Vehicle Comparison
10 min read
Updated Jan 2025

Kia Carens EV vs BYD E-MAX 7: Which Electric Cab is Better?

Complete 2025 comparison of specs, features, comfort, and value to help you choose the perfect electric cab for your Pune-Mumbai journey.

January 15, 2025 Based on 500+ real trips

Quick Answer

For Pune-Mumbai trips:

  • Choose Kia Carens EV if you want proven reliability, better value (₹18/km), and established service network
  • Choose BYD E-MAX 7 if you want premium features (ADAS, panoramic sunroof), more range (530km), and cutting-edge EV technology

💡 Both are excellent choices - you really can't go wrong. The difference comes down to budget and feature preference.

Quick Overview

Kia Carens EV

Price per km: ₹18/km
Range: 452 km
Power: 218 HP
Seating: 6-7 seats

Best For:

  • ✓ Budget-conscious travelers
  • ✓ Regular Pune-Mumbai trips
  • ✓ Proven reliability needs
  • ✓ Good service network access

BYD E-MAX 7

Price per km: ₹22/km
Range: 530 km
Power: 230 HP
Seating: 6-7 seats

Best For:

  • ✓ Premium feature seekers
  • ✓ Longer outstation trips
  • ✓ Latest tech enthusiasts
  • ✓ Extra range requirements

Important: Both vehicles are maintained to the highest standards in our fleet. You'll get a premium, comfortable, zero-emission journey regardless of which vehicle you book.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Specification Kia Carens EV BYD E-MAX 7 Winner
Battery & Range
Battery Capacity 70 kWh 71.8 kWh 🔴 BYD
ARAI Range 452 km 530 km 🔴 BYD
Real-world Range 380-400 km 450-480 km 🔴 BYD
Battery Type NCM Lithium-ion BYD Blade (LFP) 🔴 BYD
Performance
Motor Power 160 kW (218 HP) 170 kW (230 HP) 🔴 BYD
Peak Torque 350 Nm 360 Nm 🔴 BYD
0-100 km/h 8.5 seconds 8.3 seconds 🔴 BYD
Top Speed 165 km/h 170 km/h 🔴 BYD
Charging
DC Fast Charge 65 kW 140 kW 🔴 BYD
30-80% Charge Time 40 minutes 30 minutes 🔴 BYD
AC Home Charge 7.2 kW (10 hrs) 11 kW (7 hrs) 🔴 BYD
Dimensions & Space
Length 4,540 mm 4,710 mm 🔴 BYD
Width 1,800 mm 1,890 mm 🔴 BYD
Wheelbase 2,780 mm 2,830 mm 🔴 BYD
Boot Space 216 L (7-seat) 235 L (7-seat) 🔴 BYD
Warranty & Service
Vehicle Warranty 7 yrs/150,000 km 6 yrs/150,000 km 🔵 Kia
Battery Warranty 7 yrs/150,000 km 8 yrs/150,000 km 🔴 BYD
Service Network 400+ centers 120+ centers 🔵 Kia

Summary: BYD E-MAX 7 wins most technical categories with superior range, power, charging speed, and dimensions. Kia Carens EV counters with longer vehicle warranty and much better service network.

Pricing Comparison

Kia Carens EV Pricing

₹18/km

Within Pune city

Sample Fares:

Pune to Mumbai Airport (150 km) ₹2,700
Hinjewadi to Airport (20 km) ₹360
Pune to Lonavala (65 km) ₹1,170
Full day (8 hrs, 80 km) ₹1,440

✓ No surge pricing

✓ No hidden charges

✓ Includes driver allowance

BYD E-MAX 7 Pricing

₹22/km

Within Pune city

Sample Fares:

Pune to Mumbai Airport (150 km) ₹3,300
Hinjewadi to Airport (20 km) ₹440
Pune to Lonavala (65 km) ₹1,430
Full day (8 hrs, 80 km) ₹1,760

✓ Premium features included

✓ No surge pricing

✓ Includes driver allowance

Price Difference Analysis

₹600 more per Pune-Mumbai trip for BYD E-MAX 7 gets you:

  • 78 km extra range (530 vs 452 km)
  • ADAS Level 2 safety systems
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • 12 HP more power (230 vs 218 HP)
  • Faster charging (30 vs 40 mins to 80%)
  • More spacious interiors

Is it worth it? If you value premium features and latest tech, yes. If you prioritize value and reliability, Kia is excellent choice.

