Tag Archives: EVs

NEW CARS

Kia Unveils Made-in-India Carens Clavis EV with Up to 490 km Range

Kia Corporation has pulled the wraps off the Carens Clavis EV, a landmark product that not only marks the company’s first electric vehicle designed and built in India, but also redefines what an electric recreational vehicle (RV) can be in emerging markets. With its SUV-inspired stance, advanced features, and everyday versatility, the Carens Clavis EV positions itself as a practical yet aspirational choice for India’s rapidly evolving EV landscape.

Purpose-Built for the Real World

At its core, the Carens Clavis EV is a response to the real needs of Indian consumers—a vehicle engineered for daily commutes, weekend getaways, and everything in between. Designed under Kia’s “Movement that Inspires” philosophy, it offers a blend of space, comfort, and technology rarely seen at this level.

Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director of Kia India, put it succinctly: “Inspired by India, and built in India, the Carens Clavis EV embodies the spirit of shared progress and a new way to move.”

Power, Range, and Efficiency

The Carens Clavis EV is available with two battery options:

  • 42 kWh battery offering 404 km of ARAI-certified range
  • 51.4 kWh battery with 490 km range on the same test cycle

Both variants feature fast-charging capabilities, achieving a 10–80% top-up in just 39 minutes using a 100kW DC charger. The EV comes in two motor configurations, delivering 99kW (225Nm) or 126kW (255Nm)—ensuring strong performance whether cruising the city or loaded up for a road trip.

Thermal management is top-notch, thanks to a liquid-cooled battery pack and Active Air Flap system. An IP67 rating and extensive durability testing underline Kia’s commitment to real-world reliability.

Technology Meets Convenience

Inside, the Carens Clavis EV is every bit the modern mobile lounge. A massive 67.62 cm (26.62-inch) dual panoramic display dominates the dash, complemented by a premium Bose 8-speaker system, 64-color ambient lighting, and dual-pane panoramic sunroof. There’s even a Smart Pure Air Purifier with AQI display—perfect for urban India.

Creature comforts abound: ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and second-row innovations like one-touch tumble and ‘Boss Mode’ for ultimate legroom.

Tech-savvy owners will appreciate over 90 connected car features, OTA software updates, and Kia’s dedicated K-Charge platform with access to over 11,000 charging points nationwide.

Efficiency on the Move

Energy management gets smarter with four levels of regenerative braking, including the popular i-Pedal one-pedal driving mode. The Auto Mode takes it a step further, adjusting regen braking dynamically based on real-time traffic—balancing efficiency and ride comfort effortlessly.

Need to power devices on the go? The Clavis EV’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature supports both interior and exterior outputs—ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, mobile workers, or emergency use.

Safety as Standard

The Carens Clavis EV brings ADAS Level 2 to the segment with over 20 autonomous functions, including:

  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
  • Front Collision Avoidance Assist (car, cyclist, pedestrian, junction)
  • Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Warning, and Driver Attention Warning

Additionally, six airbags, ESC, ISOFIX mounts, and rollover sensors are among the 18 standard safety features—a clear nod to family-focused buyers.

Built for India, with a Global Outlook

As Kia accelerates its global electrification ambitions, the Carens Clavis EV stands as a strategic pivot—bringing world-class EV tech to Indian soil while tailoring it for local use cases. Manufactured at Kia’s state-of-the-art facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, the Clavis EV is available in four variants and six vibrant colors, with pricing and market-specific details set to follow.

With the Carens Clavis EV, Kia isn’t just building another electric car—it’s building a bridge between global EV innovation and the everyday Indian driver.

Source: Kia

News

Mercedes-Benz Slashes EQ Prices, But Is It Too Little, Too Late?

Mercedes-Benz entered the EV race with bold ambition, crafting its first dedicated electric vehicles—the EQE and EQS—in both sedan and SUV forms with futuristic, wind-cheating curves and slippery silhouettes. These models marked a dramatic departure from the brand’s traditionally conservative styling. However, in an unexpected twist, the bold design and high-tech approach failed to resonate with customers.

Now, Mercedes-Benz is pivoting. The upcoming electric CLA signals a strategic realignment, built on the same platform as its internal-combustion sibling—a sign that the company is pulling back from its bespoke EV architecture. But in the meantime, there are deals to be had—at least for those willing to take a chance on the current EQ lineup.

According to a now-deleted TikTok video from a dealership employee, later confirmed by Mercedes, the company is making significant price cuts across its 2026 EQ models. Here’s a snapshot of the changes:

Model2026 Price2025 Price
EQE Sedan$66,100$76,050
EQE SUV$66,100$79,050
EQS Sedan$101,400$105,550
EQS SUV$91,100$106,400

These reductions—some upwards of $15,000—particularly impact the Alabama-built SUVs. But there’s a catch: production of the EQE and EQS models for the U.S. market will halt indefinitely starting September 1st. Mercedes-Benz has not committed to a restart date, citing “competitive reasons” and emphasizing its “local-for-local” manufacturing strategy spread across more than 30 global plants.

