
Kia India has officially launched its first made-in-India electric vehicle, the Carens Clavis EV, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward sustainable mobility. The electric recreational vehicle (RV), which starts at Rs 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom), is positioned to provide Indian customers with a roomy and convenient EV experience.
The Carens Clavis EV and its petrol-powered brother have a lot of similarities in appearance. There are, nonetheless, several modifications unique to EVs. The sleek LED light bar now illuminates, providing a modern touch, and the front bumper has been modified to incorporate the charging connector. Fresh silver trimmings add a high-end impression, and new alloy wheels enhance aerodynamics. It is distinguished at the back by an EV badge.
With a huge 67.62cm (26.62-inch) panoramic display that unifies the infotainment and instrument clusters, the Clavis EV's interior provides a high-tech but cosy experience. A 64-color ambient lighting system, a Bose 8-speaker audio system, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a motorised driver's seat are other features.
Features including wireless charging, a seat-mounted air purifier with an AQI display, rear-seat gadget holders, a "Boss Mode" for additional rear legroom, and one-touch tumble second-row seats further improve passenger convenience.
There are two battery choices for the Clavis EV: a 42kWh model with a 404km range and a 51.4kWh model with a 490km range on a single charge. With its 171 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque, it can go from 0 to 100 kmph in 8.4 seconds. A sleek drive selector positioned on the steering and four regenerative braking settings have also been introduced by Kia.
With more than 20 autonomous safety features, including Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Front Collision-Avoidance Assist (which protects vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and intersections), and Blind Spot Collision Warning, the Carens Clavis EV has Level 2 ADAS. In addition, it has an electric parking brake with auto hold, a 360-degree camera, safe exit warning, and driver attention warning.
Additionally, Kia has included 18 standard safety features, including all-wheel disc brakes, ISOFIX mounts, hill assist, downhill braking control, ESC, six airbags, and rear occupant alert.
In addition to six colour choices—Glacier White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Pewter Olive, Imperial Blue, Gravity Grey, and a new Matte Ivory Silver—the Carens Clavis EV comes in four variants: HTK Plus, HTX, ER HTX, and ER HTX Plus.
With a claimed range of up to 490km, the Carens Clavis EV directly rivals the BYD eMax 7, which is priced similarly.