Kia Carens Clavis EV launched at Rs 17.99 lakh

The Kia Carens Clavis EV has been launched with prices starting at Rs 17.99 lakh and going up to Rs 24.49 lakh (ex-showroom, India). This is a direct ICE-to-EV conversion of the recently launched Carens Clavis MPV, and it comes with a claimed range of up to 490km. Although Kia already has the EV6 and EV9 on sale in India, this is the brand’s first made-in-India mass-market EV. Kia will officially commence bookings on July 22.  

1. Carens Clavis EV has a claimed range of up to 490km
2. It is currently the most affordable three-row EV on sale in India 
3. Bookings to officially commence on July 22

Here’s a look at the detailed price list of the Kia Carens Clavis EV:

Kia Carens Clavis EV specs, battery and range

Two battery pack options – 42kWh and 51.4kWh 

Under the skin, the Carens Clavis EV is closely related to the Hyundai Creta Electric. Like its Hyundai sibling, the Kia MPV is on offer with two battery pack options – a 42kWh unit with an ARAI-claimed range of 404km and a 51.4kWh unit with an ARAI-certified range of 490km. 

The smaller battery pack powers a 135hp electric motor, while the larger battery pack gets a 171hp unit. Both are front-axle mounted and have a torque rating of 255Nm – figures the same as the Creta Electric. Kia claims a 0-100kph acceleration time of 8.4 seconds for the 51.4kWh variants. It also gets 4 levels of regenerative braking via paddle shifters and a steering column-mounted drive selector.  

As for charging, Kia is providing two AC charger options – 7.4kW and 11kW – and using the latter, the 42kWh battery can be topped up from 10 to 100 percent in 4 hours, while the 51.4kWh battery takes 4 hours and 45 mins for the same. Kia is providing an 8-year or 1,60,000km warranty on the entire vehicle.

Kia Carens Clavis EV exterior and interior design

Largely unchanged from the ICE-powered Carens Clavis

In terms of exterior and interior design, not a lot has changed from the ICE-powered Carens Clavis, save for some EV-specific updates. It gets a slightly reworked front bumper with active aero flaps for improved aerodynamic efficiency. Much like the Creta electric, the charging port is now housed on the nose of the MPV, and the thin band connecting the LED DRLs is now illuminated on the Clavis EV (on the regular Clavis, it appears just as a contrasting trim). There are also new Ice-cubed LED fog lamps and a new silver trim on the lower bumper. It now also gets a 25-litre frunk. 

In profile, the only notable update is a new set of aero-optimised 17-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, save for the EV badge, it looks largely the same as the regular Carens. The Clavis EV has an unladen ground clearance of 200mm. 

On the inside, too, the dashboard design is identical to that of the regular Carens. However, this being an EV, the centre console area gets a new floating design, freeing up some additional space for storage. Kia has, however, used slightly different trims on the dashboard and door pads to bring about some differentiation. 

Kia Carens Clavis EV features and safety

Top variant gets ventilated seats, Bose sound system, panoramic sunroof 

On the equipment front, the Carens Clavis EV gets twin 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a switchable touch-sensitive panel for HVAC and media controls, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat, connected car features, one-touch electric tumble for the second-row seat, and even a Boss Mode feature. The Clavis EV also supports V2L charging. 

In terms of safety, the Carens Clavis EV comes equipped with 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, hill-start assist, TPMS, and all-four-disc brakes as standard. Level 2 ADAS and a 360-degree camera are also on offer on the higher trims. There’s even a virtual engine sound system for pedestrian protection. 

Kia Carens Clavis EV rivals  

Priced at par with the Hyundai Creta Electric 

The Kia Carens Clavis EV rivals the BYD eMax 7 in our market, which is priced between Rs 26.90 lakh and Rs 29.90 lakh (ex-showroom). However, the eMax 7 is available in both 6- and 7-seater versions, while the Clavis EV is only available in a 7-seater guise. As it stands, the Carens Clavis EV is the most affordable three-row EV in the country. For reference, the closely related Hyundai Creta Electric is priced between Rs 17.99 lakh and Rs 24.38 lakh (ex-showroom).