Kia Carens Clavis EV launched in India, price starts at Rs 17.99 lakh

The Carens Clavis EV is Kia's maiden mass-market EV.

Kia India has launched the Carens Clavis EV in the country at a starting price of Rs 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The maiden mass-market model from the company is available in Standard Range and Long Range trims.

The new electric vehicle (EV) from Kia is based on the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the Carens Clavis, which entered the market earlier this year in May.

Kia Carens Clavis EV

The Carens Clavis EV gets two IP67-certified battery pack options -- 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh. The ARAI-certified range is claimed to be 404 km on a single full charge for the Carens Clavis EV 42 kWh (Standard Range) and 490 km for the Carens Clavis EV 51.4 kWh (Long Range). With fast charging capability, the battery can be juiced up from 10% to 80% in 39 minutes with a 100 kW DC charger.

Available in a seven-seater configuration, the Carens Clavis EV has four variants -- HTK Plus 42 kWh, HTX 42 kWh, HTX 51.4kWh and HTX Plus 51.4kWh.

Kia Carens Clavis EV

The following are the variant-wise Kia Carens Clavis EV prices (ex-showroom).

Carens Clavis EV HTK Plus 42 kWh - Rs 17.99 lakh

Carens Clavis EV HTX 42 kWh - Rs 20.49 lakh

Carens Clavis EV HTX 51.4 kWh - Rs 22.49 lakh

Carens Clavis EV HTX Plus 51.4 kWh - Rs 24.49 lakh

The Carens Clavis EV 42 kWh uses a 99 kW motor, while the Carens Clavis EV 51.4 kWh employs a 126 kW motor. The peak torque in both cases is 255 Nm. The motor efficiency is claimed to be a high 95% in the case of the new electric MPV with a 0-100 kmph acceleration time of 8.4 seconds for the Long Range trim.

Kia Carens Clavis EV

The technical specifications aside, the Carens Clavis EV is based on Kia's 'Opposites United' design philosophy. The Kia Digital Tiger Face is flanked by Star Map connected-LED DRLs with integrated turn signals and Ice Cube LED headlamps. The front also has a charging port with an LED light and charge indicator. The rear has Star Map LED connected taillamps. The new EV drives on 17-inch crystal-cut dual-tone alloy wheels. A generous ground clearance of 200 mm will be of help in tackling uneven terrain. Under the hood, there is also a frunk with a capacity of 25 litres.

The cabin layout of the EV is quite similar to that of the ICE version. To be honest, Kia has always provided a feature-loaded cabin with a premium feel, considering the segments its models are based in.

Kia Carens Clavis EV

Taking the centre stage is a 26.62-inch dual panoramic display panel, which integrates the infotainment system and the instrument cluster. The temperature control swap switch has been carried over from the ICE model. Among the other noteworthy features are ventilated front seats, a powered driver's seat, an air purifier with AQI display, an eight-speaker Bose premium sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting, one-touch electric tumble for the second-row seats and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.  The electric MPV also boasts 90 connected features.

With Level 2 ADAS, buyers get more than 20 autonomous features, including smart cruise control, lane keep assist, front collision avoidance assist, blind spot collision warning, blind view monitor, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist and safe exit warning. Moreover, there are 18 standard safety features, including six airbags, electronic stability control, hill start assist control, downhill brake control, and all-wheel disc brakes.

Kia Carens Clavis EV

To enhance the ownership experience of the Carens Clavis EV, Kia has introduced the K-Charge platform on the MyKia app that will allow buyers to have access to over 11,000 charging points nationwide. The company will also offer support through more than 250 EV-ready workshops and 100+ dealerships equipped with DC fast chargers.