Electric mobility used to be something you talked about at TED Talks or saw being silently tested in the outer ring of Stuttgart. Now? It’s everywhere. And thank heavens it’s finally boring. That’s a compliment. Because when family cars stop being science projects and start being actual cars, we’ve crossed a threshold that matters more than Nürburgring lap times ever could.
Today’s new EV is the Kia Carens Clavis EV. A name that doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but then again, neither does "reduction gear single-speed drive motor with NMC lithium-ion battery integration." Which is what this is. A battery-powered family shuttle that promises room for seven, a quiet conscience, and enough gadgetry to shame a German saloon. The question is, can a converted ICE platform wear an EV skin with confidence, or are we dealing with Frankenstein in family-friendly form?
What Exactly Is It?
Let’s not pretend this is Kia’s ground-up, dedicated electric vision. That would be the EV6, or if you’re feeling flush, the EV9. The Carens Clavis EV is a tactical deployment, a calculated, cost-effective shot at the mainstream. It’s based on the internal combustion Kia Carens Clavis, but reworked enough to hold its own as a standalone electric model. There are two variants: one with a 42kWh battery and 133bhp motor, and a more potent version with a 51.4kWh battery and 169bhp motor. Both produce 255Nm of torque and send it exclusively to the front wheels.
Range? Claimed at 404km for the smaller pack and 490km for the big one. In the real world, you’re looking at 320 to 410km if you’re being a reasonable adult. Drive like a Labrador with a Red Bull addiction and you’ll see those numbers drop faster than your patience in Bengaluru traffic. But context is key. The Clavis EV starts under ₹22 lakh and tops out just under ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom). That’s a clever spot in the market. It undercuts the BYD e6 by several lakhs, and unlike the MG ZS EV or Hyundai Creta EV, it has a third row. Seven seats. No gimmicks, all very usable.
Verdict: A Sharpened Tool in a Blunt Segment
This makes the electric seven-seater something attainable, liveable, and even a bit desirable. Yes, it's based on an ICE platform. But the integration is clean. The ride is comfortable. The tech is top-drawer. And the packaging is value for money for Indian families. This is a family car first, and an EV second, and that’s exactly what it needs to be. The Clavis EV is the kind of EV we’ve needed for years. Practical. Polished. Priced well.
Let’s be clear, this isn’t a fast car. But it’s fast enough. The 169bhp version does 0 to 100kmph in 8.4 seconds, which is entirely adequate for a vehicle more likely to be seen overtaking school buses than drag racing Teslas. What’s impressive isn’t the pace, but the way it delivers it. There’s a smooth, torque-rich surge that makes city driving feel effortless, and overtakes on the highway aren’t a chore, though beyond 120kmph, the enthusiasm does start to taper. Blame the mass. It’s a tall EV, riding on a converted ICE platform with a floor full of batteries, and it tips the scales north of 1.8 tonnes.
But here’s the kicker. It shares its platform with the Creta EV, which is smaller, lighter, offers less interior space, and runs the same torque figure. And yet somehow, Kia has managed to squeeze out a higher claimed range from the Carens Clavis EV. That’s not magic. That’s clever battery management software. And perhaps a few late nights in the calibration department.
The suspension does a competent job of hiding that heft. A McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear don’t sound fancy, but the tuning is bang on for a family transporter. It’s pliant over broken tarmac and stays composed over expansion joints. You do feel a bit of float at speed, but the ride never becomes soggy.
Body roll? Present, but predictable. Steering? Light and accurate, with no real feedback. Again, not a corner-carver, but that’s fine. This isn’t a car you hoon. It’s one you guide, quietly and comfortably. Four levels of regenerative braking are accessed via paddle shifters, including a strong i-Pedal mode that allows true one-pedal driving. It takes getting used to, but once dialled in, it becomes your favourite party trick at traffic lights.
