Kia Clavis.EV To Be India's Most Affordable 7 Seat Electric Car: New Details
Unlike other automotive giants, Kia India is taking a different route for its electric vehicle debut in India. Currently, when most major automakers are chasing the title of best-selling, affordable, five-star electric vehicle, Kia, with its upcoming Clavis EV, is targeting the seven-seater EV market. It has been reported that the Clavis EV will become India's most affordable three-row, seven-seater electric vehicle. Also, it will be offered with two battery pack options, making it more versatile and affordable for budget segment buyers.
Kia Clavis EV to be the major affordable EV MPV
India is witnessing a surge in the sales of seven-seater, three-row MPVs. Also, the demand for electric mobility is increasing. So, to take an early mover advantage, Kia, on July 15th, will be launching the Clavis EV, the electrified iteration of its recently launched Carens Clavis MPV. This vehicle will hold the title for being the most affordable electric seven-seater vehicle in India once it's launched.
It has been reported that Kia is planning to offer this vehicle only with seven seats. There will be no five-seat option on offer, and this will ensure that it becomes the only choice for budget EV MPV buyers. Larger families will enjoy the three-row seating offered by the Clavis EV, as the Kia Carens Clavis and standard Carens are already very popular in the segment.
Powertrain options
It is no secret that Kia and Hyundai both share drivetrains. So, the upcoming Clavis EV will also be sharing its electric drivetrain with the recently launched Hyundai Creta Electric. The top-of-the-line Clavis EV will be getting the same 51.4 kWh battery pack, which will provide a range of 490 km on a single full charge.
In addition to this, the company is also planning to offer a smaller 42 kWh battery pack as well. This will make the Clavis EV more affordable and provide a 390–400 km range. Both the 51.4 kWh and 42 kWh battery pack options will be good enough to provide adequate range for city driving and weekend getaways to nearby places.
Most likely, the Clavis EV will be getting the same front-wheel-mounted electric motor as the Hyundai Creta Electric. It will be capable of producing 171 PS of power and 255 Nm of torque. It is believed that the company could reduce the power of this electric MPV as well. Most likely, the entry-level variant of the Clavis EV will be priced around Rs 16 lakh.
Design and features
Coming to the design of the upcoming Kia Clavis EV, recently a few images of this vehicle from its teaser were leaked online. At the front, it will be getting some EV-specific details, such as a closed-off grille and a charging port on the front. Apart from these, it will look almost the same as the standard Carens Clavis.
It will get the new L-shaped LED DRLs with triple LED pod headlights, new LED fog lights on the lower portion of the front bumper, and a silver skid plate. Moving on to the side profile, it will get new futuristic-looking alloy wheels finished in black and silver. The rear will look almost the same as the standard Carens Clavis.
In terms of features, the Clavis EV will come loaded. Its list will include two 12.3-inch units (one will be the touchscreen infotainment system and the other will be a digital instrument gauge), a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats at the front, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, ambient lighting, an air purifier, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and premium Bose audio, along with many others.