KATHMANDU: Kia is set to introduce its first mass-market electric vehicle, the Carens Clavis EV, in India on July 15 as per Indian media.
The electric MPV will be available with two battery options 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh and is expected to offer a certified range of up to 490 km (MIDC cycle) with the larger battery pack.
The Carens Clavis EV will share its powertrain with the Creta Electric. It will feature a single electric motor producing up to 171 PS on the top variant. Fast-charging support will allow the battery to charge from 10 to 80 % in under an hour using a 50kW DC charger.
The EV will carry forward the same body design as the ICE version, but with EV-specific changes such as a closed front grille and aerodynamic wheels. The interior will also remain largely similar, featuring a dual-tone cabin, two 12.3-inch screens and a 2-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel.
As one of the few 7-seater EVs in the mainstream segment, the Carens Clavis EV aims to attract larger families shifting to electric mobility. Safety features include six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist and all-wheel disc brakes. It will also come equipped with a Level 2 ADAS suite offering around 20 autonomous functions.
Kia’s new EV is expected to be priced competitively, aiming to offer strong value in the growing segment of affordable electric MPVs.
