
• Qualify for state-level incentives (e.g., Gujarat and Maharashtra offered additional subsidies).
• Create jobs and boost local economy (good for PR).

The message was clear: Local = affordable.

Affordable Variants for Mass Market

Kia didn’t need to launch only premium EVs. A smaller, city-focused EV (like the Soul EV) priced under ₹20 lakh could attract a wider audience. Think of it as the “Kia EV1”—a no-frills, high-value electric car for the masses.

Conclusion: The Future Was Electric, and Kia Was Ready

Looking back, 2018 was a pivotal year for electric cars in India. It wasn’t about who launched the first EV, but who laid the groundwork for the future. Kia, with its global electric expertise and local manufacturing plans, was quietly building the foundation for a major EV push. The Kia electric car price in India 2018 wasn’t set in stone, but the direction was clear: affordable, practical, and stylish EVs were coming.

For buyers in 2018, the choice was tough. You could buy a Tata or Mahindra EV right away, or wait for Kia’s offerings with better range and features. For many, the wait paid off. When the Kia EV6 launched in 2022 (and later the Kia Carens EV in 2024), it proved that Kia’s strategy worked. The prices were competitive, the tech was advanced, and the driving experience was world-class.

So, if you were one of those early adopters wondering about the Kia electric car price in India 2018, you weren’t just asking about a number. You were asking about the future of mobility in India. And the answer? It’s electric—and Kia is leading the charge.

Projected Kia Electric Car Prices in India (2018 Estimates)

Model	Global Price (USD)	Estimated Imported Price (INR)	Estimated Local Assembly Price (INR)	FAME-II Subsidy (INR)	Final Projected Price (INR)	Range (km)
Kia Soul EV	$33,950	₹25–28 lakh	₹20–23 lakh	₹1–1.3 lakh	₹18.7–22 lakh	180–200
Kia Niro EV	$38,500	₹28–32 lakh	₹23–26 lakh	₹1.5 lakh	₹21.5–24.5 lakh	300+
Kia e-Soul (2019)	$34,800	₹26–29 lakh	₹21–24 lakh	₹1.3 lakh	₹19.7–22.7 lakh	200–220

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the starting price of Kia electric cars in India in 2018?

Kia did not launch any electric cars in India in 2018, so there was no official Kia electric car price in India 2018. The brand entered the EV market later with models like the Kia EV6, introduced in 2022.

Were there any affordable Kia EV options available in India during 2018?

No, Kia had not yet released electric vehicles in India by 2018. The company focused on ICE (internal combustion engine) models like the Seltos and Carnival, with EVs planned for future years.

Did Kia showcase any electric car concepts in India in 2018?

Kia did not showcase EV concepts in India during 2018, but globally, they revealed models like the Niro EV. Indian consumers had to wait until 2022 for Kia’s first EV launch in the country.

How did Kia’s 2018 EV plans compare to other automakers in India?

While rivals like Tata and Mahindra introduced EVs (e.g., Tigor EV, e-Verito), Kia prioritized hybrid and ICE vehicles for its 2018 India debut. The brand’s Kia electric car price in India 2018 remained non-existent as it delayed its EV entry.

Were there any government incentives for Kia EVs in India in 2018?

Since no Kia EVs were available in India in 2018, buyers couldn’t claim FAME-II subsidies. The incentives applied only to eligible models like the Tata Nexon EV, which launched later.

What were the expected features of future Kia EVs in India after 2018?

Post-2018, Kia hinted at advanced features like fast charging, 400+ km range, and premium interiors for its upcoming EVs. These specs were later seen in the Kia EV6, launched in 2022 with a 700+ km range.