Kia is on an impressive streak, following the success of the Kia EV6 and EV9 with the announcement of what could be its most affordable electric vehicle yet — the Kia EV3.
It seems that within Kia’s EV lineup, lower numbers mean lower prices, so the EV3 is expected to be the cheapest electric car Kia has released so far. However, this doesn’t mean the EV3 will be a budget, low-quality car; it’s more about Kia pushing the limits of pricing for electric vehicles.
Curious about the Kia EV3? Kia has officially announced the vehicle, and here’s what we know about it so far.
The EV3 carries the same overall design as other Kia electric cars. It has a boxy look similar to the Kia EV9 but in a smaller body. While Kia still markets it as a “small SUV,” don’t expect the same spaciousness as the EV9. There are two rows of seats, but the second row is less roomy compared to other electric cars.
The EV3 is a four-door vehicle with rear-hinged backdoors, meaning the front and rear doors open outwards. This feature can make it easier to place items like car seats, but it also signals the car’s smaller size.
In the front, the EV3 features Kia’s signature design with slim headlights curving around the front sides and the Kia logo on the hood. The trunk is slightly curved with tall rear taillights that stretch down the back. This design consistency aligns well with Kia’s established aesthetic.
The EV3 is 169 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 61 inches tall, which is significantly smaller than the EV9’s 197 inches in length, 78 inches in width, and 70 inches in height. So, while it’s labeled an SUV, it’s much smaller than you might expect.
The EV3 will be available in nine colors, though only two have been revealed so far: Aventurine Green and Terracotta.
Inside, the Kia EV3 offers a bright, modern look with a dual display panel stretching along the front and minimal physical controls. It resembles other Kia electric cars, featuring a large infotainment display next to a digital instrument display. While CarPlay and Android Auto haven’t been confirmed, it’s likely the EV3 will include them as Kia’s other vehicles do.
Kia is incorporating recycled materials into the EV3’s interior, using recycled fabric for the dashboard and door trims and recycled plastic for the seats, headliner, armrests, and floor mats.
Pricing details for the EV3 haven’t been announced, but if Kia continues pricing lower-numbered cars more affordably, it’s expected to be the cheapest electric car in their lineup. We can hope the base model will start between $30,000 and $35,000, though it could be closer to $40,000. The actual cost will be revealed at launch.
The EV3 will first be released in Korea in July this year, followed by a European launch in the second half of 2024. Additional markets will come later, with a U.S. launch anticipated in 2025.
The EV3 will offer two battery sizes: a standard 58.3 kilowatt-hours and a long-range 81.4 kWh. Kia estimates the EV3’s range at up to 600 kilometers (about 373 miles) based on Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) standards. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. might estimate closer to 300 miles. The standard model could have a range near 200 miles, which is on the lower side.
The EV3 can charge from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes, which is slower than other Kia vehicles due to its 400-volt architecture. While the slower charging speed is a bit of a letdown, it’s a compromise for affordability.
Performance-wise, the EV3 won’t match the more expensive EV9 but won’t be sluggish either. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.5 seconds for the fastest iteration, the EV3 GT-Line.
The EV3 appears to come only in a single-motor variant, which helps keep costs down. Hyundai Motor Group is building a plant in the U.S. to manufacture electric cars and offer federal EV tax credits, starting with the EV9 by the end of 2024. It’s uncertain if this plant will also produce the EV3, but if it does, the car may qualify for these tax credits, making it more accessible to U.S. buyers. It’s also possible that the EV3 might not be sold in the U.S. or could be imported if it is.