The Kia Carens Clavis EV is the latest entrant in the nascent mass-market electric MPV space. Positioned as a premium Kia model, the Clavis EV currently takes on the BYD eMax 7. Without further ado, here is a straight comparison of how the made-in-India Carens Clavis EV measures up, at least on paper, against the China-imported BYD eMax 7.
Kia Carens Clavis EV vs BYD eMax 7 dimensions
| Kia Carens Clavis EV vs BYD eMax 7 dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| MPV | Kia Carens Clavis EV | BYD eMax 7 |
| Length (mm) | 4550 | 4710 |
| Width (mm) | 1800 | 1810 |
| Height (mm) | 1730 | 1690 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2780 | 2800 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 200 | 170 |
| Frunk (L) | 25 | NA |
| Boot space (L) | Undisclosed | 180 |
| Boot space with third row folded down (L) | Undisclosed | 580 |
| Wheel size (in) | 16, 17 | 17 |
eMax 7 is longer, wider, and has a longer wheelbase
Evidently, the BYD eMax 7 is the bigger MPV here. It is longer, slightly wider, and has a longer wheelbase than the Kia Carens Clavis EV. Notably, the Kia has a small frunk for extra storage, something the BYD doesn't offer. Both ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, though the Clavis EV's lower variants come with 16-inch ones. While both three-row vehicles can seat up to 7 people, the eMax 7 also has an additional 6-seat option (with captain seats in the middle row).
Kia Carens Clavis EV vs BYD eMax 7 powertrain specs
| Kia Carens Clavis EV vs BYD eMax 7 battery, motors, range | ||
|---|---|---|
| MPV | Kia Carens Clavis EV | BYD eMax 7 |
| Drive layout | FWD | FWD |
| Power (hp) | 135 | 171 | 163 | 204 |
| Torque (Nm) | 255 | 310 |
| Battery pack (kWh) | 42 | 51.4 | 55.4 | 71.8 |
| Range (km) | 404 | 490 (ARAI) | 420 | 530 (NEDC) |
| AC fast charging 10-100 percent (hrs) | 4 | 4.45 (up to 11kW) | 7.55 | 10.16 (up to 7kW) |
| DC fast charging 0-80 percent (mins) | 39 (up to 100kW) | 37 (up to 150kW) |
eMax 7 is more powerful and has bigger batteries
The eMax 7 again aces ahead as the more powerful and longer-range EV here. It gets bigger battery pack options, as well as more powerful front-wheel-drive electric motors. Notably, Kia’s range figures are Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)-certified, while BYD’s are based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). For those not in the know, the WLTP cycle is the successor to the NEDC.
Charging
Charging-wise, the Kia EV charges much faster on AC at home, thanks to its 11kW charger, whereas the BYD model’s 7kW unit and comparatively larger battery packs make the process slower. The BYD eMax 7, though, boasts a quicker DC charging time, thanks to its higher 150kW compatibility, but the Kia Carens Clavis EV isn’t too far behind.
Kia Carens Clavis EV vs BYD eMax 7 price
| Kia Carens Clavis EV vs BYD eMax 7 price (ex showroom) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Carens Clavis EV variant | Price (in Rs, lakh) | BYD eMax 7 | Price (in Rs, lakh) |
| HTK+ | 18 | Premium | 26.90 |
| HTX | 20.50 | Superior | 29.30 |
| HTX LR | 22.50 | Premium LR | 27.50 |
| HTX+ LR | 24.50 | Superior LR | 29.90 |
Carens Clavis EV is much more affordable across the range
The Kia Carens Clavis EV is priced much lower than the BYD eMax 7 across the board. For reference, the entry-level Carens Clavis EV variant undercuts the eMax 7 equivalent by a whopping Rs 8.9 lakh. Even the top-spec Clavis is more affordable than eMax7’s base variant by Rs 2.4 lakh. So, while the BYD eMax 7 offers more power and bigger batteries, the Kia Carens Clavis EV is significantly cheaper, which could be a key factor for budget-conscious buyers.
