Kia has officially entered the budget EV game in India with the Carens Clavis EV, launched today at a starting price of ₹17.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Bookings will open on July 22, and deliveries are expected to begin by early September.
🔧Carens Clavis EV: Features at a Glance
Kia has launched its first mass-market electric MPV, the Carens Clavis EV, for India. Key highlights:
- 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh battery pack options with up to 490 km range (ARAI-certified)
- 2+3+2 flexible seating
- Dual 12.3-inch screens, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats
- IP67-rated batteries with extended water and heat resilience for Indian climates
- Level 2 ADAS and top-tier safety spec
Price, Variants, and Competition
- Variants: HTK+, HTX, HTX+
- Prices: From ₹17.99 lakh to ₹24.49 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Rivals: MG M9, BYD eMax 7, Creta Electric (in powertrain and pricing)
Why the Clavis EV Matters?
The Carens Clavis EV marks Kia’s push into urban electric family vehicles, engineered for Indian conditions and priced accessibly to spur widespread EV adoption.
“We’re bringing long-range EVs to the middle class,” said Tae-Jin Park, MD of Kia India, during the virtual launch.
While the price may seem steep for a compact MPV, Kia is betting on range, interior features, and early EV interest to drive demand. The TechLine variant undercuts the Tata Nexon EV Long Range by ₹20,000, which could make this launch spicy.
💬 Our Take:
Kia’s entry into sub-₹20 lakh EVs feels like a nudge in the right direction, but the real test will be how Kia Carens Clavis EV performs on Indian roads and whether the 400+ km range holds up under Delhi heat and monsoon chaos.
FAQs about Kia Carens Clavis EV
Q: What is the range of the Carens Clavis EV?
A: Up to 490 km on the extended-range battery.
Q: Is the Carens Clavis EV safe for monsoons?
A: Yes, its batteries are IP67-rated and tested for water immersion and heat extremes.
Q: What’s the starting price?
A: The base variant starts at ₹17.99 lakh ex-showroom ICE Carens but comes with a redesigned front grille, aero wheels, and new lighting signatures to boost its EV identity.
