The Kia Carens Clavis EV is India’s first locally-made electric 7-seater MPV, launched in July 2025. With prices starting at ₹17.99 lakh, it offers families an affordable electric alternative to petrol and diesel cars. But is it worth buying? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
What Makes the Carens Clavis EV Special?
The Carens Clavis EV is the only mass-market 7-seater electric MPV available in India right now. Unlike other expensive electric cars, this one targets regular families who need space but want to go electric.
“The Clavis EV is Kia’s first made-in-India electric car, manufactured in their factory in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.”
Price and Variants
The Carens Clavis EV comes in 4 variants with two different battery options:
| Variant | Battery | Range | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTK Plus | 42 kWh | 404 km | ₹17.99 Lakh |
| HTX | 42 kWh | 404 km | ₹20.49 Lakh |
| HTX ER | 51.4 kWh | 490 km | ₹22.49 Lakh |
| HTX Plus ER | 51.4 kWh | 490 km | ₹24.49 Lakh |
All prices are ex-showroom, and there’s currently a 2-month waiting period.
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Key Features That Stand Out
Battery and Performance
- Two battery options: 42 kWh (135 PS) and 51.4 kWh (171 PS)
- Real-world range: 320-350 km in mixed conditions
- Fast acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds
- Quick charging: 10-80% in just 39 minutes with 100kW DC charger
Interior and Comfort
- Spacious 7-seater with usable third row
- Dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instruments
- Panoramic sunroof for that premium feel
- Ventilated front seats and Boss Mode
- 8-speaker Bose sound system
Safety Features
- 6 airbags as standard across all variants
- Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
- 360-degree camera for easy parking
- Electronic Stability Control and hill descent control
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Charging and Range: The Reality Check
Charging Options
The Carens Clavis EV supports both AC and DC charging:
- Home charging: 4-4.5 hours with 11kW AC charger
- Fast charging: 39 minutes (10-80%) with 100kW DC charger
Real-World Range Test Results
Multiple tests show the actual range is around 320-350 km in mixed driving conditions, which is less than the claimed 490 km. On highways at higher speeds, expect around 307 km range.
“Over our test drive, the Clavis EV Extended Range delivered a real-world figure in the region of 320-350km (depending on mode).”
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What’s Good About the Carens Clavis EV?
Major Pros
- Only affordable 7-seater electric MPV in the market
- Well-equipped base variant with LED lights and dual screens
- Smooth and silent driving experience
- Good build quality and premium interiors
- Strong performance even with full load
- Kia’s reliable service network across India
Daily Use Benefits
- Zero emissions and low running costs
- Easy city driving with no gears to worry about
- Comfortable ride quality on Indian roads
- 200mm ground clearance handles bad roads well
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What Could Be Better?
Main Drawbacks
- Limited long-distance capability due to charging infrastructure
- Higher price compared to petrol/diesel Carens
- Smaller battery compared to similarly-priced EVs
- No captain seats option for middle row
- Missing wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
Performance Limitations
- Body roll during quick lane changes
- Firmer suspension than regular Carens
- Range drops significantly at highway speeds
- Limited boot space with all seats up
How Does It Compare to Competitors?
The Carens Clavis EV has very few direct competitors. The closest rival is the BYD eMax 7, which starts at ₹27.50 lakh – almost ₹10 lakh more expensive.
Other EVs in similar price range include:
- Hyundai Creta Electric: Similar batteries but only 5-seater
- MG Windsor: Single battery, 5-seater
- Tata Harrier EV: Larger battery but more expensive
“The Clavis EV is much more affordable than the only other seven-seater MPV, the BYD eMax 7, making it a unique offering.”
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Should You Buy the Carens Clavis EV?
Buy It If You:
- Need a 7-seater electric car for family use
- Drive mostly in the city with occasional highway trips
- Want premium features at a reasonable price
- Have access to home charging or nearby charging stations
- Prefer Kia’s service network and reliability
Avoid It If You:
- Travel long distances frequently without charging infrastructure
- Want maximum range for the money
- Prefer captain seats in the middle row
- Need a softer ride like traditional MPVs
- Want the cheapest electric car option
Final Verdict
The Kia Carens Clavis EV is a smart choice for families looking for their first electric 7-seater. It offers good value for money with premium features, reliable performance, and Kia’s trusted service network.
However, it’s best suited for city-focused families who occasionally travel on highways. If you frequently drive long distances, consider the charging infrastructure in your area before buying.
Bottom line: At ₹17.99 lakh onwards, it’s currently the most affordable way to go electric with 7 seats in India.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the real-world range of Carens Clavis EV?
A: In mixed driving conditions, expect around 320-350 km range, which is less than the claimed 490 km.
Q: How long does it take to charge fully?
A: With an 11kW home charger, it takes 4-4.5 hours. Fast charging (10-80%) takes just 39 minutes.
Q: Is it better than BYD eMax 7?
A: The Carens is ₹10 lakh cheaper than eMax 7, making it more affordable, but eMax 7 has a larger battery.
Q: Does it have captain seats option?
A: No, it’s only available with bench seats for all three rows. Captain seats are not offered.
Q: What’s the waiting period?
A: Current waiting period is around 2 months.
