With the launch of the Kia Carens Clavis EV, Kia India has made a strategic move into the growing electric MPV segment. While the EV follows the blueprint of its internal combustion engine (ICE) sibling closely in terms of design and layout, it introduces smart changes under the hood and in its electrical architecture.

But does it offer enough to warrant a shift from traditional fuel-powered MPVs in a price-sensitive yet value-conscious market like India? Here’s a detailed first drive impression — on practicality, long-term ownership, and how it fits into India’s evolving EV ecosystem.

Familiar Design with Subtle EV Tweaks

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Kia has taken a conservative yet effective approach by keeping the Carens Clavis EV visually consistent with its ICE counterpart. From a distance, it’s hard to distinguish between the two. However, a closer look reveals a few EV-specific changes.

Notably, the Clavis EV gets aero-optimised wheels and a revised grille with active air flaps that open or close depending on driving conditions to reduce aerodynamic drag. These changes result in a drag coefficient of 0.29, slightly lower than the ICE version’s 0.32, improving both efficiency and high-speed stability.

The upright stance and clean LED lighting signature at both ends lend the MPV a confident road presence. However, for EV enthusiasts seeking a futuristic design language, the Clavis EV might come off as too traditional.

A Comfortable, Well-Equipped Cabin

Inside, the Clavis EV feels familiar yet thoughtfully adapted for electric use. The gear stalk has been relocated under the steering wheel and designed for easy reach, freeing up ample central storage space. The cabin exudes a sense of premium functionality, with features such as a 12.25-inch infotainment display that offers EV-specific data like range estimation and nearby charging stations.

Kia has also introduced this EV in a 7-seater layout, making it the only sub-₹25 lakh electric vehicle in India to do so. While the first two rows are spacious and comfortable, the third row is better suited for children or short adults on quick trips. Nonetheless, thanks to good headroom and a relatively upright posture, it doesn’t feel claustrophobic.

Some of the standout features include:

Panoramic sunroof
Premium Bose sound system
Ambient lighting
Wireless charging
Electrically adjustable driver’s seat
Privacy curtains and tray tables in the second row
Digital driver display and dual-zone climate control

Practicality has been addressed with 216 litres of boot space, which can be further expanded with the third row folded. There's also a 25-litre frunk, neatly housing the portable charger and V2L cable.

Dual Battery Options and Shared EV Tech

The Carens Clavis EV is available in two battery configurations:

A 42 kWh standard range pack offering a claimed range of 404 km
A 51.2 kWh long-range version claiming up to 490 km

Both variants use a single, front-axle-mounted motor, but the power outputs differ:

Standard: 135 hp
Long-range: 171 hp, both with 255 Nm of torque

These powertrain components are shared with the Hyundai Creta EV, reflecting Hyundai-Kia’s strategy of platform-level component sharing to reduce development costs and increase reliability.

Real-World Range and Charging Convenience

Kia claims a range of 404 to 490 km, but real-world usage paints a more reliable picture. During the 141.5 km drive across city roads, highways, and rain-affected rural stretches, the Clavis EV delivered an impressive efficiency of 8.5 km/kWh — translating to approximately 445 km of real-world range for the long-range variant. That's a respectable figure, especially in a vehicle of this size and category.

The Clavis EV also supports:

11 kW AC charging, taking about 4–4.75 hours for a full charge
100 kW DC fast charging, charging from 10% to 80% in just 39 minutes
Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging, which is rare at this price point

This flexibility makes the Clavis EV a smart pick for both city commutes and occasional highway runs, especially in metro cities with expanding charging infrastructure.

On-Road Performance and Driving Impressions

Despite being an MPV, the Carens Clavis EV feels surprisingly agile for its size. In Normal mode, the performance is adequate for daily urban driving. Sport mode sharpens throttle response noticeably, making overtakes on highways and city traffic more confident.

The steering is light, aiding maneuverability in tight spots, while the regenerative braking system offers four adjustable levels, with the highest one nearly allowing one-pedal driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

On highways, the vehicle remains stable even at triple-digit speeds, and the soft suspension setup comfortably absorbs potholes and road imperfections. However, at higher speeds or during aggressive cornering, a mild body roll is noticeable — something expected in tall MPVs.

Braking is efficient, though the pedal feel is slightly wooden. Safety hasn’t been overlooked either: Kia equips the EV with Level 2 ADAS, six airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, and a 360-degree camera.

Ownership Perspective: Is It Worth the Switch?

The price gap between the top-spec turbo-petrol and electric Clavis trims stands at around ₹3 lakh. While that might raise eyebrows at first, consider the lower running costs, state subsidies, reduced maintenance, and the environmental benefits of EVs — the long-term value proposition begins to make sense.

For instance, an electric car like the Clavis EV can cost less than ₹1 per km to run, as opposed to ₹6–₹8/km for petrol counterparts.

The Clavis EV isn’t a flamboyant EV that screams futuristic innovation. Instead, it delivers substance over style, focusing on real-world usability, comfort, and cost-efficiency. For families looking for a spacious, reliable, feature-rich EV under ₹25 lakh — especially those in metro areas with decent charging coverage — this electric MPV hits a sweet spot.

Final Verdict: Practical, Premium, and Purposeful

The Kia Carens Clavis EV isn’t a trendsetter in the design department, but it doesn’t need to be. With its smart pricing, family-friendly layout, dependable range, and rich feature list, it emerges as a strong contender in the growing electric vehicle segment. While it may lack the flash of some premium EVs, it wins on practicality, versatility, and peace of mind — making it a worthy upgrade for forward-looking Indian families.

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