Range & Battery Performance

Real-World Range Comparison

Based on 500+ trips in our fleet across different conditions:

Driving Condition Kia Carens EV BYD E-MAX 7 Difference
Highway (90-100 km/h) 400-420 km 480-500 km +80 km
City driving (AC on) 380-390 km 450-470 km +70 km
Mixed (city + highway) 390-400 km 460-480 km +70 km
Ghat sections (uphill/downhill) 360-380 km 440-460 km +80 km
Average Real-World Range 390 km 465 km +75 km

Kia Carens EV - Battery Tech

  • NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) chemistry - proven and reliable
  • 70 kWh capacity - adequate for most journeys
  • 7-year warranty - excellent long-term confidence
  • Liquid thermal management - consistent performance
  • 88% efficiency rating - good energy conversion

Real Fleet Experience: After 50,000+ km, battery degradation is less than 3%. Consistently delivers 380-400 km range.

BYD E-MAX 7 - Battery Tech

  • BYD Blade Battery (LFP) - cutting-edge technology
  • 71.8 kWh capacity - slightly larger
  • 8-year warranty - industry-leading coverage
  • Superior thermal management - safer in extreme heat
  • 90% efficiency rating - excellent energy conversion
  • Nail penetration test passed - safest battery tech

Real Fleet Experience: Brand new in our fleet. BYD claims minimal degradation due to LFP chemistry. Early results show consistent 450-480 km range.

Bottom Line on Range: For Pune-Mumbai (150 km), both vehicles have more than adequate range with significant buffer. BYD's extra 75 km real-world range becomes valuable for: (1) Longer outstation trips, (2) Multiple trips without charging, (3) Peace of mind in winter when range drops 10-15%.

Comfort & Space Comparison

Kia Carens EV

First Row (Driver & Front Passenger)

  • ✓ Ventilated seats with cooling
  • ✓ 8-way power adjustable driver seat
  • ✓ Excellent headroom (1,015 mm)
  • ✓ Wireless phone charging
  • ✓ Dual-zone climate control

Second Row (Captain Seats or Bench)

  • ✓ Option for captain seats (6-seater)
  • ✓ Good legroom (1,000 mm)
  • ✓ Reclining backrest
  • ✓ Rear AC vents
  • ✓ USB charging ports
  • ✓ Sunshade for windows

Third Row

  • ✓ Adequate for average adults
  • ✓ Can fit 6-footers (tight)
  • ✓ Cup holders
  • ⚠️ Best for short journeys (under 1 hr)

Overall Comfort Rating

4/5 - Very comfortable for 6 adults, adequate for 7

BYD E-MAX 7

First Row (Driver & Front Passenger)

  • ✓ Ventilated seats with heating
  • ✓ 12-way power adjustable driver seat
  • ✓ Excellent headroom (1,050 mm)
  • ✓ Wireless phone charging (15W)
  • ✓ Tri-zone climate control
  • ✓ Massage function (driver seat)

Second Row (Captain Seats or Bench)

  • ✓ Captain seats as standard (6-seater)
  • ✓ Excellent legroom (1,050 mm)
  • ✓ Boss mode reclining seats
  • ✓ Individual AC vents + controls
  • ✓ USB-C charging ports (both sides)
  • ✓ Retractable tables
  • ✓ Panoramic sunroof view

Third Row

  • ✓ Comfortable for adults
  • ✓ 6-footers can sit comfortably
  • ✓ AC vents
  • ✓ Cup holders + USB charging
  • ✓ Good for longer journeys (2+ hrs)
  • ✓ One-touch electric recline

Overall Comfort Rating

5/5 - Extremely comfortable for 7 adults

Ride Quality Comparison

🛣️ Highway (Pune-Mumbai Expressway)

Kia Carens EV

Planted and stable at 100 km/h. Minimal road noise due to EV powertrain. Suspension absorbs expansion joints well. Very comfortable for long distances.

BYD E-MAX 7

Exceptionally planted due to longer wheelbase. Near-silent cabin. Adaptive suspension adjusts automatically. Premium sedan-like experience.

🏙️ City Roads (Pune traffic)

Kia Carens EV

Good suspension tuning for Indian roads. Handles potholes without drama. Slightly firm over speed bumps. Easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

BYD E-MAX 7

Softer suspension absorbs bumps excellently. More body roll in corners but passengers won't notice. Slightly challenging to park due to size.

⛰️ Ghat Sections (Lonavala, Expressway hills)

Kia Carens EV

Confident on twisty roads. Regenerative braking helps on downhills. Good body control. Low center of gravity (EV advantage).

