Kia Carens Clavis EV Review: It’s been exactly one week since we started living with the Kia Carens Clavis EV — India’s first mainstream electric MPV. And now, it’s time to answer the big question:
Is it truly a family-friendly electric vehicle or just another tech gimmick on wheels?
From school runs to weekend getaways, city traffic to highways — here’s how the Carens Clavis EV performed in the real world.
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Range & Charging – Real-World Stats
Kia claims a range of up to 500 km (ARAI certified), but in actual city-plus-highway usage, we consistently got around 390–420 km on the 51 kWh variant.
Charging Test:
- 0–80% on a 50 kW DC fast charger took ~42 minutes
- Home wall box took ~7.5 hours for full charge
- Regenerative braking worked well in traffic; Level 2 was the sweet spot
Verdict: Range anxiety? Barely. Easily does 3–4 days of urban driving without a top-up.
Comfort & Space – MPV DNA Intact
The 3-row layout remains one of the biggest highlights. Even with the battery underneath, the cabin remains flat and spacious.
- Second-row legroom is generous, and the reclining seatbacks are a bonus
- Third row is usable for short trips (kids or smaller adults)
- Boot space is tight with all rows up, but manageable for grocery runs
Suspension is tuned for comfort and it glides over potholes without crashing — a pleasant surprise for an EV.
Features & Tech – Packed to the Roof
Kia has loaded the Clavis EV with segment-leading tech:
- 12.3-inch dual-screen setup (digital driver’s display + infotainment)
- ADAS Level 2: lane assist, blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise
- 64-color ambient lighting, air purifier, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- OTA updates, Kia Connect EV features like remote AC, charge tracking
What impressed us most?
Voice commands and remote start via smartwatch — they worked flawlessly.
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Kia Carens Clavis EV Review: Performance & Drive
EVs are known for their instant torque, and this one is no different. The Clavis EV feels surprisingly quick off the line, especially in Sport mode.
- Steering is light, making city driving stress-free
- Regenerative braking helps save range
- Ride quality is balanced — not floaty like some other tall EVs
0–100 km/h in ~9.2 seconds (tested), which is solid for a family MPV.
Real Running Cost
- Electricity cost per km: ~₹1.2 (vs ₹8–10/km for petrol)
- Total cost in 1 month (charging + maintenance): ~₹850 only!
- Estimated yearly savings vs petrol MPV: ₹80,000–₹1,00,000
Verdict: Pocket-friendly and eco-smart for daily commuters.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy It?
Final thoughts on (Kia Carens Clavis EV Review)- If you’re a family buyer looking to go electric without compromising on space, comfort, or tech — the Kia Carens Clavis EV is a no-brainer.
It’s not just a good EV — it’s a great car, period.
Pros:
Strong range, low running cost
Loaded with features
Practical 3-row layout
Smooth & refined drive
Cons:
3rd row best for kids only
Limited charging infrastructure in small towns
Disclaimer: Performance, range, and features mentioned are based on our personal long-term experience with the 51 kWh Clavis EV variant. Results may vary based on usage conditions.
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