Kia on Wednesday revealed the production-bound model of its EV3 compact electrical crossover that may, if Kia retains to authentic hints, begin round $35,000.
The EV3 emerges on the way in which to manufacturing in a lot the identical type because the EV3 idea that was first proven in October 2023, albeit with slightly extra spherical to its profile and the rear finish particularly, and with a totally totally different inside that borrows some concepts from the bigger Kia EV9 electrical SUV.
This served as a world reveal for the mannequin and, as of but, Kia is brief on U.S. specs, particulars, or variations—or whether or not, to make certain, the mannequin is headed to America. If it have been to reach within the U.S. on the $35,000 beginning value Kia advised for the idea, it may be a powerful rival for the Volvo EX30, together with others together with the Hyundai Kona Electrical and next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV—and go away Kia’s personal Niro EV on unsure floor.
The EV3 set for fulfillment from the beginning because of a number of key selections. It’s constructed on Hyundai’s versatile E-GMP structure, which has resulted in successful parade of rewarding-to-drive, fast-charging EVs from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, and it has a coefficient of drag of simply 0.263—nice for effectivity in such an upright car.
Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP platform
Kia EV3 isn’t a sizzling hatch, but it surely seems to be sharp
Kia has managed to hold over lots of the similar technical and geometric particulars from the idea, and splice in Kia’s newest Star Map lighting theme, which simply additionally made its debut within the 2025 Kia EV6. The EV3 will likely be supplied in 9 totally different exterior physique colours.
Two totally different battery packs will likely be featured within the EV3, fitted to EV3 Customary fashions and EV3 Lengthy Vary variations, and amounting to 58.3 kwh and 81.4 kwh, respectively. Kia notes that charging instances will likely be within the neighborhood of 31 minutes from 10-80%. Whatever the battery pack, a single 150-kw (201-hp) electrical motor gives 209 lb-ft of torque and accelerates the EV3 to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds.
New Kia EV3
Kia EV3 vary shaping up for 300+ miles
Kia boasts of a WLTP driving vary of as much as 373 miles. EPA scores are primarily based on totally different driving cycles, and it isn’t a direct translation, however given how different Kia EVs just like the EV6 and EV9 have fared, that may imply an EPA vary ranking of nicely over 300 miles for some variations.
The EV3 will get a extra superior model of its regenerative braking system, together with one-pedal driving and adjustable modes for numerous ranges of regen. The EV3 will likely be one of many few autos in its compact class to offer so-called Car-to-Load (V2L) energy output, which is nice for powering small home equipment and instruments—and a gateway for different bidirectional charging options, maybe.
The devoted EV platform accommodates what seems to be like a roomy passenger house contemplating this mannequin’s decidedly compact exterior. Whereas cargo functionality are fairly bizarre for this dimension of car, at 17.0 cubic toes of rear cargo house with the again seats up and fewer than a cubic foot of frunk house, the inside format permits a sliding desk, totally reclining seats for a fold-back rest mode, and a middle console with a sliding desk and storage space. An adjustable two-tier baggage ground permits 5.5 inches in load-floor flexibility.
New Kia EV3
Little EV3 goes huge with interface, streaming, AI
The point of interest of the EV3 sprint is its huge widescreen show, spanning almost 30 inches and incorporating two 12.3-inch shows plus a five-inch local weather management panel—basically a model of what’s made its debut within the EV9. The one on the heart of the sprint is a touchscreen good for leisure and navigation.
A smartphone- or smartwatch-based digital key system permits entry with no bodily keyfob. Kia plans to offer downloadable show themes to customise the EV3 sprint and infotainment system, and streamable content material will likely be accessible by way of a Premium Streaming service powered by webOS and by way of LG’s content material platform. Kia says that with the highest Harman Kardon audio system the expertise will likely be akin to residence cinema.
The Kia EV3 makes use of built-in generative AI for its voice assistant, extending pure language instructions to span car capabilities, leisure, and information searches.
Simply as within the EV3 idea, there’s good use of recycled supplies within the production-bound EV3—together with recycled material for the sprint and door trim plus PET used all through the inside.
New Kia EV3
US arrival date for Kia EV3?
Kia says that the EV3 will likely be launched in Korea in July 2024, adopted by Europe within the second half of the yr. It says it “has plans to increase the sale of EV3 into different areas, with subsequent launches to be anticipated after the European market entry.” So America may nicely be a part of the plan in 2025.
