The Next Big Game-Changer From Kia: It’s a Carens Clavis, And It’s Electric

Kia is preparing what could be its most ambitious step in India’s electric vehicle space: an all-electric version of the Carens, expected to be called the Clavis EV. While official confirmation is still awaited, early details suggest this may be more than just another EV. It could represent a rare attempt to bring electric mobility to larger families by offering a spacious, three-row model powered by batteries rather than petrol or diesel.

If it arrives as expected, the Clavis EV will build on the Carens’ existing appeal. Kia appears to be working toward combining the space and practicality of an MPV with the convenience and environmental benefits of an electric drivetrain. In a market where most EVs are either compact hatchbacks or mid-size SUVs, this could open a new segment altogether.

Expected Battery and Range

Initial reports suggest the Clavis EV could be equipped with a battery pack in the 70 to 80 kWh range. That would place it well above the Hyundai Creta EV, which is expected to offer a 51.4 kWh unit. If these figures hold, the Kia could potentially offer a real-world range between 450 and 500 kilometres, a figure that would be competitive for family buyers looking at out-of-town travel as well as daily commutes.

Fast-charging is also likely to be a focus. DC charging support with a 10 to 80 percent top-up time of under an hour has been mentioned, along with features like vehicle-to-load (V2L) that allow the car’s battery to power small appliances. These features could prove useful for road trips or in areas with unreliable electricity.

Design, Features and Interior Packaging

The Clavis EV is expected to retain most of the design elements seen on the Carens ICE version. These include features like the full-width LED light bar, dual-tone alloy wheels, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior is also likely to feel familiar, with equipment such as ventilated seats, a dual-screen infotainment setup and Level 2 ADAS features including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping.

One area where Kia seems to have made a specific engineering effort is battery placement. Instead of compromising on boot space or seat flexibility, the battery is reportedly placed under the floor in a manner that would allow the EV to maintain the same 433-litre boot space as the standard Carens, preserving its reputation as a genuine seven-seater without cutting into practicality.

Positioning and Pricing Strategy

Pricing will be key. Kia is said to be targeting a price range of ₹18 lakh to ₹25 lakh for the Clavis EV. This would position it close to the Hyundai Creta Electric but below higher-priced three-row EV options like the BYD e6. If Kia can keep pricing within this band while offering comparable range and features, the Clavis EV could appeal to a section of buyers who currently have no real alternative to diesel-powered MPVs.

This approach mirrors Kia’s strategy with the ICE Carens, which carved a space between MPVs and SUVs by focusing on value and flexibility. A similar positioning in the EV space could help the brand create another niche.

Hyundai Alcazar EV Also on the Horizon

Hyundai, meanwhile, is expected to respond with an electric version of the Alcazar by late 2025. This vehicle would likely share the same platform and battery options as the Clavis EV but could feature a different design and possibly a marginally longer range. Between the two models, buyers may soon get a choice of electric family vehicles that differ in shape but not in underlying technology.

What to Watch For

There are still a number of unknowns around the Clavis EV. Kia hasn’t confirmed timelines or full specifications, and the segment it hopes to serve—large families considering EVs—is still developing in India. Much will depend on whether the company can offer consistent real-world range, ensure fast-charging access across regions, and address long-term concerns about battery durability in Indian weather.

Still, Kia has shown with the original Carens that it understands Indian buyers’ preferences when it comes to space, value and comfort. If the Clavis EV can extend that formula to electric mobility without pushing pricing out of reach, it may give families a compelling new option in a space that has been slow to evolve.