With prices starting at around INR 18 lakh ex showroom, the Kia Carens Clavis EV finds itself in a very interesting space in the Indian market. It is not trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it takes a formula that Indian families already trust and layers electric mobility on top of it. If you already know the Carens and the Carens Clavis, this EV version will feel instantly familiar, yet quietly different in the ways that matter.
Design
Visually, the Carens Clavis EV does not scream for attention, and that is actually a good thing. The front end looks largely similar to the ICE version, but there are subtle cues that tell you this is an EV. The charging flap is neatly integrated into the front, complete with charge status indicators. Active air flaps sit up front as well, opening only when cooling is required for the EV components. You also get EV specific fog lamps and ADAS sensors placed neatly around the nose. Miss all of that, and the green number plate will still give it away.
The matte colour on this particular car deserves a mention. It looks premium, hides dust remarkably well, and makes the Carens Clavis EV look far more expensive than it actually is.
Along the sides, nothing dramatic changes in terms of body panels, but the EV specific 17 inch aero style alloy wheels stand out. Kia has resisted the temptation to go with oversized wheels, and that decision pays off later when we talk about ride comfort. The battery pack is mounted under the floor, yet ground clearance remains generous. Over nearly 1000 kilometres of driving, including some truly nasty speed breakers, the underbody never scraped even once.
At the rear, the only obvious giveaway is the Clavis EV badging. The connected LED tail lamps look elegant, and the design is clean without being flashy.
Cabin Ambience
Step inside, and this is where the Carens Clavis EV really shines. Kia has always nailed cabin ambience, and the EV takes it a notch higher. The moment you sit inside, especially at night, the ambient lighting transforms the cabin into something that genuinely feels premium. The colours, the materials, and the layout all come together beautifully.
Centre Console and Storage
The biggest EV specific change inside is the centre console. With no traditional gear lever, Kia has freed up a massive amount of usable space. You get physical buttons for ventilated seats, parking assist, hill functions, auto hold, and the 360 degree camera. Below that are covered cup holders, a large armrest, wireless charging, and a deep storage bin that can easily swallow bags, snacks, or everyday clutter. It feels thoughtfully designed, not like an afterthought.
The infotainment system and digital instrument cluster are familiar Kia units, but with EV specific displays added. Range estimates, regeneration data, energy flow, and V2L settings are all easy to access. The screens are sharp, responsive, and intuitive.
The steering wheel is a stylish two spoke unit with flat top and bottom sections. The drive mode selector sits right on the wheel, and the paddle shifters control regenerative braking levels. These paddles are intuitive to use and allow you to switch between zero regen, multiple levels, and full i Pedal single pedal driving.
Seat Comfort and Driving Position
Seat comfort up front is excellent. The driver gets electric adjustment, though oddly the height adjustment is manual. The steering wheel is tilt and telescopic, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position.
Second row space remains one of the Carens strengths. Despite the battery under the floor, foot room and headroom are still very good. The flat floor makes it easy to move around, especially for kids.
The third row is genuinely usable. Adults can sit here without feeling punished. Knee room is acceptable, headroom is decent, and the recline function makes a big difference.
Boot Space and Frunk
Boot space with all seats up is usable, and there is additional storage under the floor. Open the bonnet and you also get a frunk, which houses the charging cable and V2L accessories.
Battery Options and Real World Range
The Carens Clavis EV is offered with two battery options, a 42 kWh and a 51.4 kWh pack. The larger battery claims a range of 490 kilometres, and in real world use, the numbers feel believable.
On the Road
On the move, the cabin is extremely quiet. At city speeds, there is virtually no noise at all. Even rough concrete roads fail to disturb the calm inside.
There are three driving modes, Eco, Normal, and Sport. The difference between them is immediately noticeable. Eco is relaxed but never slow. Sport sharpens throttle response significantly and makes overtakes effortless.
The suspension tuning deserves serious praise. Despite the heavy battery pack, the ride quality is excellent. It absorbs bumps, glides over undulations, and keeps all three rows comfortable.
Braking performance is strong, supported by four disc brakes and regenerative braking. Single pedal driving works well in traffic, while ADAS features reduce fatigue on long drives.
Final Verdict: A Sensible, Family First EV
In the end, the Kia Carens Clavis EV feels like exactly what it should be. A quiet, comfortable, spacious, and genuinely practical electric family car. It does not try to be flashy or overly sporty. Instead, it focuses on doing the basics extremely well.