So Much Kit, So Little Faff
Here’s where Kia just says “yes” to everything. The top HTX+ ER variant includes Level 2 ADAS with 20 functions. You get collision warnings and avoidance for cars, pedestrians, cyclists, junctions, and even oncoming traffic. There’s lane keep assist, lane following, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic avoidance, a 360-degree camera, and Safe Exit Assist. It also has something called Virtual Engine Sound for pedestrians, which is essentially Kia’s way of saying “we made it louder because silence can kill.” Sensible. Even the lower HTK+ trim sixets six airbags, ESC, hill-hold, all-round disc brakes, TPMS, ISOFIX, and rollover sensors. They’re not skimping on safety.
Not Painfully Slow
With an 11kW AC fast charger, the standard 42kWh variant charges from 10 to 100 percent in four hours. The larger 51.4kWh battery takes about 4 hours and 45 minutes. On a 100kW DC fast charger, both variants charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 39 minutes. That’s impressive, especially for something in this price bracket. You also get V2L capability, which lets you charge external devices from the car itself. And yes, there’s an 8-year or 1.6 lakh kilometre battery warranty. That matters.
The Real Rivals
The most obvious comparison is the Hyundai Creta EV, which shares the same drivetrain but skips the third row. Then there’s the MG ZS EV, which has more power and slightly better dynamics, but again, no seven seats. The BYD e6 and eMax 7 exist in the space too, but at ₹26.90 lakh and above, they’re in a different income bracket.
In this niche segment of the market, where electric, sub-₹25 lakh, seven-seaters are concerned, the Carens Clavis EV essentially stands alone. And that’s no accident.
Properly Thought Out
Climb inside and you’re greeted by two 12.3-inch screens, one for the infotainment, the other for your digital instruments. They’re crisp, responsive, and blessedly free of lag. However, for reasons unknown to the public, Kia still refuses to offer wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay in 2025. Which means that despite the presence of a wireless charging pad, I still have to carry a cable like it’s 2017. The kicker? Their affordable Syros gives you wireless connectivity. This, on the other hand, just gives you irony. Kia’s infamous HVAC/media control touch bar still exists here, which means adjusting temperature while navigating maps remains a test of dexterity. But you get used to it, even if it is a single-zone climate control.
There’s a tasteful navy-and-beige two-tone combination, proper leatherette seats, and enough ambient lighting to keep teenagers entertained without descending into nightclub territory. The second row slides and reclines, and the third row folds flat. Oddly, the second row misses out on cupholders. Not hidden ones. Not folding ones. Just… none. Which is baffling, because the ICE Clavis not only has them, it even throws in an extra cooled can holder for good measure. It’s as if someone decided electrification also meant hydration sacrifice.
There’s a panoramic sunroof, a powered driver’s seat without memory function, cooled front seats, wireless phone charging, tray tables with device holders, and even retractable sunshades for rear passengers. In terms of feel-good stuff, the Clavis EV punches well above its price.
Familiar, But Not Lazy
From the outside, it still looks like a Carens Clavis. Which is fine, because the original design wasn’t exactly hurting for relevance. You get subtle EV cues: a smooth blanked-off grille with active air flaps (same as the ones found on the Creta EV), new LED DRLs with a clever Star Map pattern, and 17-inch aero wheels that don’t try too hard to look racy. There’s even a little frunk up front with 25 litres of usable space, perfect for cables or five bags of murukku. It’s still a two-box silhouette with a hint of SUV in the stance, thanks to the 200mm ground clearance.
The rear tail lamps also get the Star Map treatment with a connected light bar, which helps it look upscale at night. Not revolutionary, but nicely judged. Like a smart haircut on a reliable accountant.
Kia Carens Clavis EV: At a Glance
Variants:
42kWh (Standard Range)
51.4kWh (Extended Range)
Power Output:
42kWh: 133bhp (99kW)
51.4kWh: 169bhp (126kW)
Torque (both variants): 255Nm
Claimed Range (MIDC):
42kWh: 404km
51.4kWh: 490km
0–100kmph (51.4kWh): 8.4 seconds (claimed)
Charging Times:
AC (11kW): 10–100% in 4–4.75 hours
DC (100kW): 10–80% in 39 minutes
Platform: Modified ICE platform (Carens Clavis) with underfloor battery placement
