India's First Kia Clavis.EV Safari Vehicle Is Here [Video]

Electric vehicles are gaining popularity in India, and we have several new models getting launched in the market as well. People have started opting for EVs, as many models now offer a great driving range that is not just suitable for city use but also for long highway drives. Many government departments have also started opting for EVs. Here we have a video of a Kia Carens Clavis EV that has been converted into an open-top safari vehicle by a jungle resort.

The video has been shared by Maira Serai Resort in Madhya Pradesh, which is located in the Kanha Tiger Reserve. The resort offers jungle safaris to its guests, and they recently added a new car to their collection. Instead of going for a rugged 4x4 vehicle, they opted for a futuristic and modern electric vehicle.

Not just any EV, but the Kia Carens Clavis EV. The EV has been modified extensively to be used as a safari vehicle. They have chopped the roof off the EV and have also reinforced the structure. There is a metal structure on the EV which acts as a stand or support for the new canvas or awning on the top.

This way, the guests can actually enjoy the view without any obstruction and won’t have to worry about the harsh sun as well. The EV seen here in the video is finished in a jungle green shade, with the name of the resort in a golden shade. The Carens Clavis EV is a powerful and spacious EV. It is a three-row, seven-seater EV with several premium features, including ADAS.

Coming to this safari vehicle, we are not sure whether the resort bought the higher variant of the Clavis EV or a lower variant. It is available with 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh battery pack options. The bigger battery variant generates 169 bhp and 255 Nm of peak torque. It has a claimed range of 490 km.

The smaller battery variant generates 133 bhp and the same 255 Nm of torque. This version has a claimed range of 404 km. In real-world conditions, this EV can deliver around 350–400 km of range.

The reason why many jungle safari companies are now switching to EVs is simply because they are more environmentally friendly. There are companies and startups that offer conversion kits for old vehicles like the Gypsy, which can be used to convert old petrol and diesel vehicles to EVs.

The main advantage of using an EV as a safari vehicle is the environmentally friendly nature of these vehicles. These are EVs, and unlike regular ICE vehicles, they don’t have an engine, and because of this, they don’t produce any noise.

This helps them move forward without scaring the animals. We have seen several cases where animals run away when they hear the sound of a vehicle approaching inside their territory. The resorts also don’t have to worry about maintenance and fuel in the case of these EVs, as they can simply plug them in at their own property when they return.