Today, let’s talk about an exciting new electric vehicle: the Kia Carens Clavis EV. It looks a lot like the gas-powered Carens, but it’s electric, with some cool new features. Its electric parts are similar to the Hyundai Creta EV, so we know it’s capable.
But what makes the Kia Carens Clavis EV special? Is it a good choice for families who want an electric car? Join me as we look at its features, how it drives, and how practical it is. Let’s see if this electric MPV is right for you!
Exterior Design: Smart Electric Enhancements
The Kia Carens Clavis EV keeps the familiar shape of the regular Carens but has smart changes for its electric power. The front bumper is updated, with radar parts now in the middle. It also has active air vents that open to help cool the battery, a clever EV-specific touch. LED lights are standard, and there are four parking sensors up front. The charging port is at the front, which is handy.
Under the hood, you’ll find premium gas struts and insulation. There’s also a useful 25-liter frunk (front trunk), perfect for storing your charging cables.
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Capability: A standout feature is the V2L plug, allowing you to power external devices like laptops, both under the hood and in the rear.
The car is long, just under 4.6 meters, with a long 2.8-meter wheelbase, making it spacious. The alloy wheels have a new, EV-focused design to help with airflow. The rear looks similar to the gas version, with connected tail lights and “Carens Clavis EV” badges.
Interior & Practicality: Space, Comfort, and Clever Touches
The Carens Clavis EV truly shines inside, offering a comfortable and flexible space for families. The doors open very wide, making it easy for everyone to get in and out, and they even have manual sunblinds and large door pockets. The second-row seats can slide forward and back to adjust legroom, and they include ISOFIX child seat mounts. Getting into the third row is surprisingly easy, thanks to an electric tumble function for the second-row seats. While the third row is best for kids, it’s functional and has storage and USB-C ports. This EV version is only available as a 7-seater.
Inside, you’ll find an integrated air purifier with an air quality display and many USB-C charging ports. There are separate AC controls for the rear, with vents placed well, even with the massive panoramic sunroof that makes the cabin feel open and bright.
The driver’s area is well-designed. The electric setup means no big gear tunnel, which frees up a lot of space in the center console for storage, an umbrella holder, and a wireless charging pad. The car features a large 26.6-inch panel that combines a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch driver’s display. It’s great to see physical buttons for volume and AC, making them easy to use while driving. An IR sensor allows your phone to act as a remote for other devices.
- Wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Surprisingly, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available on top-end models, requiring a wired connection.
Performance & Driving Dynamics: Brisk Acceleration, Firm Ride
The Carens Clavis EV shares its core platform with the Creta EV, providing a refined electric driving feel. It offers two powertrain options: a 51.4 kWh battery (long range) producing 171 horsepower and 255 Nm of instant torque, and a 42 kWh battery (standard range) with 135 horsepower and the same torque.
The instant power of the electric motor means very quick acceleration. It can go from 0 to 60 mph (0-100 km/h) in an impressive 7.7 seconds (with traction control off), which is faster than Kia’s own claim. Being an EV, it’s very quiet and smooth, though you’ll notice tire, road, and wind noise more.
Because of the added weight from the battery (about 200 kg more than the diesel Carens), the suspension is firmer, so you will feel bumps more. The steering also feels heavier and doesn’t give much road feedback. The brakes felt “squishy” during testing. While stable at high speeds, aggressive cornering can lead to noticeable body roll and tire squealing.
Range & Charging: Practical for Everyday Commutes and Trips
The Carens Clavis EV offers a practical driving range and flexible charging options. The long-range version (51.4 kWh) has a claimed range of 304 miles (490 km), with a real-world range expected around 250 miles (400 km). The standard range (42 kWh) has a claimed range of 273 miles (440 km).
The battery uses NMC chemistry, which is energy-dense, and it’s liquid-cooled, which is great for hotter climates.
- DC Fast Charging: It can charge from 10% to 80% in just 39 minutes using a 100 kW DC fast charger, or 58 minutes with a 50 kW DC fast charger.
- Regen Modes: It features four regenerative braking modes, including “i-Pedal” for one-pedal driving, where the car comes to a complete stop when you lift your foot off the accelerator.
Kia also supports charging infrastructure through its “K Charge” app, which maps over 11,000 chargers.
Safety & Technology: ADAS and Smart Connectivity
The Carens Clavis EV is well-equipped with modern safety and connected car technologies. It includes Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) with 20 functions, such as Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning. These systems can be quite active. It also has 80 connected car features, allowing you to control and monitor your car remotely. The 360-degree parking camera system is good quality and offers multiple views.
- Warranty: It comes with a substantial 8-year, 100,000-mile (1.6 lakh km) warranty on both the vehicle and the battery.
Variants & Pricing: A Strategic Masterstroke
The Kia Carens Clavis EV is priced very strategically to offer excellent value. Prices start around $23,000 USD and go up to $31,000 USD for the top model. This pricing is very similar to the Creta EV, making the Carens Clavis EV a “masterstroke” in value. It offers a significantly bigger and more practical 7-seater for a comparable price, making it a strong competitor.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the Kia Carens Clavis EV
Top 5 Reasons to AVOID the Kia Carens Clavis EV
Conclusion: The Smart Electric Family Car
The Kia Carens Clavis EV is a very practical, feature-loaded, and well-priced electric MPV. It offers a smooth electric drive with quick acceleration, a comfortable and flexible interior, and many safety and smart features. Its good real-world range and charging options make it a viable choice for daily commutes and longer trips.
While the ride is a bit firm and some minor features like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are missing on top trims, its core strengths outweigh these points. The Carens Clavis EV focuses on reliability, ease of use, and proven technology, rather than extreme performance.
For families needing a roomy, safe, and efficient electric vehicle that offers great value, the Kia Carens Clavis EV is an exciting new option that could change the electric family car market.
The long-range version is expected to offer around 250 miles (400 km) in real-world driving.
Yes, the electric version is exclusively available as a 7-seater MPV.
It goes from 0 to 60 mph (0-100 km/h) in an impressive 7.7 seconds.
About the Author: Faisal Khan My name is Faisal Khan and I am the founder of MotorBeam, FK-R, and CarAdvice. I hold an MBA in Finance and am an entrepreneur by profession. Cars and motorcycles are my passion, and on this channel, I show you a real-world experience of driving a vehicle via my POV vlogs. I also show you the BTS of my shoots, travel, and office.
Source: Kia Carens Clavis EV – Practical & Feature Loaded 7-Seater MPV
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