Kia has unveiled the new EV3, a compact SUV with a length of 4.3m that brings innovative technology and advanced design.
The EV3 is designed on the familiar E-GMP platform (however, KIA has switched from 800V to 400V for the EV3) and offers two battery options: 58.3 kWh for the standard model and a very interesting 81.4 kWh for the Long Range version. The range of the Long Range version is up to 600 km according to WLTP. Both versions are equipped with a 150 kW / 283 Nm electric motor driving the front wheels and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Charging from 10% to 80% takes approximately 31 minutes. The EV3 measures 4,300 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,560 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm. Maximum speed is 170 km/h.
The design of the EV3 is based on the "Opposites United" philosophy and combines dynamism with functionality. The interior can seat five people and offers 460 litres of luggage space, expandable to 25 litres thanks to a frunk. Features include a 30-inch widescreen display, a Harman Kardon premium audio system and various interior personalisation options.
VTL (Vehicle-to-Load)
The EV3 also includes advanced safety systems such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Highway Driving Assist. Also new is Kia AI Assistant and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology for powering external devices.
KIA EV3 PROS
- compact SUV, only 4.3 m long, ideal for the city
- interesting price, not announced yet, but expected to be around 35.000 USD
- stylish design, which may not appeal to everyone
- ChatGPT-based voice assistant
- the EV3 is more spacious than the similarly priced rival Volvo EX30
- adequate 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.4sec (0-60 mph in 7.2sec)
- two battery sizes to choose from, a base 58 kWh and a large 81 kWh!
- has frunk
KIA EV3 CONS
- EV3 has front-wheel drive (rear-wheel drive is better for EVs)
- excellent Hyundai / KIA E-GMP platform, but in a cheaper 400V version for the EV3
KIA EV3 - Price
KIA is probably targeting a starting price of around $35,000 (€32,000).
Tech-specs
Full tech-specs KIA EV3 can be found here.