The Indian electric vehicle (EV) market has been buzzing with excitement, and Kia has added to the buzz with the Carens Clavis EV, a bold and stylish electric crossover built for Indian families and urban adventures alike. With bookings already underway, the first drive of this vehicle gave us insight into how Kia has combined its design finesse with smart electric technology. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect from the Kia Carens Clavis EV.
✅ 1. First Impressions: Bold Yet Practical Design
The Carens Clavis EV stands out with its sharp, futuristic design, drawing inspiration from the existing Carens MPV while carving out a niche of its own. The front fascia sports sleek LED DRLs, a closed-off grille, and a pronounced bumper, giving it an assertive EV identity.
On the sides, the SUV-like stance is accentuated with muscular wheel arches and black cladding, while the rear features connected LED tail lamps and a large bumper for a sporty finish.
Though futuristic in looks, the Clavis doesn’t try to overdo it—it strikes a balance between aggressive styling and urban sophistication.
⚙️ 2. Powertrain and Driving Experience
During the first drive, the Carens Clavis EV proved to be smooth and responsive—a hallmark of most EVs. It’s expected to be powered by a battery pack between 40 kWh and 50 kWh, providing a real-world range of around 350 to 400 km on a single charge.
The motor feels zippy in city traffic, with instant torque delivery and silent operation. The regenerative braking system works efficiently in slowing down the car while also recuperating energy.
Kia offers multiple drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, catering to diverse driving needs. In Sport mode, the throttle response becomes sharper, making it fun to drive even on highways.
🔋 3. Charging and Battery Performance
The Clavis EV supports both standard AC and fast DC charging. With a DC fast charger, it can charge from 10% to 80% in just 40-50 minutes, making it a convenient option for intercity travel.
For home charging, the 7.2kW AC charger takes about 6-8 hours for a full charge. Kia is also expected to roll out a network of charging stations across India, making ownership more practical.
🚘 4. Interior Comfort and Cabin Features
The interiors of the Carens Clavis EV reflect a mix of minimalism and tech-savviness. The dashboard features a dual-screen layout, including a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster. The infotainment supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Kia Connect connected car features.
The cabin offers premium soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and a flat floor design—thanks to the EV architecture—which increases legroom, especially for rear passengers.
With 2-row or optional 3-row configurations, this EV is perfect for families. The boot space is ample, and the rear seats can be folded flat to expand the storage even further.
🎮 5. Tech and Safety Features
Kia is known for loading its cars with features, and the Clavis EV is no exception. Some key highlights include:
- ADAS Level 2 features (in top trims)
- 360-degree camera with parking sensors
- Wireless phone charging
- Ventilated front seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- Automatic climate control
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates
In terms of safety, it comes equipped with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-hold assist, electronic stability control (ESC), and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
🌱 6. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Approach
The Kia Carens Clavis EV makes a strong statement in the sustainability department. Kia has used eco-friendly materials in the cabin, including recycled plastics and vegan leather upholstery. The vehicle is zero-emission, helping reduce the carbon footprint for everyday commuting.
Kia also plans to introduce a battery recycling ecosystem, ensuring that used batteries don’t end up in landfills, further strengthening its environmental commitment.
📈 7. Expected Price and Variants
Though the official prices are yet to be announced, the Carens Clavis EV is expected to be priced between ₹14 lakh and ₹18 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the variant. This pricing would make it a strong contender against the MG ZS EV, Tata Nexon EV, and even the Hyundai Kona EV.
There could be three to four variants, including a base tech-focused version, a mid variant with better range, and a top-end luxury model with all ADAS and infotainment features.
🛣️ 8. Ride and Handling
The Carens Clavis EV is built on a heavily modified version of Kia’s modular platform and handles Indian roads quite comfortably. The suspension is tuned for a balanced ride quality, absorbing potholes and bumps efficiently.
The steering offers good feedback, especially in Normal and Sport modes. The car maintains stability at high speeds and remains nimble in urban traffic. Ground clearance is generous enough to handle speed breakers without a fuss.
📌 Conclusion: Kia’s Electric Evolution
With the Carens Clavis EV, Kia is not just launching another electric vehicle—it is offering a complete family-friendly EV solution with smart design, practical range, tech-packed interiors, and competitive pricing.
From what we’ve seen in our first drive, it is evident that Kia has thought about the needs of Indian EV buyers—space, features, practicality, and charging ease. If priced right, the Clavis EV could be one of Kia’s strongest players in the mass-market EV segment.
🔚 Final Verdict:
- Who is it for? – Families, urban commuters, tech-savvy buyers
- Biggest strength? – Feature-rich cabin and practical range
- Should you wait for it? – Absolutely, if you’re considering a smart, spacious electric SUV under ₹20 lakh.