BYD E-MAX 7

More powerful motor helps on steep climbs. Excellent stability. Stronger regen braking. Premium suspension keeps passengers comfortable.

Comfort Winner: BYD E-MAX 7 - The extra dimensions, better second-row space, more features (panoramic sunroof, massage seats), and superior third-row comfort give BYD a clear edge. However, Kia is no slouch and offers very good comfort for the price.

Features Comparison

Feature Category Kia Carens EV BYD E-MAX 7
Infotainment & Connectivity
Touchscreen Size 10.25-inch 12.8-inch rotating 🏆
Digital Instrument Cluster 4.2-inch 8-inch 🏆
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto ✓ Wireless ✓ Wireless
Sound System 6 speakers 8 speakers (Infinity) 🏆
OTA Updates ✓ Yes ✓ Yes (More frequent)
Comfort Features
Sunroof Single pane Panoramic 🏆
Ventilated Seats Front row Front + Second row 🏆
Heated Seats ❌ No ✓ Front row 🏆
Massage Function ❌ No ✓ Driver seat 🏆
Air Purifier ✓ Yes ✓ Yes (PM2.5)
Ambient Lighting Single color 64 colors 🏆
Convenience
Keyless Entry ✓ Smart key ✓ Smart key
Push Button Start ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
Power Tailgate ❌ Manual ✓ Electric 🏆
Powered Sliding Doors ❌ Manual ❌ Manual
Cruise Control ✓ Basic ✓ Adaptive (ADAS) 🏆
Parking Sensors Front + Rear Front + Rear
Parking Camera Rear (HD) 360-degree 🏆
Advanced Technology
ADAS Features ❌ No ✓ Level 2 🏆
360-degree Camera ❌ No ✓ Yes 🏆
Digital Key ❌ No ✓ Via App 🏆
Remote Climate Control ✓ Via App ✓ Via App
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) ✓ 3.6 kW ✓ 3.3 kW

ADAS Features in BYD E-MAX 7

BYD's ADAS Level 2 includes these advanced safety and convenience features:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) - Maintains safe distance from vehicle ahead
  • Lane Keep Assist (LKA) - Gently steers to keep you in lane
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW) - Alerts if drifting out of lane
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW) - Warns of potential collision
  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) - Auto brakes to prevent collision
  • Blind Spot Detection (BSD) - Monitors blind spots
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) - Warns when reversing
  • Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) - Reads speed limit signs

Note: These features are especially useful on long Pune-Mumbai drives, reducing driver fatigue and enhancing safety.

Safety Features Comparison

Kia Carens EV Safety

5-Star GNCAP Rating

Tested and certified for Indian conditions

Active Safety:

  • ✓ 6 Airbags (front, side, curtain)
  • ✓ ABS with EBD
  • ✓ Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • ✓ Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
  • ✓ Hill Start Assist
  • ✓ Downhill Brake Control
  • ✓ Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)

Passive Safety:

  • ✓ High-strength steel body (AHSS)
  • ✓ Rear parking sensors + camera
  • ✓ ISOFIX child seat mounts
  • ✓ Seatbelt reminders (all seats)
  • ✓ Impact-sensing door unlock

EV-Specific Safety:

  • ✓ Battery overcurrent protection
  • ✓ Thermal runaway prevention
  • ✓ Isolation monitoring
  • ✓ IP67 water resistance

BYD E-MAX 7 Safety

5-Star GNCAP Rating

+ Euro NCAP 5-star (global variant)

Active Safety:

  • ✓ 6 Airbags (front, side, curtain)
  • ✓ ABS with EBD
  • ✓ Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • ✓ Traction Control System (TCS)
  • ✓ Hill Start Assist / Descent Control
  • ADAS Level 2 (8 features) 🏆
  • ✓ Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)

Passive Safety:

  • ✓ Ultra-high-strength steel body
  • ✓ 360-degree camera
  • ✓ ISOFIX child seat mounts (all rows)
  • ✓ Seatbelt reminders (all seats)
  • ✓ Impact-sensing door unlock
  • ✓ Emergency call system (eCall)

EV-Specific Safety:

  • BYD Blade Battery (safest EV battery) 🏆
  • ✓ Passed nail penetration test
  • ✓ Advanced thermal management
  • ✓ Multi-layer battery protection
  • ✓ IP68 water resistance 🏆

Real-World Safety: Our Fleet Experience

🚗 Kia Carens EV (50,000+ km driven)

