Tuesday, August 4, 2026
OTOJATIM - Kia has chosen a different direction in Indonesia's growing electric vehicle market. Instead of expanding its electric SUV lineup, the South Korean automaker introduced the Carens EV at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2026, presenting an electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) designed with Indonesian families in mind.
"Electrification is not only about introducing electric vehicles, but also about delivering mobility solutions that are increasingly relevant to people's needs. Through Carens EV, we want to demonstrate how the Carens DNA can evolve into the electrification era without losing the comfort, flexibility, and character that have made it a preferred choice for Indonesian families," said Harry Yanto, Vice President Operation of Kia Sales Indonesia.
The Carens EV carries over the familiar characteristics of the Carens nameplate while adopting a fully electric powertrain. Kia says the concept focuses on family comfort, energy efficiency, and technologies tailored to daily mobility in Indonesia.
Inside the cabin, the electric MPV features a panoramic display, panoramic sunroof, and connected technologies designed to make every journey more convenient for passengers. Safety is also a key highlight, with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) included to enhance driving confidence and passenger protection.
The debut of the Carens EV also reflects Kia's efforts to strengthen its local EV ecosystem. The company is working with the HMG Production Facility and Hyundai LG Indonesia to expand domestic manufacturing capabilities. According to Kia, the local content level of its electric vehicles has already exceeded the Indonesian government's minimum requirement of 40 percent and is projected to surpass 80 percent in the future.
Kia also plans to adopt locally produced NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) lithium-ion batteries for its future electric vehicle lineup in Indonesia. The battery technology is expected to deliver higher energy density, longer driving range, and faster charging performance while supporting local manufacturing.
"Carens EV represents the direction of Kia's electric vehicle development in Indonesia. We will continue strengthening collaboration with the national EV ecosystem while introducing innovations backed by local manufacturing capabilities and Kia's global quality standards to meet the mobility needs of Indonesian consumers," Harry Yanto concluded.
With the Carens EV making its first appearance at GIIAS 2026, Kia is signaling that electric MPVs could become an important segment in Indonesia's transition toward electrified mobility. The model combines the practicality of a family-oriented MPV with technologies expected from the next generation of electric vehicles.
 |
| The Kia Carens EV made its debut at GIIAS 2026, showcasing the brand's vision for family-oriented electric mobility in Indonesia. |
The Carens EV carries over the familiar characteristics of the Carens nameplate while adopting a fully electric powertrain. Kia says the concept focuses on family comfort, energy efficiency, and technologies tailored to daily mobility in Indonesia.
Inside the cabin, the electric MPV features a panoramic display, panoramic sunroof, and connected technologies designed to make every journey more convenient for passengers. Safety is also a key highlight, with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) included to enhance driving confidence and passenger protection.
The debut of the Carens EV also reflects Kia's efforts to strengthen its local EV ecosystem. The company is working with the HMG Production Facility and Hyundai LG Indonesia to expand domestic manufacturing capabilities. According to Kia, the local content level of its electric vehicles has already exceeded the Indonesian government's minimum requirement of 40 percent and is projected to surpass 80 percent in the future.
Kia also plans to adopt locally produced NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) lithium-ion batteries for its future electric vehicle lineup in Indonesia. The battery technology is expected to deliver higher energy density, longer driving range, and faster charging performance while supporting local manufacturing.
"Carens EV represents the direction of Kia's electric vehicle development in Indonesia. We will continue strengthening collaboration with the national EV ecosystem while introducing innovations backed by local manufacturing capabilities and Kia's global quality standards to meet the mobility needs of Indonesian consumers," Harry Yanto concluded.
With the Carens EV making its first appearance at GIIAS 2026, Kia is signaling that electric MPVs could become an important segment in Indonesia's transition toward electrified mobility. The model combines the practicality of a family-oriented MPV with technologies expected from the next generation of electric vehicles.