Tag Archives: KIA

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

EV

2026 Kia EV5 Debuts as the Brand’s Most Family-Friendly Electric SUV Yet

Kia has officially pulled the wraps off the all-new EV5, its latest entry into the increasingly competitive electric C-SUV segment. Positioned between the compact EV3 and the larger EV6 and EV9, the EV5 brings bold SUV design, smart family-focused tech, and real-world electric performance—all while riding on the proven E-GMP platform.

But while the specs are promising, Kia’s real mission is more ambitious: to make EV ownership not just more accessible, but more natural. In other words, the EV5 isn’t about just keeping up with Tesla—it’s about fitting seamlessly into daily life.

A Crossover That Looks the Part

If you thought electric crossovers had to sacrifice personality for efficiency, the EV5 begs to differ. Echoing Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, the EV5 exudes boldness. A wide nose, clean surfaces, and Kia’s reinterpreted “Digital Tiger Face” create a front end that’s high-tech without looking fragile.

Measuring 4,610 mm in length with a 2,750 mm wheelbase, the EV5 has real road presence. The boxy silhouette isn’t just for aesthetics—it pays dividends in cargo capacity and interior space. Angular wheel arches, chunky 19-inch wheels, and an athletic rear profile drive home its SUV credentials. It’s clear Kia is courting young families and weekend adventurers with a vehicle that looks ready for both the school run and the ski trip.

Interior as a “Smart Sanctuary”

Inside, the EV5 continues Kia’s pursuit of blending utility with serenity. A panoramic wide display stretches across the dashboard, combining a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a separate 5-inch climate panel into a single, elegant unit.

But it’s the second row that truly sets the EV5 apart. The rear seats fold flat to create a continuous sleeping or cargo surface—ideal for road trippers or outdoor enthusiasts. Rear seat-back tables, sliding center storage, and ambient lighting reinforce the EV5’s role as a mobile living space. Kia even offers ergonomic relaxation seats with massage functions, further blurring the line between cabin and lounge.

And yes, there’s a three-zone climate control system—something rarely seen in this segment.

Built for the Real World, Not the Lab

Kia is offering two battery options: a 60.3 kWh pack and a larger 81.4 kWh unit, with the latter providing up to 530 km of WLTP range. Fast charging is brisk too, with 10–80% charge in around 30 minutes via DC fast charging. The EV5 features regenerative braking with Kia’s latest i-Pedal 3.0, allowing one-pedal driving with adjustable levels for added control.

But what makes the EV5 stand out isn’t just its range or recharge times—it’s the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and future-ready Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality. In simple terms, this SUV can power your campsite, charge your e-bike, or even help stabilize your home grid in the future.

Towing? Absolutely. The EV5 is rated to pull up to 1,200 kg in Europe and Korea (1,800 lbs in North America), and even includes a Trailer Mode to adjust range predictions when hitched.

Tech-Forward, Not Tech-Obsessed

Kia’s next-generation infotainment system—ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit)—powers a customizable UI that supports OTA updates and digital purchases through the Kia Connect Store. Other standout features include Digital Key 2.0, fingerprint recognition, and the Kia AI Assistant, all wrapped in a Harman Kardon audio experience.

Safety Without the Stress

Also debuting is Kia’s unique Bold Motion Symphony—a curated sound identity for the EV5 that adds an auditory dimension to its futuristic character. Whether you’re driving through city streets or camping in the wilderness, the EV5 wants to be more than transportation—it wants to be part of the experience.

The EV5 is packed with the latest ADAS tech, aiming for a Euro NCAP 5-Star and KNCAP Grade 1 safety rating. Highlights include:

  • Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) with hands-on detection
  • Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA2)
  • Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA)
  • Blind Spot and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance

Seven airbags and a reinforced body structure give it the physical backbone to match its digital safety net.

The Bigger Picture

Kia isn’t shy about its ambitions. With the EV5, it’s not just expanding its EV portfolio—it’s doubling down on its vision of electric mobility as an everyday solution, not a luxury or a compromise.

“The EV5 represents a significant step in Kia’s shift toward electrified mobility,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President and CEO. “It makes EV ownership more practical and appealing to a broader range of drivers.”

Set to launch in Korea and Europe in late 2025, with North America following in early 2026, the EV5 will enter a fiercely competitive landscape. But with its mix of smart tech, practical design, and real-world usability, Kia might just have the formula to win over a new wave of EV buyers—those who want a car that just works.

