So, the electric car revolution? It’s totally here, and Kia is jumping in headfirst with their new Carens Clavis EV! They’ve taken everything we love about the regular Carens – its practicality and family-friendly vibe – and zapped it with electricity. I recently got my hands on the top-of-the-line HTX Plus ER (Extended Range) model, which comes with a bigger 51.4 kWh battery. And guess what? I put it through its paces, even doing a full 100-0% range test! Let me tell you all about it.

First Look: Electric with a Familiar Feel

Right off the bat, the Carens Clavis EV looks a lot like its petrol or diesel sibling, which is a good thing because the Carens is already quite the looker. But Kia’s added some cool electric touches that really make it stand out. The biggest change is probably the closed-off front grille – it’s got these neat active aero flaps – and the charging port right up front. You’ll also spot new, aerodynamic dual-tone alloy wheels and those cool full-width LED light bars at both the front and back. These changes are subtle but really make it feel modern and electric.

Hop inside, and it’s instant familiarity, but in a good way. The space and practicality that the Carens is known for are still very much there. The dashboard, with its twin screens, is pretty much the same, but the new dual-tone white and grey interior really brightens things up and makes it feel even more premium and roomy. The steering wheel and other bits feel nice and high-quality. And here’s a big win: even with the battery pack under the floor, the under-thigh support in the second row is still fantastic, which is often a problem in other EVs. Plus, that one-touch electric tumble for the second row makes getting into the third row super easy – even adults can squeeze back there for shorter trips.

When it comes to features, Kia hasn’t skimped. You get those gorgeous dual 12.3-inch screens for your music and driving info, and they’re super crisp and responsive. There’s a panoramic sunroof (yay!), ventilated front seats (a lifesaver in our heat!), a powered driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, and all sorts of connected car goodies. For safety, it’s loaded with a Level 2 ADAS suite (20 features!), plus six airbags, ESP, and disc brakes on all four wheels as standard. Oh, and a little bonus: there’s a 25-liter frunk (that’s a front trunk!) for your charging cables or small bags – super handy!

On the Road: Smooth, Refined, and Pretty Quick!

Driving the Carens Clavis EV is where it truly shines. My Extended Range version has a 169 hp motor that puts out 255 Nm of torque, and honestly, it’s incredibly smooth and refined, probably even better than the petrol/diesel versions. That instant electric torque means zipping around the city is effortless, and highway overtakes? Piece of cake! Kia says it can go from 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, and it definitely feels that quick.

The steering is light and precise, making navigating busy Lucknow streets a breeze. Visibility is great too, thanks to all that glass. Now, being an MPV, there is a bit of body roll if you swerve quickly or take corners aggressively, but it’s nothing that’ll upset you or your family. The suspension, while a bit firmer than the regular Carens, handles most bumps really well, giving you a smooth, comfortable ride that your passengers will appreciate.

And here’s a cool trick: those paddle shifters aren’t for gears, they control the four levels of regenerative braking! There’s even an i-Pedal mode for true one-pedal driving in the city. It lets you perfectly manage how much energy you’re putting back into the battery, which is awesome for efficiency.

The Big Test: How Far Can It Really Go? (100-0% Range Test!)

Alright, time for the moment of truth! Kia claims an ARAI-certified range of 490 km for this 51.4 kWh battery. So, I set out from Lucknow, hit the Lucknow-Agra Expressway, then some state highways, all with two people in the car and the AC humming at a comfy 22 degrees Celsius. I drove it like a real person would – not hypermiling, not racing – just regular family driving.

Here’s what I found:

* City Start (100% – 80%): In stop-and-go traffic, it was super relaxing. The quiet cabin was a treat, and those regen levels really helped save juice. I covered about 95 km using 20% of the battery.

* Highway Cruising (80% – 30%): On the highway, keeping a steady 90 km/h, the battery consumption was pretty consistent. The car felt solid. I managed another 205 km, hitting 300 km total when the battery was at 30%.

* Mixed Driving to Empty (30% – 0%): As the battery got lower, I mixed in some smaller roads and more city traffic. The car smoothly adjusted its power delivery – no sudden jerks or drops. I kept going until the “turtle mode” warning popped up, and then it eventually came to a complete stop.

Drumroll, please… My real-world range: 410 km!

That’s a seriously impressive number, especially for a 7-seater MPV. Given the ARAI claim of 490 km and real-world conditions (AC, varying terrain), getting 410 km is fantastic. It means this Carens Clavis EV isn’t just for city commutes; you could totally do inter-city trips without much range anxiety.

Quick Charging!

Charging is key for any EV. The Carens Clavis EV handles both regular AC and fast DC charging:

* 11 kW AC Charger: If you’re charging at home overnight, it’ll take about 4 hours and 45 minutes to go from 10% to 100%.

* 100 kW DC Fast Charger: On the go, you can juice it up from 10% to 80% in just 39 minutes! That’s super quick for a road trip pit stop.

My Take: A Great Family EV!

Honestly, the Kia Carens Clavis EV is a really strong contender. With introductory ex-showroom prices ranging from ₹17.99 lakh to ₹24.49 lakh, it’s the most affordable mass-market electric MPV out there right now. It keeps all the best parts of the regular Carens – that super spacious 7-seater cabin, comfortable ride, and tons of features. Add to that the quiet, smooth drive and low running costs of an EV, plus a real-world range that’s perfect for most families, and you’ve got a winner.

Sure, the battery might raise the floor just a tiny bit, and there’s that bit of body roll, but those are minor compromises for getting all the benefits of an electric vehicle in a family-friendly package. If you’re a family looking for a refined, practical, and well-equipped electric car, the Kia Carens Clavis EV should absolutely be on your shortlist. It’s a big step for Kia in India and could really change the game for electric family cars!

What do you think? Does an electric MPV like this fit your family’s needs?