Compact, electric Kia EV3 will eventually take on America’s smallest EVs
Kia introduced the EV3 compact electric SUV in May. The Korean brand will now have five electric vehicles (EVs) including the Niro EV, EV3, EV5, EV6 and EV9.
The new EV3 is thoroughly modern with a 371-mile range (on the less intensive European WLTP battery test cycle) and an AI assistant to help with driving tasks.
The new EV3 has a squared, stubby body features vertical headlights pushed to the edges of the bumper for a wider-looking stance. The new interpretation of Kia’s Tiger Face grille uses the company’s latest Star Map signature lighting concept also featured on the EV6. The daytime running lights are also arranged vertically, again widening the face of the vehicle.
The profile features a sloping roofline that transitions into a tailgate while the rear has black trim surrounding the taillights with a simple design and more pixelated Star Maps lights. It comes in nine colors including two created specifically for it including Aventurine Green and Terracotta.
The EV3 GT-Line will push the sportiness even further with contrasting lower body trim and an integrated lower bumper. It has more graphics and more black cladding. The rear features a triangle wing configuration on the lower bumper.
At 169 inches in length, it’s a little smaller than the compact Kia Niro, but rides on the current Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) using the company’s fourth-generation battery technology. The EV3 Standard model comes with a 58.3 kWh battery, while the EV3 Long Range has an 81.4 kWh battery.
The motor delivers 201 horsepower and 208 pound-feet of torque, good for a 7.5-second sprint to 62 miles per hour. Kia says the battery can be recharged from 10-80 percent in approximately 31 minutes on a DC fast charger.
The five-passenger interior features a wide, flat armrest with a few buttons while underneath is a storage space big enough for a big purse or small backpack. Kia says the EV3 is made using many sustainable materials like recycled plastics for the panels and fabrics for the seats. The EV3 comes standard with ambient lighting and a small two-tiered luggage compartment with a total of 16.2 cubic feet.
North American EVs Have an Affordability Problem
Many SUVs sold in the United States and Canada have high price tags. The Tesla Model Y and Model 3, and Nissan Leaf are a few of the exceptions to that rule. Introducing a smaller SUV with good range and a low MSRP is likely to intrigue buyers who would prefer to have an EV for their low-mileage daily driving tasks but don’t want to spend over $40,000.
The EV3 is full of screens with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5-inch air-conditioning panel, and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system incorporating climate control. The central screen extends far enough to allow front passengers to access its features. In some parts of the world Kia will provide streamable content and arcade-style video games.
Drive modes are selected via the steering wheel that also features shortcuts to navigation and other functions. Physical buttons for maps, media, system settings are helpful under the main screen.
The EV3 will be the second application of Kia’s AI Assistant technology, which recently made its debut on the Kia K4 compact sedan. Using voice control drivers can chat with the human-like assistant “as they explore the world.”
The $35,000 electric Volvo EX30 is within inches of the EV3. The Polestar 2, another of America’s small EVs, is still more than 10 inches longer than the EV3. It comes in at $49,900 before any eligible tax credits. Kia hasn’t announced pricing for the EV3.
The EV3 will be introduced first in Korea in July 2024, followed by its Europe later this year. Kia says it will expand the sales of EV3 into other regions including North America in 2026, though it’s specifications might change slightly for our market.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.