No Plans for a 2026 Kia Seltos EV Despite Shared Hyundai Platform

Kia has officially confirmed that there will be no fully electric version of the next-generation Kia Seltos, despite the model being built on a platform already proven to support battery-electric vehicles.

Speaking at the global reveal of the 2026 Kia Seltos, Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song made it clear that an EV variant is not part of the brand’s plans.

“We don’t have any plan for an EV option for Seltos,” Song said.
“Seltos you’ll have internal combustion and hybrid options.”

The announcement comes as a surprise, given the close technical relationship between Kia and Hyundai within the Hyundai Motor Group.

Shared Platform, Different Strategy

The new-generation Kia Seltos is built on the K3 platform, the same architecture underpinning the current Hyundai Kona, which is offered globally with petrol, hybrid, and full battery-electric powertrains.

In fact, Hyundai designed the Kona Electric first, later adapting the design for internal combustion and hybrid variants—an unusual reverse-development strategy that highlighted Hyundai’s strong EV focus.

Despite this technical readiness, Kia has chosen not to follow Hyundai down the EV Seltos path.

ICE and Hybrid Powertrains Only

According to Kia, the 2026 Seltos lineup will consist of:

• Internal combustion engine (ICE) versions

• Hybrid (HEV) variants

No plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or battery-electric (BEV) options have been confirmed.

The new Seltos is expected to launch locally in Q4 2026, continuing its role as one of Kia’s core global compact SUVs.

Likely Introduction of e-AWD Technology

While Kia declined to elaborate on the decision to skip a full EV, industry expectations suggest the new Seltos may debut the Hyundai Group’s next-generation e-AWD system.

This setup uses:

• A conventional engine driving the front wheels

• A dedicated electric motor powering the rear axle

• No physical driveshaft between axles

Toyota has successfully utilized similar technology in models like the RAV4 Hybrid and Corolla Cross Hybrid for years, delivering improved traction and efficiency.

Although Kia has not officially confirmed this for the Seltos, such a system would help differentiate it mechanically from the Hyundai Kona.

Avoiding Internal Competition Within Hyundai Group

Hyundai and Kia have a long history of strategically avoiding overlap, even when vehicles share platforms and core components.

Examples include:

• Kia Stinger has no Hyundai equivalent

• Hyundai’s N performance models, which Kia does not directly mirror

• EV pairs positioned very differently, such as:

  • Kia EV3 vs Hyundai Kona Electric

  • Kia Carnival vs Hyundai Staria

Even when segments overlap, the two brands typically target different buyers, employ distinct pricing strategies, and adhere to different design philosophies.

Kia Already Has Enough Small EVs

Another key factor is portfolio balance. Kia already offers multiple compact electric SUVs globally, including:

• Kia Niro EV

• Kia EV3, which is priced very aggressively in markets like Australia

Adding a Seltos EV would risk internal cannibalisation rather than expanding Kia’s EV reach.

With the EV3 covering the affordable electric SUV space and the Niro EV positioned slightly higher, Kia appears comfortable keeping the Seltos as a hybrid and ICE-focused model.

Bigger Than Kona, But Electrified Differently

Although the new Seltos shares its platform with the Kona, it remains:

• Physically larger

• Styled more upright and rugged

• Positioned differently in Kia’s lineup

The absence of a full EV option reinforces Kia’s intent to keep the Seltos distinct in purpose and positioning, even if the mechanical “bones” are shared.