Kia has finally unveiled the full images and specs of it’s EV3 officially, after teasing its fans for months. The EV3 takes much of the design and technology from its larger EV9 sibling. But in a smaller or more affordable option to global consumers later this summer.
Kia is set to launch the highly anticipated EV3 in Korea this July, with a European debut to follow in the second half of 2024. Building on the design success of the globally popular EV9, the EV3 promises to bring new standards to the electric compact SUV market, featuring Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy. This new model aims to combine playful design with thoughtful functionality, ensuring it stands out in the increasingly crowded EV market.
According to Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design, The EV3 embodies our design philosophy perfectly – a combination of playful design combined with thoughtful functionality. Though compact, the inspiring exterior envelops an open interior space that emphasizes restorative relaxation for every journey. Its future-facing aesthetic is further emboldened by the choice of daring colors; inside, the spacious cabin and the incorporation of new organic materials express a youthful sense of energy and playfulness.
The compact SUV will arrive in nine color choices, including two new exclusive shades: Aventurine Green and Terracotta as shown in images. Additionally, to keep its promise Kia has offered a GT-Line trim, which provides a slightly more rugged appearance. This trim option enhances the vehicle’s adventurous appeal, making it suitable for a variety of driving environments.
Built on the E-GMP [platform the EV3 will arrive with two different battery sizes. The standard model comes with a 58.3-kWh battery pack, while the Long Range version utilizes an 81.4-kWh battery. Both models feature a 150-kW single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and are capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in just 7.5 seconds. The top speed of EV3 is 170 km/h.
In terms of range, Kia shared that the Long Range mode will boast an impressive 600 km (373 miles) of WLTP range on a single charge and can replenish form 10-80% in 30 minutes on a DC fast charger. This ensures that drivers can spend more time on the road and less time for charging.
Other impressive features of the EV3 is it’s vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, but it’s another first for the compact SUV segment. It allows the vehicle to power external devices, making it a versatile companion for various activities. In addition to that , it also features Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 technology, which gives the driver more freedom to customize their regenerative braking preferences. This advanced system enhances driving efficiency and contributes to a smoother driving experience.
Kia said, ”The EV3 will be introduced in Korea this July, followed by a European launch in the second half of 2024. There have been no confirmed plans to sell the SUV in the US just yet, but Kia shared it has plans to “further expand the sales of EV3 into other regions, with subsequent launches to be expected after the European market entry.” Pricing details have not been disclosed yet, but they are expected to be announced closer to the launch date.