The timing of the announcement is notable. As InsideEVs highlights, the federal EV tax credit ends September 30th, and the recent rollback of CAFE standards removes another layer of regulatory pressure from automakers. It’s unclear whether the EQ lineup’s pause is a short-term strategy adjustment or a longer-term retrenchment of Mercedes’ EV plans in the U.S.

Meanwhile, more new EVs are on the horizon. The electric CLA is already on sale in Europe, with U.S. availability expected soon. AMG is reportedly developing a high-performance four-door EV, and an electric GLC—one of the brand’s bestsellers—is also in the pipeline.

But with the EQ brand suffering from rapid depreciation and lukewarm consumer interest, it’s tough to frame these price cuts as an outright win for buyers. Used EQS sedans can already be found for under $40,000—less than half their original MSRP—and there’s still inventory of unsold 2025 models sitting on dealer lots, likely ripe for even deeper discounts.

Mercedes-Benz may be trimming prices, but whether that’s enough to reignite consumer enthusiasm—or merely a final clearance before a wider EV reset—remains to be seen.

Source: Motor1

NEW CARS

2026 Subaru Uncharted EV Debuts: A Bold Leap Into Electric Adventure

Subaru has entered uncharted territory—literally and figuratively. Making its world debut in New York City, the 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV marks a bold new chapter for the Japanese automaker. As Subaru’s first all-electric compact crossover, the Uncharted is poised to shake up the segment with an impressive blend of performance, technology, and go-anywhere versatility that has become the brand’s trademark.

Electrified Performance Meets Subaru DNA

Beneath its sharp sheet metal, the Uncharted packs up to 338 horsepower from dual electric motors on Sport and GT models. That’s enough to launch it from 0–60 mph in under five seconds, positioning it among the quickest in its class. Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard on most trims and is paired with X-MODE® for added traction on snow, gravel, or dirt.

The Sport and GT trims are powered by a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering up to 290 miles of estimated range, while the entry-level Premium FWD version stretches that to 300+ miles, thanks to its lighter, single-motor layout and front-wheel-drive setup.

In terms of size, the Uncharted is more compact than the Subaru Solterra—shorter by nearly 7 inches—yet it cleverly maximizes space with over 25 cubic feet of cargo room and turning agility close to that of the smaller Crosstrek.

Tech-Forward and Road-Ready

The cabin of the Uncharted is a showcase of Subaru’s forward-thinking design. A massive 14-inch touchscreen anchors the dashboard, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, while dual wireless chargers up front and rear USB-C ports keep everyone’s devices juiced on the move.

Charging on the go is equally hassle-free, thanks to the NACS fast-charge port compatible with Tesla Supercharger stations across the U.S. With speeds up to 150 kW, the Uncharted can replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes, even in cold climates, thanks to battery preconditioning.

Safety, Comfort, and Capability in Every Trim

Every Uncharted is equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight® driver-assist suite, offering advanced features like Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Higher trims add even more safety and convenience tech, including Traffic Jam Assist, a Smart Rearview Mirror, and a Panoramic View Monitor.

Inside, comfort meets rugged practicality. All trims include an All-Weather Package, while the Sport trim features durable StarTex® water-repellent upholstery and dual-mode X-MODE®. The range-topping GT trim brings the luxury with ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and a Harman Kardon® premium audio system.

Designed for the Journey Ahead

Visually, the Uncharted leans into Subaru’s adventurous spirit. Sleek lines and aerodynamic detailing are accented by distinctive LED lighting, bold black badging, and available two-tone paint with a contrasting roof on the GT model. New 18- or 20-inch wheels, low-profile roof rails, and a silver rear fascia enhance its sporty, off-road-ready stance.

The interior echoes the exterior’s modernity, with orange accent stitching, horizontal dash lines, and premium textures throughout. Rear passengers are treated to heated outboard seats and generous legroom, making the Uncharted a practical choice for daily commutes and weekend getaways alike.

Coming Soon to a Subaru Retailer Near You

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted will be available in Premium FWD, Sport AWD, and GT AWD trims, arriving at Subaru dealerships across the U.S. in early 2026. Pricing, final EPA-rated ranges, and full specifications will be announced closer to launch.

With the Uncharted, Subaru doesn’t just step into the EV world—it blazes a trail. And for drivers who crave the road less traveled, it’s a path worth following.

Source: Subaru

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2026 Subaru Uncharted EV Debuts: A Bold Leap Into Electric Adventure