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Last Updated on: 15th July 2025, 11:19 pm

Kia has unveiled a new electric vehicle, the Carens Clavis EV, and going with the theme of today apparently (India), it is going to be produced in India. It’s a crossover shape, but it’s quite a small vehicle, so expect relatively low cost. Without a doubt, Kia must have aspirations of making this a high-volume electric vehicle that it sells in multiple markets around the world. Indeed, right in the first paragraph of the announcement, Kia said that it is aimed at meeting “the needs of emerging EV markets.”

The model is pitched as a family vehicle, and “SUV-inspired.” Clearly, it is aimed at being a super affordable alternative to a full size SUV.

Details? Specs? Special features? Here are some numbers from Kia on the new model as well as some feature highlights:

• 42 kWh battery, 404 km ARAI-certified range (full MIDC)
• 51.4 kWh battery, 490 km ARAI-certified range (full MIDC)
• 39 minutes to fast charge from 10–80% on a 100 kW DC fast charger
• 99 kW (225 Nm) motor or 126 kW (255 Nm) motor
• 67.62 cm (26.62 inch) Dual Panoramic Display (infotainment + cluster)
• Smart climate control switch, front ventilated seats, and power-adjustable driver seat
• Premium Bose audio system with 8 speakers and 64-color ambient lighting
• Dual-pane panoramic sunroof and floating center console with ambient light accents
• Smart Pure Air Purifier with AQI display
• Flexible second-row seating with one-touch electric tumble and ‘Boss Mode’
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Lane Keeping and Front Collision Avoidance Assist (car, pedestrian, cyclist, junction)
• Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance, and Driver Attention Warning
• K-Charge platform via the MyKia app with access to over 11,000 charging points
• Pre-emptive maintenance alerts, AI-powered digital manual and live video consultations
• Length: 4,550mm
• Width: 1,800mm
• Height: 1,730mm
• Wheelbase: 2,780mm.

The model also has quite an advanced system for regenerative breaking. “The Carens Clavis EV enhances driving convenience with paddle shifters offering four levels of regenerative braking, including i-Pedal mode for true one-pedal driving. Alternatively, an intelligent Auto Mode automatically adjusts the level of regeneration braking based on real-time traffic conditions, maximizing efficiency while maintaining comfort.”

“The Carens Clavis EV marks the next step in Kia’s global electrification journey — combining our proven EV technology with intuitive features and our unique RV philosophy of movement, flexibility, and togetherness,” said Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director of Kia India. “As India’s first electric RV, it reflects Kia’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and understanding the real needs of evolving markets. Inspired by India, and built in India, the Carens Clavis EV embodies the spirit of shared progress and a new way to move.”

Naturally, as you can see, we don’t have pricing yet. I’m very eager to see what it ends up costing, in India and in other markets. The model is clearly supposed to be affordable, but it also comes with quite a lot of good, advanced, even premium features. So, it won’t be the cheapest model in the markets it plays in. Kia is going to really have to get the balance right in order to sell these in high volume, and it’s high time for Kia to have a truly mass-market electric model.