Kia launches Carens Clavis EV in India with up to 490 km range, priced from ₹17.99 lakh

Motor Power: Powering the Carens Clavis EV is a single electric motor mounted on the front axle. The smaller battery powers a 135 hp motor, while the larger one drives a 171 hp unit. Both deliver 255 Nm of torque. Kia claims the 51.4 kWh variant can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, matching the figures of the Hyundai Creta Electric.

Exterior Tweaks: The design of the Carens Clavis EV closely resembles the ICE version, with EV-specific updates. It features LED headlamps with L-shaped DRLs, a full-width LED lightbar, and a redesigned front bumper housing the charging port. The sides sport EV-specific 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. At the rear, the design remains unchanged except for the EV badging and subtle detailing.

Frunk And Aero: The Carens Clavis EV includes new design elements for efficiency, such as active aero flaps and a streamlined underbody. A 25-litre front trunk (frunk) adds to practicality. The front bumper’s charging port is similar to the Creta Electric’s, showing charging status with four indicator dots. The MPV offers a ground clearance of 200 mm, suitable for Indian roads.

Interior Touches: Inside, the Carens Clavis EV retains its three-row seating layout. The dashboard mirrors the ICE model but gets a floating centre console for extra storage, thanks to the relocated gear selector on the steering column. Different trim inserts highlight the EV identity. Unlike the ICE variant, the Clavis EV is only available as a 7-seater with a flat floor.

Features Packed: The EV comes equipped with twin 12.3-inch displays, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a switchable touch panel for climate and media. It features an 8-speaker Bose audio system, panoramic sunroof, powered driver’s seat, wireless charger, and ventilated front seats. It also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality and boasts over 90 connected car tech features for added convenience.

Safety Focused: Safety equipment includes six airbags, ESC, ABS, hill-start assist, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS, and ISOFIX anchors. The Clavis EV also offers Level 2 ADAS, with features like smart cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and a 360-degree camera. The Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) alerts pedestrians of the car’s presence, enhancing safety in urban environments.

Direct Competition: The Carens Clavis EV competes with the BYD eMax 7, priced between ₹26.90 lakh and ₹29.90 lakh. Unlike the eMax 7, which comes in six- and seven-seater versions, the Clavis EV is only a seven-seater. It also rivals the Toyota Innova Hycross and the Maruti Suzuki Invicto. The Clavis EV is currently the most affordable three-row electric MPV in India.

Kia’s Strategy: With the Carens Clavis EV, Kia expands its electric vehicle lineup in India, aligning with its global electrification goals. Built locally, it features a liquid-cooled, IP67-certified battery, regenerative braking with i-Pedal 2.0, and intelligent auto modes. The Clavis EV also offers pre-emptive maintenance alerts, OTA updates, and access to over 11,000 charging points via Kia’s K-Charge platform.