The Kia Syros EV has been spotted undergoing testing in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, the very location where Kia India operates its major manufacturing facility. This strategic sighting near the production plant underscores the automaker’s preparations to localize and potentially manufacture the electric variant in India, building on the success of the ICE (internal combustion engine) version of the Syros.
Anantapur is home to Kia’s state-of-the-art plant, which has been producing vehicles like the Syros since early 2025. The facility, with an annual capacity of around 300,000 units, already rolled out the petrol/diesel Syros models and is well-positioned to handle future electric models as Kia expands its EV lineup in the country.Recent spy shots captured a heavily camouflaged prototype of the Syros EV plugged into a public charging station in Anantapur. This marks a significant development, as it highlights active real-world validation of the EV’s charging capabilities and overall performance on Indian roads. Testing of the Kia Syros EV is in full swing, with test mules appearing frequently across various locations, including earlier sightings in Delhi-NCR, Kochi, and other areas.
Design Insights from Spy Shots
The pure electric variant retains key elements from the standard Syros, such as its boxy, compact SUV silhouette tailored for the sub-4-meter segment. However, notable differences are emerging:
- Split headlamps remain a distinctive feature, giving the front a bold and modern appearance.
- The front grille is expected to be revised—likely a closed-off or EV-specific design to optimize aerodynamics and differentiate it from the ICE model.
- The charging port is positioned on the front fender (left side), a clear EV giveaway compared to the rear fuel lid on the conventional version.
- Other elements like roof rails, alloy wheel designs, and overall proportions appear largely carried over, though camouflage hides finer details.
These cosmetic and functional tweaks aim to enhance efficiency while maintaining the Syros’s appeal in the competitive mass-market EV space.
Kia’s Growing EV Presence in India
The Kia Syros EV will become the South Korean automaker’s fourth electric model in the Indian market, following:
- The premium EV6
- The flagship EV9
- The family-oriented Carens Clavis EV
Positioned as a sub-4-meter electric SUV, it targets rivals like the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV 3XO EV. Expectations point to a competitive claimed range of 300–450 km (depending on battery options), potential dual-battery setups for flexibility, and fast-charging support to suit Indian charging infrastructure.
With rigorous testing underway and proximity to the Anantapur plant suggesting possible local production, the Syros EV is shaping up as a key player in Kia’s push for higher EV volumes in India. Launch is anticipated in the first half of 2026, potentially bringing an accessible, feature-packed electric SUV to a broader audience.Stay tuned for more updates as development progresses—this spotted prototype signals that an exciting, India-focused EV is charging toward reality
