Setting standards in segment

Kia has revealed the full details of its new EV3, a dedicated, fully electric and compact SUV. 

With its combination of design, innovative technology and features, the marque says its sets standards never seen before in the compact EV SUV segment.

Drawing on Kia’s advanced technology and customer-focused values of the brand’s larger EV9 SUV, the EV3 “carves out its own identity”. 

“With a WLTP driving range of up to 600km and fast-charging capability, the EV3 addresses common concerns about electric vehicles,” says Ho Sung Song, Kia’s president and chief executive officer. 

“It will reassure those who may have been hesitant to make the switch to electric mobility and will lead the mass adoption of EVs.”

EV3’s exterior design 

Kia’s “opposites united” design philosophy, which harnesses “creative tension generated by the divergent values of nature and modernity to deliver a harmonious whole”, is central to the EV3’s progressive and dynamic design. 

At the front, vertical headlamps positioned at the extremes of the clean-surface facial area contribute to a wide, ultra-confident stance. 

A new, robust interpretation of Kia’s tiger face incorporates the brand’s latest star-map signature lighting concept. Arranged vertically, the daytime running lights further emphasise the tiger-face design.

The EV3’s long, sloping, sleek roofline transitions into a hatchback-style tailgate. The “dynamic silhouette and voluminous cabin” delivers a spacious interior.

At the rear, a thick black trim line emphasises the connection between the SUV’s sturdy c-pillar design. The simplified, geometric rear lamp integrates with the rear glass.

The EV3 GT-line expresses a more rugged appearance. At the front, its contrasting lower body trim enhances the design, while the integrated lower bumper creates a sportier look. 

Let’s go inside

The EV3’s interior has a spacious cabin for five people. An elegant centre console incorporates a sliding table and storage area. 

The lower area can store drinks, snacks and small backpacks, while personal electronic items, such as laptops, can be placed on the table when the vehicle is stationary.

With a 25-litre frunk and a 460l rear-load capacity, the EV3 offers the largest luggage space in its class.

A near-30-inch widescreen display – including a 12.3-inch cluster, a five-inch air-conditioning panel and another 12.3-inch AVN display – incorporates touch operation of for climate control, and provides clear graphics and intuitive information to the driver. 

The screen extends to the centre of the dashboard, giving the front-seat passenger access to entertainment and navigation features.

Many functions, including drive mode, cruise control, entertainment and navigation can be controlled by a touch of the steering-wheel buttons. A row of buttons below the central screen operates functions, such as mapping, media and vehicle-system configuration. 

This SUV has various sustainable items to accelerate sustainability at scale. Recycled fabric is applied to the dashboard and door trims. Polyethylene terephthalate, among the world’s most easily recycled plastics, features in numerous interior areas.

Electric drivetrain

The EV3 measures 4,300mm long, 1,850mm wide, 1,560mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,680mm. It features a front-wheel-drive electric powertrain based on the electric global modular platform using Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology. 

The standard model is offered exclusively with a 58.3kWh battery, while the Long Range variant has an 81.4kWh battery. Both models utilise a 150kW/283Nm electric motor, which enables a best 0-100kph acceleration time of 7.5 seconds. The EV3’s maximum speed is 170kph. 

The SUV features enhanced body aerodynamics, incorporating a full 3D undercover to deliver a low drag co-efficient of 0.263Cd. 

The battery management and cell-monitoring units ensure the 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh high-voltage systems use energy efficiently. The Long Range provides an estimated range of up to 600km on the WLTP.  

When the EV3’s battery needs replenishing, occupants can relax in the living space-like interior as Kia’s management system enables charging from 10-80 per cent in about 31 minutes.

Safety and technology

Kia has equipped the EV3 with ultra-advanced safety, driving, convenience and charging features “usually reserved” for the large EV SUV sector. 

Advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) include electric dynamic torque-vectoring control to ensure the car transfers its power to the road smoothly and stably. 

Other ADAS include forward and reverse collision avoidance, lane keeping, highway driving and remote smart parking.

The EV3 is the first Kia to boast i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology, which allows the driver to adjust its level according to their preference, enabling one-pedal driving. This maximises energy efficiency and reduces fatigue on long drives. 

The marque is the first to bring vehicle-to-load charging to the compact EV SUV segment, enabling occupants to power external devices such as laptops, small fridges, coffee machines or hairdryers. 

Digital connectivity

Kia provides various content through its premium streaming service, delivered via LG’s automotive content platform powered by webOS, as well as arcade games, allowing occupants to enjoy in-car gaming. Then there’s the Harman Kardon audio system for an experience “akin to home cinema”.

The EV3 is the first electric model to feature Kia’s AI Assistant technology, which made its debut in the K4 compact sedan. 

It provides new ways to interact with and control vehicle features directly and intuitively. Kia will soon start rolling out these features across other EVs.  

With the integration of generative AI, Kia’s voice assistant is now more capable. Generative AI comprehends complex contexts through natural-language understanding, enabling it to converse naturally with users. 

The AI assistant can support travel planning while guiding people to enjoy optimum benefits from the vehicle’s functions, including entertainment and information search.

The EV3 will be introduced first in South Korea in July followed by its European launch in the second half of 2024. Kia has plans to further expand EV3 sales into other regions with launches expected after Europe.