BYD eMax 7 vs Kia Carens Clavis EV
The electric MPV segment in India has witnessed an exciting new entrant with the launch of the Kia Carens Clavis EV, directly challenging the established BYD eMax 7. Both seven-seater electric MPVs target families seeking zero-emission mobility with space, practicality, and modern features. The Carens Clavis EV represents India’s first made-in-India affordable electric MPV, while the eMax 7 brings Chinese engineering expertise and premium positioning. This comprehensive 2025 comparison will help you decide which electric family mover deserves your investment.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Electric MPV Space
Kia has introduced the Carens Clavis EV in India, priced at Rs 17.99 lakh, marking its third electric vehicle alongside the EV9 and EV6. This budget electric MPV competes with the BYD eMax 7, which offers impressive features and performance. The price of the Kia Carens Clavis EV starts at Rs 19.14 lakh (on-road, Noida) for the base variant, and goes to Rs 25.94 lakh (on-road, Noida) for the top-spec variant.
On the other side, the price of the BYD eMax 7 starts at Rs 28.46 lakh (on-road, Noida) for the base variant, and goes to Rs 31.80 lakh (on-road, Noida) for the top-spec variant. The Kia Carens Clavis EV is priced much lower than the BYD eMax 7 across the board. For reference, the entry-level Carens Clavis EV variant undercuts the eMax 7 equivalent by a whopping Rs 8.9 lakh.
Even the top-spec Clavis is more affordable than eMax 7’s base variant by Rs 2.4 lakh. This substantial price difference positions these MPVs very differently in the market – the Carens as accessible family EV and the eMax 7 as premium alternative.
Design Philosophy: Made-in-India vs Chinese Premium
Kia Carens Clavis EV – Familiar Practicality
The Carens Clavis EV is offered in six single-tone colours namely Glacier White Pearl, Gravity Gray, Aurora Black Pearl, Pewter Olive, Imperial Blue, and Ivory Silver Matte. The design maintains the familiar Carens silhouette with subtle EV-specific modifications including closed grille and distinctive badging.
The Kia Carens Clavis EV is a bit smaller than the BYD eMax 7 in terms of its length, width and wheelbase. However, the Carens Clavis EV is taller and also has a bigger boot than the eMax 7. The design prioritizes practicality and mainstream appeal, making it instantly recognizable as part of the successful Carens family.
BYD eMax 7 – Sleek Sophistication
As for the BYD eMax 7, it can be availed in four mono-tone paint schemes namely Quartz Blue, Cosmos Black, Crystal White and Harbour Grey. Here too, the all-electric MPV from Kia has more options for the buyers than the BYD eMax 7.
Evidently, the BYD eMax 7 is the bigger MPV here. It is longer, slightly wider, and has a longer wheelbase than the Kia Carens Clavis EV. The design is more contemporary and premium, appealing to buyers seeking sophisticated styling. In terms of proportions, the new BYD eMax 7 is 4710mm in length, 1810mm in width and 1690mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2800mm.
Battery and Range Comparison
Kia Carens Clavis EV Dual Battery Strategy
The Carens Clavis EV borrows both the lithium-ion battery packs of 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh from the Hyundai Creta. While the smaller 42 kWh battery is paired to an electric motor with power output of 133 bhp, the bigger 51.4 kWh battery is coupled with an electric motor, belting out top power of 169 bhp.
The Carens Clavis EV returns ARAI-certified MIDC driving range of 404 km and 490 km with the 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh battery packs, respectively, on a full charge. The dual battery strategy provides flexibility for budget-conscious buyers while offering extended range option for those prioritizing maximum distance.
BYD eMax 7 Larger Capacity
The BYD eMax 7, much like the Kia Carens Clavis EV, comes with the option of choosing between two battery packs: a 55.4 kWh battery pack and a 71.8 kWh battery pack. As for the BYD eMax 7, it delivers a range of 420 km and 530 km with the 55.4 kWh and 71.8 kWh batteries, respectively, on a single charge as per the NEDC cycle.
The 71.8 kWh battery provides a claimed range of 530km, making it the longest-range affordable electric MPV in India. So, as far as range is taken into consideration, both the MPVs are more or less the same with a minor difference of a few kms.
Performance Battle: Power vs Efficiency
Kia Carens Clavis EV Performance
The HTX Plus variant of the Carens Clavis EV gets a smaller battery pack compared to the eMax 7’s Premium variant. Both EVs are powered by a single electric motor, with which the Carens Clavis EV produces more power, while the eMax 7 delivers higher torque output.
The battery sends power to an electric motor which churns out 132.7 bhp and 255 Nm of torque with the former and 168.9 bhp and 255 Nm of torque with the latter. The torque performance for all the variants remains the same at 255 Nm.
BYD eMax 7 Superior Torque
The BYD eMax 7 develops a maximum power output of 161-210 bhp with 55.4-71.8 kWh Battery Pack torque. A 160.77bhp electric motor with a 55.4kWh battery and a 201.20bhp motor with a larger 71.8kWh battery. The eMax 7 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 8.6 seconds for the more powerful variant.
While the Carens produces more power in comparable variants, the eMax 7’s higher torque and more powerful top variant provide stronger acceleration and better highway performance.
Charging Infrastructure and Times
Charging-wise, the Kia EV charges much faster on AC at home, thanks to its 11kW charger, whereas the BYD model’s 7kW unit and comparatively larger battery packs make the process slower. The BYD eMax 7, though, boasts a quicker DC charging time, thanks to its higher 150kW compatibility, but the Kia Carens Clavis EV isn’t too far behind.
