Kia Plans to Produce EVs, Hybrids at AP Plant in India by 2021

South Korean auto maker Kia plans to roll out electric and hybrid vehicles from its upcoming plant at Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh and is targeting to launch an electric vehicle in India by 2021, said a top company official.

Kia Motors India, the wholly-owned arm of Kia Motors Corporation, has lined also up three models to be launched here in the next three years as part of its plans to enter the market. It will start with sports utility vehicle (SUV), SP Concept that was showcased at the Auto Expo this year.

“At the moment we are considering to produce electric vehicles and hybrids at our facility (at Anantpur),” Kia Motors India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Kook Hyun Shim told the media in an interview.

The company is investing $1.1 billion at the plant spread over 23 million square feet. It will have a capacity to produce 3 lakh car annually and employ around 3,000 when fully operational.

When asked about the company’s plans for electric vehicles (EVs) for India in the backdrop of the government taking a technology agnostic approach and avoiding framing an Electric Vehicle policy, he said the company’s approach is “very flexible” to reach market advantage.