Kia launches India-focused Carens Clavis EV electric MPV

The Carens Clavis EV is a derivative of the fourth-generation ICE Carens, which Kia primarily developed for India and other emerging markets and introduced in 2021. In terms of dimensions, the new MPV is comparable to the EV5 compact SUV that Kia launched in Europe earlier this month. It shows some resemblance in terms of design, too, with signature elements like three-dimensional Star Map lights at the front and rear and the geometric patterns in the wheels.

Kia developed the Carens Clavis EV on a platform related to Hyundai’s Creta Electric and similarly offers it with 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh NMC battery pack options. Thus, HLI Green Power, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, likely supplies the cells of the battery packs from its alliance plant in Karawang, Indonesia.

Addressing consumer concerns about India’s heavy monsoons, Kia states that the battery packs are IP67-certified and have successfully undergone 420 mm water immersion tests. The company assures their safety even in the country’s extreme summers. Moreover, with a high ground clearance of 200 mm, the Carens Clavis EV is engineered to shield its battery pack from damage on broken roads, high bumps, and steep inclines.

The 42 kWh battery pack delivers a range of 404 km and the 51.4 kWh unit delivers 490 km, both as per the Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC). Via an 11 kW AC charger, the former takes four hours for a 10-100% charging session and the latter takes four hours and 45 minutes. Both battery packs charge from 10% to 80% SoC via a 100 kW DC charger in 39 minutes. They support vehicle-to-load (V2L) bi-directional charging, allowing customers to utilise them as a mobile power source for their lifestyle, work, or emergency needs.

The Carens Clavis EV has only one electric motor in both standard-range and extended-range variants, driving the front wheels. Kia has tuned it to generate 99 kW and 255 Nm of torque in the former and 126 kW and 255 Nm of torque in the latter. A 0-100 kph sprint takes 9.5 seconds in the standard-range variant and 8.4 seconds in the extended-range variant, while the top speed is the same for both – 166 kph. Kia offers the electric MPV with the i-Pedal 2.0 technology for convenient one-pedal driving. The driver can choose from four levels of regenerative braking to set their desired level of energy recuperation.

Featuring a 2+3+2 seating configuration, the Carens Clavis EV is India’s first locally manufactured three-row EV. Kia offers this model with features like ventilated front seats with 4-way power driver-seat adjustment, one-touch easy electric tumble second-row seats, reclining third-row seats, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a 12.25-inch HD virtual instrument cluster, a 12.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system, and five USB Type-C ports. On the safety front, it equips the electric MPV with Front Collision-avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and many more Level 2 ADAS functions, as well as a 360º camera system and six airbags.

Kia has launched the Carens Clavis EV in HTK+, HTX, HTX ER (Extended Range), and HTX+ ER (Extended Range) trims, priced at 1,799,000 rupees (approx. 18,000 euros), 2,049,000 rupees (approx. 20,500 euros), 2,249,000 rupees (approx. 22,500 euros), and 2,449,000 rupees (approx. 24,500 euros), respectively. The company manufactures the electric MPV in Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh) for the Indian market but has yet to disclose any plans for exports.

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