By Mehul | Updated: August 2, 2025 | EV Reviews | 8 min read

There’s something weirdly peaceful about silence on a busy Mumbai road. And no, I’m not talking about the rare, late-night drives. I’m talking about being stuck in a Bandra jam… in an EV… with literally zero engine noise. It’s surreal.

Last week, I got a chance to test drive the Kia Clavis EV, and let me tell you — this little boxy electric SUV is not just cute—it’s smart, zippy, and made for Indian cities like ours.

This isn’t a sponsored review. It’s just my first-hand experience, driving it around Malad, Andheri, Bandra, and everywhere in between.

So, let’s dive into what really impressed me — and what didn’t.

First Look: Compact but Commanding

The moment the Clavis EV rolled up to my apartment, I was sold on the look. The tall stance, closed grille, bold headlamps with futuristic DRLs — it’s like a mini SUV and a premium EV had a stylish baby.

It looks tough yet adorable. Dual-tone roof, flush door handles, and roof rails give it a muscular, urban appeal.

Honestly, in a line of dull hatchbacks, the Clavis stands out effortlessly.

️ Interiors That Make You Forget the Price

Once I stepped in, I legit forgot this car might start at around ₹11–13 lakh.

It’s futuristic. The dual 10.25-inch connected screens, the soft-touch materials, the ambient lighting — everything felt so well done.

There’s even a floating-style center console, a flat floor, and plenty of storage. My backpack, phone, and water bottle had dedicated spaces.

And the cabin? It’s surprisingly roomy. I’m 5’6″ and had ample leg and headroom. Even the back seat didn’t feel cramped.

How It Drives: Smooth, Silent & Surprisingly Sporty

The first turn out of my building, I was already smiling. No gears, no rumble, just a clean, instant push of power.

In Eco Mode, it’s calm and perfect for daily drives. But I switched to Sport Mode, and the Clavis suddenly came alive. Like, whoa.

It zipped past slow autos and cabs with zero effort. The torque is instant, and even in traffic, the car felt agile and responsive.

And yes, it was dead silent inside. The insulation is excellent. You don’t hear the chaos outside — just music, thoughts, and a little wind.

Real-World Range: The Numbers Make Sense

I drove the Clavis EV around 82 km in total, with AC on and plenty of stops. When I got back home, I still had 73% battery left.

Do the math — it’s easily a 350–400 km range EV in city driving.

Charging at home overnight (on a regular 15A socket) worked fine. But it also supports fast charging, taking you from 10% to 80% in just 45 minutes at public DC stations.

Charging anxiety? Not with this one.

Features Galore: This Car is Smarter Than You Think

Kia has packed it with everything:

• ADAS Level 2 (with lane assist, adaptive cruise)

• 360° camera with high-resolution clarity

• Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay

• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) to charge laptops/devices

• Kia Connect app with live charging updates, remote start, AC control, and more

Honestly, the 360° camera saved me twice while parking near a crowded grocery shop. And I loved switching AC on from the app before I stepped in.

️ How It Handles Mumbai’s Worst Roads

This is where I was most skeptical. Could this compact EV handle Mumbai’s famous potholes?

Yes. Yes, it can.

The Clavis EV soaked up bumps and cracks with ease. The suspension is tuned for city comfort. Even when I drove through Andheri’s worst lanes, the cabin stayed composed.

The regen braking (adjustable via paddle shifters) was fun to play with too — especially when slowing down at red lights.

Space Check: Small Car, Big Storage

Let’s talk practicality.

The boot space is genuinely good for a car this size. I fit two travel bags and a week’s worth of groceries easily. Rear seats fold flat if you need more room.

It even has under-seat storage and clever use of vertical space. Honestly, it felt more spacious than some sub-4m petrol SUVs I’ve driven.

Price & Launch: Should You Wait For It?

The expected price is between ₹11.5 lakh and ₹13.5 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant.

Variants expected:

• Tech Line – basic but loaded

• GT Line – sporty with features

• GT Plus – full ADAS, sunroof, ventilated seats

Launch is expected this festive season 2025 (Oct–Nov), with bookings likely opening in September.

Final Verdict: Will I Buy It?

If I had to choose a city EV today, this would be it.

✅ Stunning design
✅ Feels premium inside
✅ Silent, peppy drive
✅ Practical for daily use
✅ Easy charging
✅ Packed with features

The Kia Clavis EV is not just a car, it’s a statement—that EVs can be fun, affordable, and perfect for Indian cities.

If you’re tired of traffic, fuel prices, and noisy drives — this might just be your next best investment.

FAQs You Might Be Googling (AEO Optimized)

Q: What is the range of the Kia Clavis EV?
It offers a real-world range of 350–400 km on a full charge, perfect for city usage.

Q: When will the Clavis EV launch in India?
Expected around October–November 2025.

Q: Is it better than Tata Nexon EV?
In terms of tech, design, and urban comfort — yes, it’s a strong contender.

Q: How much will it cost?
Likely between ₹11.5–13.5 lakh (ex-showroom).

Q: Can I charge it at home?
Absolutely. A regular 15A plug at home works fine overnight.