Kia Carens Clavis EV: Well-timed 

The MPV segment isn’t as utilitarian as it once was, especially with well-rounded cars like the Innova/Hycross, Ertiga/XL6 and Kia Carens proving that one doesn’t have to compromise on style, features or even desirability if he wants a car that seats more people than the conventional SUV. Having said that, if there was one thing the MPV segment lacked, it was electrification.

So, while both all-electric iterations of hatchbacks and SUVs became available from various brands, the MPV segment didn’t have a zero-tailpipe-emission iteration based on one of the popular models. Until now, that is, because the arrival of the Kia Carens Clavis EV changes that for good. We take Kia India’s first all-electric MPV for a spin to understand how far this alternative choice of propulsion is from being considered conventional.

In terms of appearance, it carries on with the recently updated styling of the ICE-powered iteration of the MPV. That’s not to say Kia hasn’t made inclusions to help the Carens Clavis EV stand out in the range. The subtle changes on the already fresh design are a new light bar which connects the front DRLs, aero flaps in the front bumper, ice-cube LED fog lamps, silver accents on the lower part of the front bumper and the biggest tell-tale sign of them all, the charging port positioned in the car’s nose. The 17-inch aero-optimised wheels are unique to the EV and look good, and some badges aside, there’s nothing major that differentiates the EV from the standard MPV.

Styled smart

Underneath the stylish bodywork is a platform shared with the Hyundai Creta Electric. Unsurprisingly, on the Carens Clavis EV, too, you get a choice between two battery options: a 42-kWh battery, which offers an ARAI-certified claimed range of 404 km, and a larger 51.4 kWh pack, which will ideally go up to 490 km on a full charge. The maximum power also varies between the two models. While the maximum torque of 26 kg-m is identical for both, the smaller-battery variant comes with a 133-bhp motor while the larger one has a more powerful, 168-bhp setup. The 0-100 km/h time of the latter is 8.4 seconds (claimed), which should give you an idea that it’s a brisk car.

We got to drive the Kia Carens Clavis EV on the outskirts of Bengaluru and going by our estimate, the larger-battery version will offer a range of 360-420 km. That’s, of course, depending on your driving style; a calculated approach might just enable you to extract more range out of the car’s battery. Once you run out of charge, the Carens Clavis EV won’t be a pain to charge either; with a 11 kW AC charger (the other option is a 7.4 kW charger), the larger-battery model will take 4 hours and 45 minutes for the battery to go from 10 to 100 per cent. The smaller-battery version will take 4 hours for the same. To increase your confidence in its products —and to ensure hassle-free ownership —Kia offers an 8-year/1,60,000-km warranty on the battery.

The Carens Clavis EV closely resembles the ICE model in terms of the dashboard layout, but we’re glad to note that Kia has made an effort to improve the cabin. From premium soft-touch materials to the floating centre console, there’s an added bit of charm and usability now. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup makes an unsurprising return, but the infotainment system still lacks wireless options for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia indicates that it will be resolved shortly. A touch-sensitive panel controls both HVAC and media (you can toggle between the two), thereby making the dashboard clutter-free. It’s an MPV, so there’s no doubt that some emphasis needs to be made on the available space and comfort, because that’s where the Carens Clavis excels. The second row is where you get undeniably great legroom and headroom.

The onboard panoramic sunroof heightens the experience, whereas a Bose 8-speaker audio system reminds you that the Kia Carens Clavis EV punches above its weight with features. There’s also a Boss Mode, which maximises legroom by adjusting the front passenger seat.

Front occupants get ventilation functionality on both chairs, while the driver seat is power adjustable. The third row is usable for short stints, but I think it’s best for tall occupants to not sit there. Accessing the third row is quite simple with a one-touch tumble feature that folds the second row. The cargo area isn’t bad with all three rows in place, and in addition to the option of folding the seats for more space, there’s also a relatively tiny (but still useable) frunk, which has a volumetric capacity of 25 litres.

You wouldn’t expect an MPV to drive well, especially considering it is made keeping in mind space and practicality, right? The Kia Carens Clavis EV thinks otherwise. With its weight positioned closer to the ground, powered by a torque-rich motor and sitting on a modern platform, it actually delivers a rather engaging driving experience. In Sport mode, the Carens Clavis EV comes alive, but regardless of the mode you choose, the MPV drives well; its body dynamics are car-like and the availability of instant torque makes overtaking easy. Even when fully loaded, it never struggles with quick overtakes or climbing steep inclines.

Plush ride

Kia has managed to strike a great balance between overall comfort, which is a priority here, and high-speed composure. On good roads, it’s difficult to fault the Carens Clavis EV whereas on bad roads, it fares decently with only some suspension limitations felt in the third row. If you go slower on speed bumps, the MPV fares well. For its car-like dynamics and a good ride-and-handling balance, the Carens Clavis shows that it is, after all, a well-engineered product.

In terms of safety, six airbags are standard, it gets disc brakes on all four wheels, and safety tech includes ESC, Hill Assist and TPMS. A 360-degree camera and ADAS Level 2 features are added, too. The Carens Clavis EV has been sent for Bharat NCAP testing, and Kia expects a strong score, although nothing has been published yet.

The list of features also has connected car tech, with which you can use a smartphone app to control certain functions of the car (pre-cool the cabin, roll up the windows, lock/unlock, etc.). In addition to that, this EV also gets vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capability, which allows you to plug-in external devices and use the Kia Carens Clavis EV as a power source.

Prices start at ₹17.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the 42 kWh version, making the Kia Carens Clavis EV the most affordable all-electric MPV. In comparison, the standard iteration of the Kia Carens Clavis is priced ₹11.5 lakh onwards (ex-showroom). The BYD e6, which is the Carens Clavis EV’s closest rival, is available from ₹26 lakh, ex-showroom. That is still about ₹1.5 lakh more expensive than the top-spec version of the Carens Clavis EV.

The verdict

With the Carens Clavis EV, Kia has managed to add a new dimension to the segment. You can now travel with a larger family or group of friends while polluting less, spending less on fuel, and still enjoying the space and comfort of a conventional model. Whether you’re looking for a family car or, as a fleet operator, one for business, the Carens Clavis EV is practical, premium and doesn’t come with an exorbitant price tag.

© Motoring World

Published on July 25, 2025