The Kia Carens Clavis EV has officially launched in India, marking Kia’s first locally produced electric vehicle and setting the stage for a direct comparison with its sibling, the Hyundai Creta Electric.
Kia’s New Electric MPV Enters the Scene
India’s EV market just got a significant boost with the arrival of the Kia Carens Clavis EV. This new electric MPV aims to carve out a fresh segment for electric family vehicles. Bookings for the Carens Clavis EV opened on July 22, with deliveries expected to begin in the coming months.
Key Differences Between the EV Siblings
The most striking difference between the two electric vehicles is their body style and intended use. The Hyundai Creta Electric is designed as a compact SUV, while the Kia Carens Clavis EV is a three-row MPV, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. Naturally, the Clavis EV is larger than the Creta across all dimensions, providing more interior space.
Performance and Charging Capabilities
While both vehicles share similar battery packs, the Carens Clavis EV boasts a slightly better claimed range and quicker charging times. For instance, the 42kWh battery in the Carens promises 404 km of range, outperforming the Creta’s 390 km. With the larger 51.4kWh pack, the Carens delivers an impressive 490 km, compared to the Creta’s 473 km.
In terms of charging, the Carens Clavis EV takes about 4 hours for both battery sizes via AC charging. The Creta Electric, in comparison, requires approximately 4 hours and 45-50 minutes. When it comes to DC fast charging, the Carens is notably faster, taking just 39 minutes to charge using a 100kW charger, while the Creta takes 58 minutes with a 50kW charger.
Feature Parity and Tech Highlights
Beyond the seating arrangement, both the Carens Clavis EV and Creta Electric are well-equipped with modern features. They both offer climate control, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, and Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). Additional shared features include wireless phone mirroring, power mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and a full LED lighting package.
Safety is also a priority for both models, with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, ISOFIX child seat mounts, a 360-degree camera, and highline TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) coming standard. A minor distinction in the cabin is that the Carens Clavis EV features larger 12.5-inch dual displays, while the Creta uses 10.25-inch units.
Understanding the Pricing
When it comes to pricing, the fully-loaded Hyundai Creta Electric is available at Rs. 23.50 lakh (ex-showroom), with an extra charge for dual-tone or matte paint schemes. The top-spec Kia Carens Clavis EV has been launched at a price of Rs. 24.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
- The Kia Carens Clavis EV is an MPV, offering more space and seating compared to the Creta Electric SUV.
- The Carens Clavis EV provides better claimed range and faster charging times across its variants.
- Both vehicles are equipped with a comprehensive suite of features, including Level 2 ADAS and advanced safety systems.
- The top-end Kia Carens Clavis EV is priced slightly higher than the Hyundai Creta Electric.
The introduction of the Kia Carens Clavis EV broadens the choices for Indian consumers looking for electric vehicles, offering a compelling option for those seeking more space and family-friendly practicality.
