Kia Carens Clavis EV Long Term Introduction: 2000 km Felt Like Nothing

For the past six months, my long term vehicle has been the Kia Carens Clavis. I had the diesel for the first three months, the turbo-petrol for the next two, and my last month has been spent driving around the Kia Carens Clavis EV.

For me, the electric version did not need any introduction. It looks and feels the same as its ICE counterparts, offers the same space and features, and the only difference is the powertrain, which I experienced thoroughly in the last month.

Range Is Just Enough

As soon as I got the Clavis EV, I left Mumbai towards Pune. I have driven many ICE cars on this route, but EVs not so much, as charging and range anxiety becomes a hassle, especially for smaller cars.

The Clavis EV, however, has enough real world range to not give me any worry. From my sister’s place in Mumbai to my house in Pune, I drive around 160 km, and the Clavis EV handles that easily, as the real world range is more than twice what I have to drive.

So when I had to drive it to Pune with the battery percentage just a little over 50%, I knew that I wouldn’t have to stop to charge it anywhere. However, for longer drives, or drives which involve to and fro from Mumbai, I get a little worried as the range is just enough to complete that journey.

Effortless But Not Exciting

Like most EVs, the Clavis EV is pretty easy to drive. I’ve driven it in Pune for a month and noticed that while there is no sudden surge of power, there is enough juice to overtake anyone around me. Driving it inside the city did not require much effort as it glided across, and it kept the cabin quite stable on broken patches, making sure everyone inside remained comfortable.

However, since it is a big and heavy car, the performance feels adequate and not exciting. Yes you can get to triple digit speeds very quickly, overtakes do not require planning even in Eco more, and the Sports mode does have a kick to it. 

But it makes you realise that you are in fact driving a big car that does not wish to be driven in a sporty manner. There is a good amount of power, but it does not push you back into your seat, and at the end of the day, you realise that even with this powerful motor, it is still a people mover meant to be driven in a relaxed manner.

A Practical Helper

During the last few days, the Clavis EV has been crucial in moving two houses. It is just as practical as the ICE version, even more so with better storage options, but the one thing that makes it the most practical car I’ve driven in the boot.

Three large suitcases, the ones you take on international flights, a few small cabin bags, and a huge sports kit which can keep a bicycle inside, all fit effortlessly in the boot of the Clavis EV. It played a big role in moving houses and whenever anyone in the office needed to move or take large equipment from one place to another, they always asked for the Clavis.

It has been just a month with the Clavis EV and it has already done a great job of being a practical people mover, with a powertrain that till now hasn’t given me any issues. In the next two months, I’ll spend more time with the electric MPV to see how much more it can do, how much difference in cost is compared to the ICE version, how it performs in long distance trips, and for you to know that, you’ll have to stay tuned.

Date of arrival: March 7, 2026

Kilometers on arrival: 4233 km

Kilometers till date: 6240 km

Positives: Spacious, Practical, Good Range, Comfortable

Negative: Only relaxed drive experience