(Image source from: Indiatoday.in)
Kia India has introduced a new Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) finance option for the Kia Carens Clavis EV, intending to make owning an electric vehicle easier and cheaper for Indian buyers. This program features a two-loan system where the battery and the vehicle's body are financed separately, greatly lowering the upfront cost of the EV. The BaaS model is available for both battery options in the Carens Clavis EV — the 42kWh and 51.4kWh versions. Under this program, customers will pay a battery subscription charge of Rs 3.3 for every kilometre driven, while the car can be financed through partner banks. By separating the battery cost from the car's price, the starting price of the Carens Clavis EV is significantly reduced. The 42kWh model starts at Rs 12.84 lakh with the BaaS plan, while the larger 51.4kWh model begins at Rs 15.94 lakh. In contrast, the traditional showroom prices without the battery subscription range from Rs 17.99 lakh to Rs 24.99 lakh. Prices are ex-showroom.
Kia indicates that this program aims to provide more options and clarity for EV ownership. Separate loan accounts will be set up for the car's body and the battery, enabling customers to handle their repayments separately. The loan period for the chassis can last up to 60 months, while the battery subscription can go up to 96 months. The company asserts that this structure will help lessen the financial strain of owning an EV and motivate more people to think about electric vehicles. The BaaS finance model is being introduced in collaboration with major banks like ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Bajaj Finserv. Kia says that ownership options for the Carens Clavis EV can start from Rs 51,520, in addition to the battery usage fees based on the distance driven.
Regarding this plan, Kia India mentioned that the BaaS model is part of a larger goal to make electric vehicles more accessible in India and to create a broader electric mobility network. The automaker has also been working on enhancing its EV infrastructure throughout the country. With the K-Charge platform connected to the MyKia app, customers can access over 15,000 charging locations across the country, along with features like route planning, updates on charger availability, and integrated payment options. Furthermore, more than 100 Kia dealerships in India now have DC fast chargers, and over 267 service centers across the nation have been upgraded to provide service and maintenance for EVs. The Kia Carens Clavis EV remains unchanged mechanically with the rollout of the BaaS model. The 42kWh variant boasts a claimed driving range of 404km, while the larger 51.4kWh battery offers a claimed range of 490km on a full charge. Earlier this year, Kia launched the MY2026 update for the electric MPV, which includes cosmetic changes like redesigned bumpers, new alloy wheels, and extra variants.