The faster home charging of the Carens is significant advantage for daily use, while the eMax 7’s faster DC charging benefits long-distance travel. The South-Korean automaker claims that the owners of the Clavis EV will have access to 11,000+ charging points across the nation through the MyKia app.
Interior Space and Practicality
Seating Configurations
It is only available in a seven-seater configuration for the Carens, while both three-row vehicles can seat up to 7 people, the eMax 7 also has an additional 6-seat option (with captain seats in the middle row). This gives the eMax 7 versatility advantage for buyers preferring captain seats.
Storage Capacity
The Kia Carens Clavis EV has a 216-litre boot space with three rows of seating, which can be expanded by folding the third row. It offers 580 liters of boot space for the eMax 7, and this space can go up further if the third-row seats are folded.
Notably, the Kia has a small frunk for extra storage, something the BYD doesn’t offer. It also has a frunk storage space that is not available with the BYD MPV. This additional storage is practical for charging cables and valuables.
Features and Technology Battle
Kia Carens Clavis EV Premium Equipment
The Carens Clavis EV HTX Plus offers more features for the price. It gets a digital driver display, ventilated front seats, power-adjustable driver seat, panoramic sunroof, connected car tech, and a Bose sound system, all of which are not available in the BYD eMax 7 Premium variant.
The Kia Carens Clavis is equipped with features including panoramic sunroof, one touch electric second row tumble, infotainment temperature control swap switch, smart key with motion sensor and remote start, electric adjust outside mirror, 12.25-inch touchscreen digital infotainment system, 12.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and more.
Additional features include cruise control, i-Pedal technology, 4 levels of regeneration braking, rear view camera, 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, Level 2 ADAS with 20 safety features, 8-speaker BOSE sound system and steering mounted audio controls.
BYD eMax 7 Advanced Tech
The BYD eMax 7 is also packed with features including LED headlights, connected LED tail lights, 12.8-inch infotainment system, 5-inch instrument cluster, Dual-wireless smartphone chargers, Ventilated front seats, Panoramic glass roof, Roof mounted AC vents, NFC key card, Electronic tailgate, V2L, Type A & C charging ports, 6-speaker sound system.
The feature list on the BYD eMax 7 includes a rotating 12.3-inch infotainment display, a 360-degree parking camera, driving modes, and others. The rotating display is unique feature not available in the Carens, adding premium appeal.
Safety Standards
The BYD eMax 7 is well equipped with several safety and security features such as six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), 360 degree surround view camera, ABS with EBD and others. It also gets Level 2 ADAS tech with features like Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring.
Both MPVs offer comprehensive Level 2 ADAS, six airbags, and extensive safety equipment ensuring family protection. The safety features are comparable across both vehicles, making either choice reassuring for safety-conscious buyers.
Which Electric MPV Should You Choose?
Choose Kia Carens Clavis EV If
Lower price with Rs 8.9 lakh savings at entry level matters most. Made-in-India manufacturing appeals to you. Faster 11kW home AC charging is priority. The frunk provides useful additional storage. Bose 8-speaker sound system is superior. 12.25-inch screens are larger than eMax 7’s displays. Ventilated front seats in top variant add comfort. Power-adjustable driver seat provides convenience. Six color options provide better choice. Kia’s extensive service network provides confidence. You want best value electric MPV. Access to 11,000+ charging points via MyKia app. Panoramic sunroof is must-have feature. I-Pedal technology with 4 regeneration levels appeals.
Choose BYD eMax 7 If
Maximum range of 530 km is essential. You want the 71.8 kWh largest battery available. Six-seater captain seat configuration appeals. The 580-liter boot space is largest in segment. More spacious cabin with longer wheelbase matters. Rotating 12.8-inch infotainment is unique feature. V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality is important. Electronic tailgate adds premium convenience. Faster 150kW DC charging for long trips. More powerful 210 bhp top variant excites. NFC key card technology appeals. You prefer premium Chinese engineering. Quicker 8.6-second 0-100 kmph acceleration. Better highway performance matters.
The Final Verdict
If you are planning to buy a seven-seater car for your family that has good space, features, and an EV powertrain, then you have limited options to choose from. While the BYD eMax 7 offers more power and bigger batteries, the Kia Carens Clavis EV is significantly cheaper, which could be a key factor for budget-conscious buyers.
Both the Kia Carens Clavis EV HTX Plus and the BYD eMax 7 Premium offer good value but cater to different needs and budget segments. If you want a feature-rich electric car, the Carens Clavis EV HTX Plus is a better pick with more comfort and tech at a lower price.
But if your priority is interior space and a more plush and sleek design, the eMax 7 Premium could be more suitable despite the lack of some features. You can check out the Carens Clavis EV as it is feature-loaded, has a wide array of dealerships and service networks, but you’ll get slightly fewer kilometres and a lower price as well.
However, if budget is not an issue, and you want more kilometres, and better comfort, then you can consider the BYD eMax 7. The Kia Carens Clavis EV tops at Rs 24.49 lakh whereas the BYD eMax 7 price starts from Rs 26.90 lakh.
Visit dealerships, experience both electric MPVs, and assess your priorities. The Carens Clavis EV delivers exceptional value with comprehensive features at significantly lower price, perfect for families prioritizing affordability. The eMax 7 provides premium experience with maximum range and space, ideal for buyers wanting the best electric MPV regardless of cost. Either choice represents the exciting future of family electric mobility in India.
