Kia Carens Clavis EV Test Drive Review

Kia’s Clavis EV is the all-electric derivative of the ICE Clavis, a vehicle that debuted a few months ago offering both petrol and diesel options. While both cars share the same body shell and similar interior layout, the Clavis EV attempts to reposition the platform for a more tech-forward and eco-friendly audience.

However, this isn’t just an engine swap. The EV packs structural tweaks like a frunk, a revised floating centre console, a rear spoiler, vehicle-to-load (V2L) support, and a new drive selector stalk mounted on the steering column. That said, both cars retain a nearly identical design footprint, which means the Clavis EV doesn’t scream “EV” from the outside which could be a good or bad thing depending on how distinctly electric you want your electric car to look. All EV trims are exclusively seven‑seat, even though the HTX+ ICE variant offered captain seats in row two.

Compared to the ICE variants, these prices reflect a ₹3–4 Lakh premium, which could be a hard sell for buyers not looking to go electric just yet.

Exterior Changes

From the outside, the Clavis EV mirrors the ICE version in silhouette and general detailing. What sets it apart is a slightly revised front fascia, featuring active aero flaps in the bumper, a sealed-off grille, and the repositioning of the charging port in the nose, neatly integrated within the lower fascia. Other EV-specific cues include ice‑cube-style LED fog lamps, a silver-accented lower bumper, a rear spoiler, and aero-optimized 17-inch alloy wheels designed to improve efficiency, and a modest EV badge being the only visual difference at the rear. These changes are subtle, they tidy up the design and hint at the car’s electric drivetrain without radically overhauling the Clavis’s overall aesthetic. One need not have to examine the car in extreme detail to spot the difference between the ICE and the EV variants, these changes however subtle are ample to tell the difference.

Interior Changes

The Clavis EV retains all of the ICE Clavis’s cabin layout, including the 26.63-inch display setup, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, Bose audio system, and panoramic sunroof. However, it introduces some functional refinements – the gear selector is removed from the centre console and replaced with a floating design that improves storage space.

It is relocated to the steering column and is a shift by wire system. The upholstery shifts to a black-and-white theme, and trim elements are adjusted to reflect the EV’s more ‘modern’ character without making the cabin look dramatically different. Notably, the EV drops the ICE model’s optional six‑seater layout even though the HTX+ ICE variant offered captain seats in row two.

Battery & Charging

Let’s get to the main aspect of the Carens Clavis EV. The battery and charging. Kia has used IP67-certified, liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery packs in the Clavis EV, with both 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh options. These packs are water/dust resistant and have passed Indian-specific durability tests. The 51.4 kWh unit offers up to 490 KM ARAI-certified range, but real-world range is expected to be 350–400 KM. The 42 kWh pack is rated for 404 KM ARAI, likely translating to 300–330 KM practical usage.

Charging times are reasonable 10–80% in 39 minutes using a 100 kW DC fast charger, but considering your local charging infrastructure, expect some hurdles in terms of the charging time, and home charging will still take 6–8 hours depending on your setup.

Kia owned K-charge which is a public charging platform is also available in select locations through the MyKia, however, its practicality is yet to be tested.

How Does The Clavis EV Drive ?

In terms of ride and handling, the Clavis EV feels familiar to anyone who’s driven the ICE version. If we were to describe it using 2 words, planted and comfort oriented is what comes to mind. It’s planted at higher speeds due to battery weight and It handles potholes and bad roads well. It shares the same platform and chassis setup with its ICE sibling. Where the difference shows is in how it delivers power.

Thanks to its electric motor, the EV has quicker throttle response and smoother acceleration, particularly at city speeds. The ER HTX Plus variant, with 171 PS, is capable of doing 0–100 KM/H in 8.4 seconds significantly quicker than the 1.5L petrol or diesel ICE versions. The instant torque due to the electric motor is quite noticeable, you can’t miss it.

Kia has also included a “Brake Regeneration System” where drivers can manually adjust regeneration levels using paddle shifters, the left shifter increases regeneration, while the right decreases it. An “Auto Regeneration Mode” can be engaged by holding the right paddle shifter for over a second. Furthermore, the “I-PEDAL (Intelligent Pedal) Mode” offers a unique driving experience, allowing for acceleration, deceleration, and stopping when you let off the accelerator pedal. In this mode, maximum regeneration can be activated with the left paddle shifter, and once level 3 regeneration is reached, the system automatically transitions to maximum I-pedal mode.

That being said, the steering is still light and lacks feedback feeling vague at some points. The suspension tuning remains comfort-focused rather than dynamic. Overall, it’s competent and easy to drive with more focus towards the general aspects of the car rather than core driving dynamics.

Variant Wise Highlight – What Each Trim Adds

Our Verdict

The Carens Clavis EV is situated to be Kia’s first mass market EV. It follows its ICE siblings formula, spacious, practical, and family-focused, while offering an EV package. It introduces minimal but useful enhancements. The addition of ADAS Level 2 and a panoramic sunroof brings valuable driving aids and cabin ambience to the mid-spec HTX trim and onwards. The Kia Carens Clavis EV doesn’t redefine the genre but it raises the bar within it.