Kia has been quietly plugging away at an electric version of the Carens Clavis, and it’s nearly ready for its reveal on July 15. While it may look like just another seven-seater with LED lamps and touchscreen displays, the Carens Clavis EV marks an important shift. It will likely be the first all-electric MPV in India under ₹20 lakh. Not a crossover. Not a hatchback with three rows of hope. But an actual, grown-up electric people carrier.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Design: Minimalist Tweaks, Not a Space Shuttle
If you’ve seen the petrol-powered Clavis, you’ve pretty much seen this too. The EV version carries forward the same body panels, lighting elements and silhouette, with some subtle adjustments. Expect a closed-off grille, aero-style wheels, green number plates, and a charging port tucked under the Kia badge. At the back, it’ll still have that trendy light bar spanning the width, but the bumper might get a gentle rethink. Think "spot the difference," not "entirely new season".
Interior: Same Space, New Shades
The cabin layout will mirror the ICE version, with a six or seven-seater layout, depending on your flavour of chaos. Kia’s newest two-spoke steering wheel should feature here too, along with a likely updated colour palette to help differentiate the EV. The dashboard itself will remain unchanged, but don’t be surprised if there’s an EV-specific theme in the displays.
Features: High on Tech, Low on Excuses
The petrol Clavis already spoils its occupants silly, and the EV version looks set to do the same. Expect:
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12.3-inch digital displays for infotainment and instruments
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Ventilated second-row seats (captain variant)
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Powered front seats with boss mode
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Panoramic sunroof
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Digital key
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Wireless charging
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Multi-colour ambient lighting
Add to that some proper EV kit like:
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V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) charging
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V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) power sharing
That means you can, in theory, power a kettle at a picnic while charging your friend's scooter. If that doesn't make you the hero of your family WhatsApp group, nothing will.
Safety: Ticked All the Boxes
Kia hasn’t cut corners here either. The EV is expected to feature:
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Six airbags
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ESC and ABS with EBD
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Tyre pressure monitoring
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360-degree camera
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ADAS suite with collision warning, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control
Basically, enough tech to help you avoid a crash, or explain how you got into one.
Range and Performance: Quietly Capable
While final figures are under wraps, word is that the Clavis EV will offer multiple battery packs. Expect claimed ranges between 400 and 490 km. That’s Pune to Goa with just one charging stop if you drive like someone who’s not racing against time.
Fast charging? Almost a given. The exact kW rating isn’t public yet, but we expect support for DC fast chargers that can juice up most of the battery in under an hour.
Power and torque figures haven’t been revealed either, but expect something in the ballpark of 130 to 150 bhp and 250 to 300 Nm, which is plenty for family duties and the occasional panic over missing a school drop-off.
Price and Rivals: First Mover Advantage
The Clavis EV is expected to start at around ₹16 lakh (ex-showroom) and could go up to ₹19.5 lakh for the top-spec version. That puts it in the ring with:
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BYD e6 / eMax 7 (a bit pricier)
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Toyota Innova Hycross (hybrid, not EV)
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Maruti Invicto (again, not electric)
But really, it’s got the electric MPV space to itself for now. That’s a big deal.
Final Thought: The Family EV India Actually Needed
The Carens Clavis EV might not shout about its presence, but it could quietly become one of Kia's most important offerings in India. Seven seats, 490 km of claimed range, a real boot, and features you’d normally associate with luxury SUVs that’s a strong recipe for a family car that doesn’t burn fuel or punch a hole in your savings.
We’ll be at the unveiling on July 15, bringing you all the real-world figures and impressions. Till then, keep the kettle ready. Just in case your MPV can boil it.