TrimBase LineGT-Line
Overall length4,610mm
Overall Width1,875mm
Height
(incl. roof rack)		1,675mm
Wheelbase2,750mm
Ground clearance2WD167mm
4WD167mm
Head room1st row1,075mm
2nd row1,024mm
Leg room1st row1,117mm
2nd row1,041mm
Shoulder room1st row1,465mm
2nd row1,425mm
Maximum cargo capacity (liters)(VDA/SAE)Behind 2nd row566 / 965
w/ rear seats folded1,650 / 2,080
Frunk capacity (liters)44.4
Battery capacity (kWh)60.3 / 81.481.4
All-electric range(km, WLTP)530505
Charging time(min. DC 10-80%)30
Charging power (AC/DC kW)11/150
Power output (kW)160
Acceleration(0-100km/h, seconds)8.4
Towing capacity (kg)1,200
Transmission2WD
Wheel size (inches)1819

Source: KIA

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News

Kia Targets Sub-€25K Electric City Car as EV Market Heats Up

As the auto industry accelerates toward electrification, Kia is not just keeping pace — it’s setting a course for an ambitious electric future. By the end of this decade, the South Korean automaker is poised to introduce a fresh generation of electric vehicles, software-defined architectures, and even a return to simplicity in design. The company’s roadmap blends affordability, intelligence, and versatility — and it’s aimed squarely at both developed EV markets and underserved global regions.

A New Electric Chapter: From Flagship to Entry-Level

Kia’s current electric lineup — the EV3, EV6, and EV9 — will soon be joined by the EV4 and EV5 this year, with the EV2 landing in 2026. But the real story lies just beyond the horizon. The brand is working on a new entry-level EV, priced below €25,000, aimed at consumers looking for affordable electric mobility. This sub-EV2 model could mark a pivotal moment for the EV market, offering a real alternative to internal combustion without sacrificing quality or style.

Interestingly, Kia’s CEO Ho Sung Song sees this model not as an afterthought, but as an integral part of the company’s future. Although the venerable Picanto city car remains strong in sales — especially after its 2023 facelift — its eventual successor will almost certainly be electric. Whether the two will overlap in showrooms depends on evolving CO₂ regulations in Europe.

The inspiration behind this new breed of Kia? Simplicity. Design boss Karim Habib cites Japanese retailer Muji as a creative muse — a brand that values utility, minimalism, and adaptability. Kia is exploring how to build vehicles that are stripped to their essential form, but remain highly customizable. That mindset could be the key to delivering desirable, affordable EVs to a global market.

Software-Defined Vehicles: The EV Brain Revolution

But Kia’s ambitions stretch well beyond creating more EVs — the company is engineering smarter ones.

Kia is embracing software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture, a systems-focused evolution that replaces fragmented electronic subsystems with centralized computing. This unified brain allows for streamlined updates, reduced development costs, and the flexibility to offer personalized digital experiences across the model range.

Development of the SDV platform has been underway for over three years, and the first tangible sign of progress may come as early as next year in the form of the SDV Pace Car concept — a glimpse at the brand’s digital future. The next-gen EV6 and EV9, due before 2030, will be among the first models to adopt the 800V SDV architecture.

“Because we are decoupling hardware and software, we can be more flexible making different kinds of vehicles based on the same platform,” said Song. It’s a move that signals not just smarter cars, but faster and cheaper development cycles — a win for both Kia and its customers.

Beyond the Car: Vans, Pick-Ups, and Range-Extenders

Kia’s electrification strategy isn’t confined to passenger vehicles. The brand is entering new territory with a dedicated PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) lineup — think electric vans and pickup trucks. The PV5 will lead the charge, followed by the larger PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029.

To support larger, heavier vehicles, Kia is also exploring extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), or range-extenders — a hybridized system that uses a combustion engine to recharge the battery when needed. These are particularly promising in markets where pure EVs remain impractical due to infrastructure limitations.

“The final destination in Europe is EVs,” said Song, “but if we look at worldwide demand we should have alternative powertrains, like hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EREVs.” This reflects Kia’s pragmatic approach — leading with EVs where possible, while offering flexibility where needed.

Design Renaissance: Simplicity Meets Innovation

Despite rapid innovation, Kia isn’t forgetting the emotional appeal of car design. Song acknowledged that while the current design philosophy has served the brand well for five years, it’s time to evolve. Habib confirmed that fresh concept cars are coming, and while details remain under wraps, the emphasis is clear: stay bold, stay fresh.

Kia is also investing in in-vehicle AI assistants — developed in partnership with tech giants like Samsung — to offer users more intuitive and connected experiences. Customers increasingly expect their vehicles to mirror the digital ecosystems they live in, and Kia intends to meet them there.

The Road Ahead

Kia’s vision is both grounded and forward-looking. It recognizes the real-world complexity of a global market while embracing a fully electric, software-integrated future. Whether it’s delivering an EV city car under €25,000, pioneering intelligent vehicle architecture, or expanding into commercial electrification, the brand is clearly not content with standing still.

As we look toward 2030, it’s clear that Kia doesn’t just want to be part of the EV era — it wants to define it.

Source: Kia