Kia has officially stepped into the mass-market electric vehicle segment in India with the launch of the Carens Clavis EV, priced between Rs. 17.99 lakh and Rs. 24.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Bookings will open on July 22, and deliveries are expected to begin soon after.
The Carens Clavis EV is basically an electric version of Kia’s existing petrol-powered Carens MPV. While it retains most of the familiar design, a few cosmetic changes set it apart:
- The chrome strip at the front is replaced with a sleek LED light bar
- A charging port is neatly integrated into the nose
- Higher variants come with fog lamps and model-specific alloy wheels
From the rear and side, changes are minimal, and the overall body design remains similar to the ICE version.
Inside, the layout and design closely match the petrol version, including the three-row seating and the dual-screen dashboard. However, a few practical updates have been made:
- The centre console is reworked with more storage and new physical buttons
- The gear selector has moved to the steering column (like in the Creta EV)
- Only a 7-seater version (with a bench seat in the second row) is offered; there’s no 6-seater option
Features You’d Expect
Kia has packed the Carens Clavis EV with modern tech and comfort features, including:
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
- Panoramic sunroof
- 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Bose sound system
- Auto climate control with vents for all rows
- Ambient lighting (64 colours)
- Air purifier and powered driver seat
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging functionality
Battery Options & Range
Under the hood (or rather, beneath the floor), the Clavis EV shares its EV setup with the Hyundai Creta Electric. It’s offered with two battery sizes:
- 42 kWh (133 bhp)
- 51.4 kWh (169 bhp)
Kia claims a range of up to 490 km on a full charge, making it suitable for both city drives and longer journeys.
Variants & Pricing
| Variant | Battery | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| HTK Plus | 42 kWh | Rs.17.99 lakh |
| HTX | 42 kWh | Rs.20.49 lakh |
| HTX ER | 51.4 kWh | Rs.22.49 lakh |
| HTX+ ER | 51.4 kWh | Rs.24.49 lakh |
A Segment of Its Own
The Kia Carens Clavis EV stands out as India’s only three-row electric vehicle in its price range. It doesn’t have any direct rivals yet, with the closest being the BYD eMax7, which is positioned at a higher price point.
In short, the Carens Clavis EV brings electric mobility to Indian families looking for space, comfort, and practicality — without stepping too far into the luxury zone.