  • ✓ Zero accidents involving vehicle fault
  • ✓ ESC has helped prevent 2 potential skids in monsoon
  • ✓ Hill assist works flawlessly in ghats
  • ✓ Low center of gravity (battery in floor) makes it very stable
  • ✓ Customers feel confident and safe

🚗 BYD E-MAX 7 (5,000+ km driven - newer in fleet)

  • ✓ ADAS features have prevented 1 potential collision (AEB activated)
  • ✓ Lane assist helpful on long expressway drives
  • ✓ 360-degree camera makes parking stress-free despite size
  • ✓ Blind spot detection very useful in Mumbai traffic
  • ✓ Blade Battery gives extra peace of mind

Safety Winner: BYD E-MAX 7 (by a small margin) - Both vehicles are extremely safe with 5-star ratings. BYD edges ahead with ADAS Level 2 features (collision prevention, adaptive cruise) and Blade Battery technology. However, Kia is equally safe for everyday driving and has proven track record.

Real Customer Experiences

Kia Carens EV Reviews

"Booked Kia Carens for Pune-Mumbai airport at 5 AM. Driver arrived on time, car was spotless. The silent drive was so relaxing, I actually napped! Saved ₹1,500 compared to Ola surge."

- Priya M., IT Professional, Hinjewadi

"We're a family of 6. Kia Carens was perfect - everyone had comfortable space, AC was excellent. The ₹2,700 price beat all other options. Will book again!"

- Rahul K., Monthly traveler

"Great car, smooth ride. Third row was bit tight for my tall teenagers but okay for 2.5 hour journey. Driver was professional. Good value for money."

- Amit S., Corporate booking

"Used it 4 times for office commute to Mumbai. Never had any issues. Reliable, comfortable, and environmentally friendly. The Kia brand trust is real."

- Sneha D., Regular customer

BYD E-MAX 7 Reviews

"WOW! The BYD is on another level. Panoramic sunroof, massage seats, super spacious. Yes, ₹600 more than Kia but worth every rupee for the premium experience."

- Vikram P., Business traveler

"The ADAS features are incredible! Adaptive cruise control made the expressway drive so relaxing. Felt like driving a Tesla. Third row is actually comfortable!"

- Rohan T., Tech enthusiast

"Booked for parents' airport drop. They're 65+ and were impressed by the comfort, space, and smooth ride. Driver was excellent. Worth the premium pricing."

- Meera J., Daughter booking for parents

"Used BYD for Pune-Mumbai-Pune same day. Amazing range - still had 40% battery left! Charged phone wirelessly, enjoyed sunroof. Best cab experience ever."

- Karan M., Frequent traveler

Customer Satisfaction Stats (Internal Data)

Kia Carens EV

Overall Rating: 4.8/5.0 ⭐
Repeat Booking Rate: 73%
Recommend to Friend: 89%
Total Trips: 412 trips

BYD E-MAX 7

Overall Rating: 4.9/5.0 ⭐
Repeat Booking Rate: 81%
Recommend to Friend: 94%
Total Trips: 88 trips (newer)

Which Should You Choose? Decision Matrix

Choose Based on Your Priority

Choose Kia Carens EV if you:

  • Want the best value for money (₹18/km)
  • Prefer proven reliability (Kia brand trust)
  • Need a cab for regular Pune-Mumbai trips (452 km range is perfect)
  • Value better service network access (400+ centers)
  • Don't need cutting-edge features like ADAS
  • Traveling with 6 passengers comfortably
  • Prefer longer vehicle warranty (7 years)

💡 Perfect For: Budget-conscious travelers, regular commuters, corporate bookings, and anyone wanting reliable EV experience

Choose BYD E-MAX 7 if you:

  • Want premium features (ADAS, panoramic sunroof, massage seats)
  • Need maximum range (530 km for long trips)
  • Want the latest EV technology (Blade Battery, fastest charging)
  • Traveling with 7 adults comfortably (spacious third row)
  • Value safety above all (ADAS Level 2, safest battery)
  • Want premium comfort for long journeys
  • Don't mind paying ₹600 extra for premium experience

💡 Perfect For: Premium travelers, tech enthusiasts, families of 7, long outstation trips, and those wanting the best EV experience

