Kia Carens Clavis EV to launch in India tomorrow, set to be first 7-seater electric MPV in segment
The Carens Clavis EV is positioned to cater to urban families looking for a practical electric mobility option that does not compromise on space or convenience. The model borrows its silhouette from the ICE-powered Carens, but includes distinct visual changes to set it apart.
Externally, the Clavis EV is expected to retain the MPV-friendly proportions of its petrol and diesel counterparts. However, Kia could introduce electric-specific styling updates, including a closed-off front grille that doubles as the charging port, redesigned bumpers, and new aerodynamic alloy wheels aimed at enhancing efficiency. The rear is likely to carry forward the connected LED light bar seen on the standard model.
The interior will largely resemble the ICE version, albeit with an EV-specific digital interface. Expect dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, a new two-spoke steering wheel, and a revised lower centre console offering additional storage. A dual-tone black-and-white interior theme is also anticipated.
Convenience features expected include a powered and ventilated driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, wireless charging pads for both front and rear passengers, a panoramic sunroof, and an auto-dimming internal rearview mirror.
Kia is likely to equip the Clavis EV with six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera with blind-spot monitoring, and tyre pressure monitoring. In addition, Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) may be included, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, driver attention warning, and autonomous emergency braking.
The Carens Clavis EV is expected to come with a 51.4 kWh battery pack offering a claimed range of up to 490 km on the MIDC cycle. A smaller 42 kWh variant may also be introduced, offering a slightly reduced range of approximately 400 km. While official powertrain figures are yet to be confirmed, the EV is likely to use a front-wheel-drive setup with output in the range of 135 to 170 PS.
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13 hours ago
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It is fascinating how vehicle body styles change according to the market. Over the past two decades, the rise of the SUVs has remained unchallenged. In India today, especially with entry-level vehicles such as the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter, the SUV body style accounts for three out of every five vehicles sold in the country. Best of both worlds Over the past decade, the Indian car market has grown from under two million units to over four million units sold annually. This growth has been largely driven by young first-time vehicle owners. Now as that set of buyers grows older and expands their families, they need a vehicle with more space — for carpooling on the school run or when grandparents come to stay or for a road trip when you require extra space for luggage. Fold the third row of seats flat, and you have enough space to carry even the proverbial kitchen sink. And when you are travelling with six people, most MPVs have load-bearing roof rails to carry luggage. And with many of the MPVs available in India also featuring good ground clearance — the Carens Clavis has a ground clearance of 195 mm, which is more than what is seen in some SUVs — it almost seems as if the MPV and SUV are merging into one. And there is no better example of that than the Hyundai Alcazar that I have had over the past few months. On multiple occasions, I've needed to use both the extra seating and the additional luggage space. Sure, the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that the Alcazar shares with its smaller sibling Creta runs thirstier on the heavier and longer car. But then again, the extra space means there is no need to hire a taxi when you have extra luggage. A little less fuel efficiency is a small price to pay for the bigger space in my opinion, and the 9-10 kmpl efficiency I get is good enough. But an electric MPV would be the best of both worlds, right? 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In the NCR taxi market, for example, diesel taxis are effectively banned, and as a result most taxis, including MPVs, have a huge CNG tank taking up luggage space. Additionally, CNG has to be topped up twice or thrice a day, and you don't need me to tell you about the long queues outside most CNG vending pumps. Today, there are more charging stations across India, and most fleet operators of EVs actually strike deals with charging station operators at lower rates than private car owners. The limited success of the BYD eMax with operators such as Shoffr has been a case in point, but the operations of China's largest carmaker in India have been hobbled by geopolitics. In fact, Kia India officials told me that they were seriously considering a 'mobility' variant of the vehicle that might be cheaper than the entry-level Carens Clavis electric which is priced at Rs 18 lakh. 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