Kia India has finally introduced its first locally produced electric vehicle, the Carens Clavis EV, ahead of its official debut which will take place on July 15. With this unveiling, Kia not only marks its entry into the mass-market EV space in India but also introduces the country’s first three-row, seven-seater electric vehicle, making a bold statement in the electric MPV segment.
Even after being based on the ICE-powered Carens, the Clavis EV is different from the EV-specific styling touches and cleaner design lines. As we can see the silhouette remains familiar, but a closer look reveals an EV-appropriate front fascia featuring a sealed grille, a neatly integrated charging port, and redesigned bumpers. Some features like modern alloy wheels and low-mounted fog lamps add to the subtle yet significant visual upgrade, reminiscent of design cues seen in Kia’s global EV models like the EV5.
Inside, the Carens Clavis EV you’ll see a fine balance between practicality as well as premium appeal. While the layout mirrors that of its petrol-powered sibling, Kia has made thoughtful changes for EV users, most notably, the removal of the traditional gear lever to make space for additional storage. A dual 12.3-inch digital display, a beige-over-black colour theme, and updated upholstery is expected on the cabinet. As seen in the teaser, the car retains the tech-forward cockpit experience that’s now a Kia signature.
What truly sets the Carens Clavis EV apart is its impressive range. Kia has confirmed that the EV will offer a certified range of up to 490 km on a full charge, higher than its cousin, the Hyundai Creta EV, although it houses a third row of seats. This is likely made possible by improved battery efficiency or aerodynamic tweaks. The EV is expected to come with two battery pack options which are a 42 kWh pack for lower variants, and a 51.4 kWh unit for the top trims. Let us tell you that both are taken from the Hyundai Creta Electric and will power a front-mounted motor, tuned to accommodate the Carens’ larger footprint.
Kia hasn’t left any stones unturned and has also given lots of focus on comfort and safety. The Clavis EV is likely to include features like dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, front ventilated seats, wireless charging, a premium Bose sound system, and ambient lighting. Expected to have Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In terms of safety, the electric Carens should match or exceed the ICE version, with six airbags, electronic stability control, all-wheel disc brakes, hill start assist, and traction control. Higher trims may offer Level 2 ADAS with up to 20 autonomous safety features.
The Carens Clavis EV may be offered in both seven- and six-seater configurations, the latter achieved by offering captain seats in the second row. This flexibility, combined with its long range and feature-rich package, makes it a strong competition in the fast-growing electric vehicle market. It will compete with others like the Hyundai Creta EV, MG ZS EV, Tata Curvv EV, and Mahindra BE.6, and even the niche BYD eMax 7 in the electric MPV space.