A New Chapter for Kia’s MPV Lineup
Kia India is gearing up to launch the highly anticipated Carens Clavis EV in June 2025, marking its first mass-market electric vehicle tailored for Indian families. Following the debut of the petrol and diesel Carens Clavis on May 23, 2025, this electric variant promises to blend the practicality of a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with sustainable, stylish, and tech-forward features.
Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO of Kia India, emphasized the Clavis EV’s role in bringing “accessible, stylish, and sustainable EV expertise” to the market, positioning it as a game-changer in the competitive MPV segment.
Design and Features: A Premium Electric MPV
The Carens Clavis EV inherits the refreshed styling of its internal combustion counterparts, drawing inspiration from Kia’s global EV5 and EV9 models. Its exterior boasts a sleek, upright profile with boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, a closed grille, and 17-inch star-patterned alloy wheels, giving it a futuristic, SUV-like presence.
Inside, the cabin features a 26.62-inch dual display integrating a digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, a four-way powered driver’s seat, and a panoramic sunroof exclusive to the top-spec HTX+ trim. Safety is prioritized with six airbags, a 360-degree camera, and a Level 2 ADAS suite, ensuring the Clavis EV appeals to tech-savvy family buyers.
Powertrain and Performance
While specific details about the Carens Clavis EV’s powertrain remain under wraps, Kia has hinted at a robust electric motor paired with a battery pack optimized for urban and highway driving. Unlike its petrol (1.5L NA and turbo) and diesel (1.5L) siblings, the EV is expected to offer a range competitive with other mass-market electric vehicles, likely exceeding 400 km per charge.
The Clavis EV will come in seven variants—HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK+, HTK+(O), HTX, and HTX+—with six- and seven-seater configurations, the latter exclusive to the HTX+ trim. This flexibility caters to diverse family needs, enhancing its appeal in India’s MPV market.
Market Positioning and Pricing
Priced between ₹11 lakh and ₹21 lakh for its petrol and diesel variants, the Carens Clavis EV is expected to command a premium, potentially starting around ₹14 lakh (ex-showroom) due to its electric powertrain and advanced features. It will compete with the Maruti Ertiga, Toyota Rumion, and Maruti XL6, while serving as a more affordable alternative to the Toyota Innova Hycross and Maruti Invicto.
By offering a diesel-like torque delivery and lower running costs, the Clavis EV aims to attract buyers seeking practicality without compromising on luxury or sustainability. Bookings began on May 9, 2025, for ₹25,000, signaling strong market interest.
Why It Matters
The Carens Clavis EV arrives at a pivotal moment as India’s EV market gains traction, driven by rising fuel costs and environmental awareness. Kia’s decision to retain the standard Carens while introducing the Clavis as a premium offering reflects a strategy to cater to both budget-conscious and aspirational buyers.
With features like remote vehicle tracking via Kia Connect and a comfortable suspension tuned for Indian roads, the Clavis EV is poised to redefine family mobility. As Kia expands its electric portfolio beyond the EV6 and EV9, the Clavis EV could set a new benchmark for accessible electric MPVs.
|
Variant Highlights |
Features |
|---|---|
|
Base (HTE) |
LED headlamps, 6 airbags, digital cluster |
|
Mid (HTK+) |
Single-pane sunroof, 360-degree camera |
|
Top (HTX+) |
Panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS, 7-seater option |
Estimated price range: ₹14 lakh – ₹22 lakh (ex-showroom, June 2025).