Kia Carens Clavis EV: India’s most affordable three-row electric minivan

Explore the Kia Carens Clavis EV, India’s most affordable three-row electric minivan with up to 490 km range, fast charging, and premium features like dual screens and Level 2 ADAS.
Kia has introduced its first fully electric vehicle to the Indian mass market, the Carens Clavis EV, which currently stands as the most affordable three-row EV. It comes with two battery options: a 42 kWh pack delivering 135 horsepower, and a 51.4 kWh variant producing 171 horsepower. Both feature a front-mounted motor generating 255 Nm of torque. According to the manufacturer, the claimed range is 404 km for the 42 kWh version and 490 km for the 51.4 kWh model.This electric minivan is equipped with features like a Level 2 driver assistance system, dual 12.3-inch screens, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior offers ample space and comfort across all three rows, with configurations available for six or seven passengers. In practice, driving the Carens Clavis EV is described as easy and pleasant. Using a 100 kW DC fast charger, it can go from 0 to 80% charge in just 39 minutes.Mahindra XEV 9SMahindra’s first three-row electric vehicle, the XEV 9S, stands out with its SUV-like design. It is sold exclusively as a seven-seater and offers three battery choices: 59 kWh (231 hp), 70 kWh (245 hp), and 79 kWh (286 hp), all paired with a rear motor producing 380 Nm of torque. This makes the XEV 9S the most powerful model in this lineup and the only one with all-wheel drive.Mahindra claims ranges of 521 km with the 59 kWh battery, 600 km with the 70 kWh, and 679 km with the 79 kWh pack. It supports DC fast charging up to 140 kW. Features include three 12.3-inch screens, a Level 2 driver assistance system, ventilated seats in the first and second rows (on the driver’s side), dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. However, space in the third row is noted to be more limited compared to other models here.Vinfast VF MPV 7The Vinfast VF MPV 7 is not only the newest model but also one of the largest, with a wheelbase of 2,840 mm—the longest in this group. It surpasses the Carens Clavis EV and eMax 7 in most dimensions. This model comes solely with a 60.13 kWh battery powering a front motor rated at 204 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque, offering an ARAI-certified range of 517 km. With an 80 kW DC charger, the battery can be charged from 10% to 70% in 30 minutes.The VF MPV 7 lacks certain amenities like powered and ventilated seats, a driver assistance system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a sunroof, and a heads-up display. Despite this, its seven-seat cabin is reported to be spacious and comfortable, and the EV is easy to drive thanks to smooth and gradual power delivery.BYD eMax 7The BYD eMax 7 is an updated version of the e6, which pioneered the mass-produced three-row EV segment. BYD offers it with two battery options: a 55.4 kWh pack producing 163 horsepower and a 71.8 kWh variant with 204 horsepower, both using a front motor that generates 310 Nm of torque. The claimed NEDC range is 420 km for the 55.4 kWh model and 530 km for the 71.8 kWh version, with support for DC fast charging up to 115 kW.Both six- and seven-seat configurations are available. The seats themselves are comfortable, and the cabin provides adequate space, though second- and third-row passengers may find their knees positioned higher. Features include a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera, a panoramic glass roof, a Level 2 driver assistance system, an air purifier, and two wireless charging pads.