Kia has revealed full details of the new Kia EV3, the company’s dedicated compact EV SUV. With its combination of bold design, innovative technology, and groundbreaking features the EV3 sets a new standard in the compact EV SUV sector.
Drawing on Kia’s advanced technology and customer-focused values of the brand’s larger, multi-award-winning EV9, the EV3 offers a unique, immersive experience and enhances customers expectations of what is possible in the segment.
At the front, the EV3 exudes a highly assertive presence with vertical headlamps positioned at the extremes of the clean-surface facial area creating a wide, ultra-confident stance. A new, robust interpretation of Kia’s Tiger Face design incorporates the brand’s latest Star Map signature lighting concept.
Arranged vertically, the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) project a highly confident character. The long, sloping, sleek roofline seamlessly transitions into a hatchback-style tailgate, further portraying the highly technical body design. The dynamic silhouette and roomy cabin combine to deliver a spacious interior. The simplified, geometric rear lamp design seamlessly integrates with the rear glass, framing a futuristic tailgate design with a wide, technical, and sleek appearance.
Kia offers the EV3 in nine body colours – two of which have been created exclusively for the new model: Adventure Green and Terracotta. On the outside, Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy showcases divergent values of nature and modernity to form a progressive, dynamic, and dramatic design.
On the inside, the EV3’s interior offers a spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates five people. Kia has created a highly functional and effective cabin that is designed to be enjoyed by occupants on every journey and when the vehicle is charging. An elegant centre console incorporates a sliding table and storage area.
The lower area can store drinks and snacks, while personal electronic items such as laptops and tablets can be placed on the table when the vehicle is stationary. Along with multi-adjustable ambient lighting and ultra-comfortable seats, which incorporate a fold-back relaxation mode, the sliding table enables occupants to enjoy maximum relaxation when parked. With a 25-litre frunk and a 460-litre 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 seamless touch operation of the climate control functionality and provides clear graphics and intuitive information to the driver. The screen also extends to the centre of the dashboard, giving the front-seat passenger access to entertainment and navigation features.
Many of the EV3’s functions, including drive mode, cruise control, entertainment, and navigation, can be accessed and controlled by a simple touch of the steering wheel buttons. A seamless row of buttons below the central screen intuitively operates various functions like mapping, media, and vehicle system configuration.
As with every new Kia, the EV3 incorporates various sustainable items to accelerate sustainability at scale. Recycled fabric is applied to the dashboard and door trims to create an intimate and home-like ambience. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is among the most easily recycled plastics in the world, features in numerous areas of the interior, including the seats, headliner, door armrests, garnish, floor mats, and luggage board.
In terms of dimensions, the EV3 measures 4,300mm long, 1,850mm wide, 1,560mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,680mm. It features a state-of-the-art front-wheel drive electric powertrain based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), utilising Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology. The EV3 Standard model is offered exclusively with a 58.3kWh battery, while the EV3 Long Range variant is fitted with an 81.4kWh battery.
Both models utilise a 150kW/283Nm electric motor, which enables a best 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds. The EV3’s maximum speed is 170km/h. In pursuit of optimum efficiency, the EV3 features enhanced body aerodynamics incorporating a full 3D undercover to deliver an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.263 Cd. State-of-the-art Battery Management Unit (BMU) and Cell Monitoring Unit (CMU) technology ensures the 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh High-Voltage Battery Systems use energy as efficiently as possible.
The EV3 Long Range provides an estimated range of up to 600km (WLTP). This flexibility gives those taking their first foray into electric mobility complete confidence to tackle long journeys. When the EV3’s battery eventually needs replenishing, occupants can relax in the comfort of the living space-like interior as Kia’s advanced Vehicle Charging Management System enables the battery to charge from 10-80 percent in approximately 31 minutes.
Kia has equipped the EV3 with a raft of ultra-advanced safety, driving, convenience and charging features usually reserved for higher segments. The vehicle’s Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology includes eDTVC Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control to ensure the EV3 transfers its power to the road smoothly and stably. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist provide additional support and reassurance for drivers on every journey, no matter how long or short.
The EV3 is the first model to benefit from Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology, which allows the driver to adjust the level of regenerative braking according to their preference, enabling one-pedal driving. This maximises energy efficiency and noticeably reduces fatigue on long drives, enabling the vehicle to travel further on a single charge and making the journey more engaging, enjoyable, and comfortable.
With the EV3, Kia is the first manufacturer to bring Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging to the compact EV SUV segment, giving occupants the freedom and flexibility to power external devices from the vehicle battery pack. Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 enables customers to avoid the hassle of carrying around physical keys by unlocking and starting the EV3 using only their smartphone or smartwatch. They can also conveniently share the EV3’s digital key with friends and family.
Kia has equipped the EV3 with a holistic suite of connectivity and entertainment features. Most of these are designed to be enjoyed safely while the vehicle is on the move, while others can be experienced exclusively when the car is parked or while charging. Kia provides various streamable content through its Premium Streaming service, delivered via LG’s Automotive Content Platform (ACP) powered by webOS. Kia also offers arcade games, allowing occupants to enjoy in-car gaming.
The EV3 is the first EV model to feature Kia’s AI Assistant technology. This technology provides customers with new and innovative ways to interact with and control the vehicle’s features directly and intuitively. Set to be implemented in mass production in South Korea initially, Kia plans to expand AI Assistant’s domain and services in Europe. This technology is constantly evolving and will unlock further benefits for customers in the future.
The introduction of the EV3 will deliver more sustainable, efficient, and convenient mobility to enhance EV accessibility for all. The EV3 will launch in Ireland in October 2024, with pricing and specifications to be announced closer to launch.