Quick Use Case Recommendations

Your Situation Recommended Vehicle Why
Solo / couple airport transfer Kia Carens EV Save ₹600, more than enough space
Family of 6 with luggage Either (both great) Kia for value, BYD for premium comfort
Family of 7 adults BYD E-MAX 7 Much more comfortable third row
Corporate group travel Kia Carens EV Better value for bulk bookings
VIP / Premium guests BYD E-MAX 7 Premium features, more impressive
Pune-Mumbai return same day BYD E-MAX 7 Extra range provides buffer
Monthly regular commuter Kia Carens EV Save ₹7,200/year with 12 trips
Elderly parents travel BYD E-MAX 7 Softer ride, easier entry, more comfort
Budget-conscious students Kia Carens EV Save money without compromise
Longer trips (Goa, Nashik, etc.) BYD E-MAX 7 530 km range, faster charging

Our Honest Recommendation

For 80% of travelers: Kia Carens EV is the perfect choice. It offers excellent value, proven reliability, and is more than adequate for Pune-Mumbai trips. The ₹600 savings per trip adds up.

For premium seekers: BYD E-MAX 7 is worth the extra cost. If you value cutting-edge tech, maximum safety features, and want the most comfortable journey possible, the ₹600 premium is justified.

The good news? You can't go wrong with either. Both are excellent electric vehicles that provide comfortable, emission-free travel. Choose based on your budget and feature priorities.

Not sure which one? WhatsApp us and we'll help you decide based on your specific needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Pune to Mumbai - Kia Carens EV or BYD E-MAX 7?

For Pune to Mumbai (150km), both vehicles are excellent. Kia Carens EV offers better value at ₹18/km with 452km range (more than sufficient). BYD E-MAX 7 at ₹22/km provides premium features like ADAS Level 2, more power (230 HP vs 218 HP), and longer 530km range. Choose Kia for value and reliability, BYD for premium features and extra range.

What is the price difference between Kia Carens EV and BYD E-MAX 7 cabs?

Kia Carens EV costs ₹18/km (₹2,700 for Pune-Mumbai), while BYD E-MAX 7 costs ₹22/km (₹3,300 for same route). That's ₹600 difference per trip. However, BYD includes more advanced features like ADAS, panoramic sunroof, and higher performance.

Which electric cab has better range - Kia or BYD?

BYD E-MAX 7 has superior range of 530km (ARAI certified) compared to Kia Carens EV's 452km. However, both easily handle Pune-Mumbai (150km) with significant battery to spare. The extra range in BYD is beneficial for longer outstation trips or multiple trips without charging.

Is BYD E-MAX 7 safer than Kia Carens EV?

Both vehicles are extremely safe with 5-star GNCAP ratings. BYD E-MAX 7 edges ahead with ADAS Level 2 (adaptive cruise control, lane assist, collision warning), BYD Blade Battery technology, and 6 airbags. Kia Carens EV has proven safety record with 6 airbags, ESP, Hill Hold, and strong body structure.

Which vehicle is more comfortable for 7 passengers?

BYD E-MAX 7 is slightly more spacious with better third-row access and more legroom. It also has panoramic sunroof, better rear AC vents, and individual charging ports for all rows. Kia Carens EV is also comfortable for 7 adults with good headroom, captain seats option, and tri-zone climate control. For regular 7-passenger travel, BYD has a slight edge.

Does BYD E-MAX 7 have better features than Kia Carens EV?

Yes, BYD E-MAX 7 has more premium features: ADAS Level 2, panoramic sunroof, 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, wireless phone charging, ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, and ambient lighting. Kia Carens EV has solid features too: 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, and air purifier. BYD is more feature-rich but comes at higher price.

Which electric cab charges faster?

Both support DC fast charging. BYD E-MAX 7 charges 30-80% in 30 minutes (140kW), while Kia Carens EV takes 40 minutes for same (65kW). BYD has faster charging capability due to larger battery capacity and better thermal management. For cab service, this means less downtime between trips.

Is Kia Carens EV more reliable than BYD?

Kia has longer track record in India with established service network and 7-year/150,000 km warranty. BYD is newer but has strong global reputation (world's largest EV maker) and 6-year/150,000 km warranty. Both have proven reliable in our fleet. Kia has edge in service accessibility, BYD has edge in EV-specific technology.

Ready to Book Your Electric Cab?

Whether you choose Kia Carens EV or BYD E-MAX 7, you'll get a premium, comfortable, zero-emission journey.

Instant Confirmation
No Surge Pricing
24/7 Support

Had a great trip?

Share your review and get ₹100 off your next booking!

Related Articles

Electric vs Diesel Cab Cost Comparison 2025

Detailed analysis of real costs, hidden charges, and annual savings.

Read more

How to Book Electric Cab for Pune to Mumbai Airport

Complete step-by-step guide with booking methods and pro tips.

Read more