Kia Carens Clavis EV

The 2025 Kia Carens Clavis EV is offered with two battery pack options to cater to varying range requirements. The base variants come with a 42 kWh battery, providing an ARAI-certified range of 404 km. For those needing more range, a larger 51.4 kWh battery pack is available, promising an impressive 490 km (MIDC) on a single charge. Both battery packs are IP67-rated for water and dust resistance and feature a liquid-cooled thermal management system, designed to withstand India's diverse climate.

Powering the Clavis EV are two motor options: a 99 kW (approximately 133 bhp) motor and a more powerful 126 kW (approximately 169 bhp) motor, both generating 255 Nm of peak torque. The larger battery variant can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 8.4 seconds, demonstrating brisk performance for an MPV. Charging is facilitated by 100 kW DC fast charging capability, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in just 39 minutes. The vehicle also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, enabling it to power external devices, and features an i-Pedal system with four levels of regenerative braking for enhanced efficiency and one-pedal driving convenience.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Kia Carens Clavis EV is engineered to deliver a comfortable and stable ride, well-suited for Indian road conditions. Its suspension setup is tuned to absorb bumps and undulations effectively, providing a smooth experience for all occupants, which is crucial for an MPV designed for family travel. The electric powertrain contributes to a silent and refined cabin experience, enhancing overall ride comfort.

Handling is expected to be predictable and easy, with the electric power steering offering light and manageable feedback for urban driving and parking. The battery pack's placement in the floor contributes to a low center of gravity, which aids stability and reduces body roll compared to higher-riding conventional MPVs. While not designed for aggressive cornering, it should offer confident and composed dynamics. The i-Pedal regenerative braking system also allows for smoother deceleration and contributes to a more controlled driving feel, particularly in stop-and-go traffic.

The interior of the 2025 Kia Carens Clavis EV is designed to be a high-tech yet comfortable and spacious environment, prioritizing passenger convenience across its three rows. The highlight is a massive 26.62-inch (67.62cm) panoramic display panel that seamlessly integrates both the infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster, creating a modern and immersive cockpit experience. The cabin typically features a dual-tone black and white interior, contributing to an airy feel.

Seating is offered exclusively in a 7-seater configuration, emphasizing its family-oriented purpose. The second-row seats feature a "one-touch easy electric tumble" function for convenient access to the third row, which is surprisingly usable for adults on shorter journeys. Comfort features include ventilated front seats, a powered driver's seat, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and a premium 8-speaker Bose audio system. Practicality is further enhanced by a floating center console with retractable cup holders, wireless charging, and a "Boss Mode" that allows rear passengers to adjust the front passenger seat for increased legroom. Boot space is generous, with a 25-litre frunk (front trunk) in addition to the main cargo area.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Kia Carens Clavis EV is a central feature of its modern cabin, integrated into a large 12.3-inch touchscreen display that forms part of the panoramic digital cockpit. This system offers a comprehensive suite of features designed for connectivity and convenience. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration for navigation, media playback, and communication.

Beyond basic connectivity, the Clavis EV is equipped with Kia Connect, offering over 90 connected car features. These allow users to monitor energy usage, set charging limits, schedule charging, and even access Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) settings directly from the Kia Connect app. The system also includes integrated navigation with route-based charger suggestions, a Smart Pure Air Purifier with AQI display, and a Smart Dashcam with dual cameras and mobile app integration. The overall experience is intuitive and feature-rich, catering to the demands of a tech-savvy audience.

The exterior design of the Kia Carens Clavis EV retains the familiar boxy and utilitarian silhouette of its ICE counterpart, but with several distinctive EV-specific modifications that give it a futuristic appeal. The most noticeable change is the gloss-black sealed panel at the front, which replaces the traditional grille and cleverly integrates the charging port behind a flap. This "Kia Digital Tiger Face" is complemented by striking Star Map LED Connected DRLs that extend across the front, along with Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps, giving it a modern and recognizable lighting signature.

The side profile is characterized by aero-optimized 17-inch crystal-cut dual-tone alloy wheels, designed to improve efficiency while adding to its electric aesthetic. The rear features Star Map LED connected tail lamps, mirroring the front DRL design and creating a cohesive look. Overall, the design balances the practicality of an MPV with contemporary EV styling, making it stand out without being overly flamboyant.

Safety in the 2025 Kia Carens Clavis EV is a strong focus, with Kia equipping it with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features. It boasts Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) with over 20 autonomous safety features. This includes Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist, Front Collision-Avoidance Assist (covering cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and junctions), Blind Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.

Beyond ADAS, the Clavis EV comes with 18 high-standard safety features as standard. These include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), ISOFIX child seat mounts, rear occupant alert, and all-wheel disc brakes. A 360-degree camera with Blind View Monitor in the cluster further aids in safe maneuvering. While specific crash test ratings (like Bharat NCAP) are yet to be released, the extensive safety package suggests a strong commitment to occupant protection.

The 2025 Kia Carens Clavis EV enters a nascent but rapidly growing segment of family-oriented electric vehicles in India. While it currently has no direct 7-seater electric MPV rival, it will compete indirectly with a range of mid-size and compact electric SUVs and upcoming electric vehicles.

Key competitors in the broader EV market include the Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, Mahindra XUV400 EV, and upcoming models like the Tata Curvv EV and Hyundai Creta Electric. The Clavis EV differentiates itself by being the only electric offering with a dedicated 7-seater configuration in its price bracket, providing a unique blend of space and electric mobility. While rivals might offer different body styles or performance characteristics, the Clavis EV's practicality, range, and advanced feature set position it as a strong contender for buyers prioritizing passenger capacity and modern EV technology.

The 2025 Kia Carens Clavis EV marks a significant and strategic entry by Kia into the Indian electric vehicle market. It successfully combines the practicality and spaciousness of an MPV with the benefits of electric propulsion, offering a compelling package for families and fleet operators. Its dual battery options provide impressive range figures, alleviating range anxiety for most users, while the fast-charging capability adds convenience.

With its modern interior, advanced infotainment system, and a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite, the Clavis EV is well-equipped to meet the demands of contemporary buyers. Its competitive pricing further enhances its appeal, positioning it as an accessible and value-for-money electric family vehicle. While it enters a segment with indirect but strong competition from electric SUVs, its unique 7-seater electric offering gives it a distinct advantage. The Clavis EV is poised to be a game-changer, redefining expectations for electric mobility in the Indian context.