The all-new Kia Carens Clavis EV has arrived, and it’s making waves for all the right reasons. With a bold vision to become India’s first mass-market 7-seater electric car, Kia seems to have cracked the family EV formula. Starting at ₹17.99 lakh, the Clavis EV blends practicality, performance, and premium features to deliver an electric experience suited to both urban and highway use.
Two Battery Options With Real-World Usability
The Kia Clavis EV comes with two battery choices: a 42 kWh unit rated for 404 km (ARAI) and a larger 51.4 kWh battery that claims 490 km on a full charge. These numbers are respectable, but real-world performance tells a more practical story.
On a test drive around the outskirts of Bengaluru, including steep climbs like Nandi Hills, the extended range variant managed about 320–350 km depending on terrain and driving style. For city use and weekend getaways, that’s plenty of usable range without causing range anxiety. Plus, Kia’s expanding charging infrastructure adds more peace of mind.
Fast Charging Convenience
Charging speeds also add to its appeal. Using a 100 kW DC fast charger, the Clavis EV can go from 10% to 80% in just under 40 minutes. If you’re charging at home with an 11 kW AC setup, the 42 kWh variant fully charges in about 4 hours, while the larger battery takes around 4 hours 45 minutes. These times are reasonable and manageable for daily users and weekend travellers alike.
Power and Acceleration That Impresses
Under the hood, or rather, under the floor, the front-mounted electric motor produces 171 PS and 255 Nm of torque. This is enough to propel the Clavis EV from 0 to 100 kmph in just 8.4 seconds. That kind of performance is brisk, especially for a vehicle designed to carry a full family with luggage.
The driving experience feels refined and responsive. Three drive modes—Eco, City, and Sport—let you adjust power delivery based on mood and traffic. In normal city driving, City mode is more than enough, but switch to Sport and the EV becomes energetic with sharp throttle response. It’s not overly aggressive, but definitely fun for a family car.
Handling and Brake Performance
Despite its size, the Clavis EV handles quite well. The front-wheel-drive setup provides predictable traction, and the car feels balanced even on twisty roads. Regenerative braking is customisable via paddle shifters, allowing one-pedal driving when set to the max level. This makes city traffic easier to handle and boosts energy recovery.
Brakes feel progressive and strong at low to medium speeds. On highways, though, they can feel a bit underwhelming during hard braking. It’s not unsafe, but drivers might expect stronger bite in fast-paced traffic.
Cabin Comfort and Practicality
One of the standout strengths of the Clavis EV is its cabin. The 7-seater configuration makes it a rare option in the electric space. Second-row powered tumble seats make third-row access easier, and even adults can manage shorter rides in the back without discomfort.
The interior feels premium with dual 12.3-inch displays, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The inclusion of V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) tech means you can even power external gadgets from your EV, which adds to its versatility during travel or power cuts at home.
Despite the battery placement, interior space hasn’t been compromised. There’s decent boot space with the third row folded and ample legroom across all rows.
Ride Quality and Suspension Setup
Kia’s engineers have tuned the Clavis EV’s suspension to offer a balance between comfort and control. While the setup is slightly on the firmer side, it doesn’t feel harsh. It glides over typical urban potholes and speed breakers with ease. On the highway, the car remains planted and stable, making long journeys stress-free.
There’s no noticeable scraping even on slightly uneven patches, and despite its weight, it doesn’t feel bulky to maneuver in the city.
Safety and Tech Features
In terms of safety, the Clavis EV doesn’t fall short. It gets six airbags as standard, Level 2 ADAS with features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and emergency braking. Add to that a 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring, hill-hold assist, and the IP67-rated battery pack, and you’ve got a very secure environment for your family.
Other tech highlights include wireless phone charging, connected car features via the Kia Connect app, Bose eight-speaker audio, and OTA updates for software enhancements.
Pricing and Variants
Starting at ₹17.99 lakh, the Clavis EV is attractively priced considering what it offers. The top variants with the bigger battery and premium features will take you closer to ₹25 lakh on-road, but you’re getting value in return. It bridges the gap between affordable EVs and premium electric SUVs.
Kia is offering service and charging support through 250 EV-ready workshops across India, which will make ownership easier for buyers outside major cities as well.
Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The Kia Carens Clavis EV stands out as a practical and well-rounded electric offering in a space that needed a true family option. It has space, features, range, and charging speed all wrapped into one smart package. While it’s not a performance EV, it delivers what most buyers want—convenience, efficiency, and comfort.
If you’re planning to switch to an electric car for your family and need a spacious 7-seater with a long range and all the must-have features, the Clavis EV is one of the strongest contenders in India today.