Kia India has officially launched the Carens Clavis EV, priced from ₹17.99 lakh (ex-showroom), marking its entry into the affordable, mass-market electric MPV segment. As India’s first three-row EV built locally, the Carens Clavis EV brings together practicality, premium features, and green mobility in one compelling package.
Two Battery Options, One Versatile Platform
Consumers can choose between two battery packs:
- 42 kWh standard pack: Claimed range of approximately 404 km (MIDC).
- 51.4 kWh extended-range pack: Claimed range of up to 490 km.
Power and performance differ accordingly:
- Standard-range variant delivers around 135 PS and 255 Nm torque.
- Extended-range variant offers about 171 PS with the same torque.
Four Variants to Suit All Needs
The Carens Clavis EV is available in four trims:
- HTK Plus – base trim with 42 kWh battery.
- HTX – adds Level 2 ADAS, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting.
- HTX ER – extended-range variant with the larger battery and added features.
- HTX+ ER – top-tier variant featuring a Bose sound system, ventilated seats, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging.
Prices range from ₹17.99 lakh to ₹24.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
Feature-Rich Interiors & Safety Focus
Inside, the Carens Clavis EV boasts dual 12.25-inch screens (for infotainment and instrument cluster), wireless charging, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, and a twin-pane panoramic sunroof in higher variants.
Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, a 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS with over 20 smart assist features.
Fast Charging & After-Sales Infrastructure
The EV supports fast DC charging, enabling 0–80% charge in about 39 minutes. AC home charging takes around 4 to 4.75 hours, depending on the battery size.
Kia is supporting the rollout with over 250 EV-ready workshops and fast-charging infrastructure at more than 100 dealerships across India. The battery is covered by an 8-year or 1.6 lakh km warranty.
Why It Matters
- India’s first made-in-India 7-seater EV: A milestone for the domestic electric vehicle market, addressing the gap in family-focused EVs.
- Competitive pricing: Starting at ₹17.99 lakh, it undercuts many premium EV rivals, making electric mobility more accessible.
- Feature-loaded package: High-end tech, comfort, and safety in an affordable format—ideal for Indian families seeking a premium electric upgrade.
Early Market Dynamics
The Carens Clavis EV arrives at a time when demand for sustainable, multi-utility vehicles is rising. It offers an electric alternative to ICE-based MPVs like the Hyundai Carens, Maruti XL6, and Toyota Innova Hycross. Kia’s strategy seems to target users who are ready to shift from diesel or petrol MPVs to electric without compromising on space or features.
Final Word
The Kia Carens Clavis EV is more than a new model—it’s a strategic leap into the future of urban mobility. By combining the practicality of a 7-seater MPV with advanced EV technology, Kia is aiming to win over Indian families with evolving priorities.
With bookings open from July 22 and deliveries expected to begin soon, the Carens Clavis EV could very well reshape how India views electric vehicles in the multipurpose segment. Whether it succeeds will depend on how quickly families embrace the idea of a fully electric three-row utility vehicle—but the offering is promising, and the timing, impeccable.
Photo Credit: Hyundai
