Remember the Kia Carens MPV? It entered locally in the mid-late 2000s, and it was popular. But Kia Philippines gently discontinued its sales in 2018 due to changing market preferences of many car buyers. This, however, wasn’t the case elsewhere.
The Kia Carens nameplate has held its ground all these years. In fact, Kia just revealed the 2025 Carens Clavis EV, which stands as Kia’s first Indian-made EV. This new model combines advanced electrification technologies with a focus on usability, flexibility, and accessibility.
The Kia Carens embodies the brand’s vision of inclusive e-mobility; a lifestyle-ready recreational vehicle with an SUV-inspired design. It serves diverse customer needs, aiming to facilitate a smooth transition from daily commuting to family road trips, making EV mobility both accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience.
The Carens Clavis EV offers two battery options with ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) certified ranges. The 42 kWh battery offers a 404 km range, while the larger 51.4 kWh variant boasts 490 km. Charging from 10% to 80% takes only 39 minutes with a 100 kW DC fast charger. The vehicle delivers motor outputs between 99 kW and 126 kW, enhancing driving responsiveness even when fully loaded, thanks to advanced thermal management systems such as a liquid-cooled battery pack, which ensures optimal performance in varying conditions.
The Carens Clavis EV enhances driving pleasure with paddle shifters that improve regenerative braking, including i-Pedal mode for one-pedal driving. An intelligent Auto Mode adjusts regeneration levels based on real-time traffic conditions, optimizing efficiency and comfort.
Tech-savvy occupants will appreciate the 26.62-inch dual panoramic display for infotainment, alongside modern comforts like smart climate controls and a premium audio system. The vehicle’s flexible seating arrangements cater to different needs, adding to the convenience.
Safety is paramount, as Kia has implemented an ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) Level 2 suite with over 20 autonomous functions, including Smart Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist, along with 18 standard safety features.
Currently, Kia Philippines and its parent company ACMobility have not hinted at a possible Carens comeback, but the Ayala-led automotive group is known for strongly advocating cleaner and more sustainable mobility. From this thought, the possibility is there.
