Kia’s first affordable EV comes with an AI assistant and an impressive range of 600 kilometers
Despite teasing a slew of new electric models last year, Kia has finally unveiled the production-ready version of its upcoming EV3. It strips a lot of the technology and luxury from the massive and multi-award-winning EV9, but downsizes it into a more compact package that will reportedly cost around $35,000 / £30,000 / AU$55,000 when it goes on sale later this year.
Kia’s flexible E-GMP platform runs on the same basis as the current EV6 and EV9 and means designers have been able to significantly reduce the proportions compared to those vehicles, with the EV3 measuring 4300mm in length, which is slightly shorter than the current Niro from the brand. fashion model.
The compact SUV will be offered in both standard and long-range versions, with the latter capable of covering an impressive distance of 600 km with its 81.4 kWh battery packs. This is more than many of its rivals in the current compact electric crossover class, with examples like the Volvo EX30 covering around 290 miles.
Naturally, these longer-range models will cost more, but Kia says it’s aiming to achieve the lowest prices by offering a 58.3 kWh variant of the nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery – although the target range yet to be confirmed. Both models use a single 150kW electric motor driving the rear axle, delivering the fastest 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.5 seconds.
Despite borrowing numerous styling cues and plenty of interior tech (more on that later) from the larger EV9, Kia says the more compact and cheaper model will have a 400V architecture, rather than the 800V system found on seven-seat SUVs seats.
This means charging speeds aren’t as fast, with the South Korean brand claiming the battery in the Long Range model can be charged from 10-80 percent in around 31 minutes, thanks to charging speeds of up to 128kW. The charging speed is limited to 102 kW for the smaller battery pack.
Inside, lead designer Karim Habib has managed to convey much of the ‘lounge-like’ feel of his concept car, with a sliding center tray that sits between the driver and front passenger and can be used to work on a laptop or have coffee. cups while charging.
The concept’s great rear seat, complete with cushions and sofa-like fabrics, has unfortunately had to go, but the interior still features some soft-touch surfaces and recycled materials.
Perhaps more importantly, the EV3 will be the first EV to showcase Kia’s AI voice assistant, which uses natural language to assist with a variety of requests. These range from recommending nearby coffee shops to informing and booking upcoming planned maintenance.
LG’s Automotive Content Platform (ACP), powered by webOS, provides the backbone for the infotainment system, which broadcasts to a display very similar to the EV9. The nearly 30-inch digital real estate consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a five-inch air conditioning panel and another 12.3-inch touchscreen display.
Thanks to webOS, users can enjoy video games and movies or stream TV through a selection of apps. Kia is particularly proud to showcase its long-standing relationship with the NBA through customizable display themes that recreate the owner’s favorite team through colors, graphics and animations.
The EV3 will first go on sale in South Korea this summer, but the European launch is planned for later this year. Subsequent launches in other territories are expected before the end of 2024 and while this hasn’t been confirmed for the US market yet, we’d be very surprised if North America isn’t on the hit list.
Analysis: Kia’s EV gamble could pay off
While Kia hasn’t yet confirmed pricing for the EV3, the company said it was targeting the $35,000 / £30,000 / AU$55,000 mark when it unveiled a range of concepts last year.
In addition, it will also launch a smaller EV2 that has the potential to rival Renault’s recent 5 EV with a sticker price of under $30,000 / £25,000 / AU$45,000.
With companies like BYD offering the Dolphin for that kind of money, and MG’s plans to modernize existing models and replace them with new metal, Kia is clearly hoping to get a big slice of the mass market pie and fend off stiff competition from to ward off more recent models. rivals EV2 and EV3.
Furthermore, with the addition of an EV4 sedan and the EV5 mid-size SUV that we’ve already seen in production form, Kia is on track to offer one of the most attractive and inclusive EV lineups of any modern manufacturer – be it the old car makers or the new kids on the block.
It also has the advantage of a factory in Georgia, US, which could give it the upper hand when it comes to reducing the impact of the recent trade tariffs imposed by the Biden administration – a move that has ensured cheap Chinese electric cars are no longer. still affordable.