Kia enters compact E-SUV segment with EV3

The journey of Kia into the electric era started in 2021 with the EV6, followed by the EV9 and both models have certainly positioned the Korean carmaker as leading in electrification. The EV9, in particular, has impressed enough to win numerous awards with its innovative technology.

Now comes the third fully electric model – the EV3 – which takes the brand into the larger compact EV SUV segment with lower pricing expected. The past few years of selling EVs and seeing how the market has been evolving has given Kia’s product planners an idea of what to offer customers with this new model.

Size-wise, the EV3 is 4300 mm long, which is almost as long as a Proton X50, and 1850 mm wide. However, its wheelbase of 2680 mm is above-average for this segment and that’s thanks partly to using a version of the dedicated front-wheel drive Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which is also used for the EV6 and EV9.

4th generation battery technology
Kia’s 4th generation battery technology is used for the EV3 and two battery capacities are available – 58.3 kWh and 81.4kWh. State-of-the-art Battery Management Unit and Cell Monitoring Unit technology ensures the NCM (Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide) battery systems use energy as efficiently as possible.

The output of the electric motor is 150 kW/283 Nm, giving a claimed 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h.

The larger battery has an estimated range of up to 600 kms while the smaller one has about 400+ kms. Recharging is said take 31 minutes from 10% to 80% using a DC fast-charger with up to 128 kW supply. Like the other Kia EVs, the EV3 also has Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging capability to power external devices or equipment. It’s the first model in the compact EV SUV segment with this.

Nature-inspired interior
The design of the EV3’s interior offers a highly functional and effective cabin with a living space-like ambience inspired by nature. With an elegant centre console incorporating a sliding table and storage area, it is envisaged that the 5 occupants can comfortably spend time inside while the vehicle is being recharged.

With a 25-litre frunk at the front and a 460-litre rear load volume, the EV3 offers the largest luggage space in its class. For extra flexibility, there is an adjustable 2-tier luggage board which provides over 140 mm of load height flexibility.

Along the dashboard is a widescreen display that extends almost 30 inches, incorporating a 12.3-inch instrument panel, 5-inch air-conditioning panel, and another 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Many of the EV3’s functions, such as drive mode, cruise control, entertainment, and navigation, can be accessed and controlled by the steering wheel buttons. Instead of touch control, there’s a row of buttons below the central screen for intuitive operation of various functions like mapping, media, and vehicle system configuration.

Sustainable materials
As with every new Kia model, 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, 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.

The vehicle’s Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology includes eDTVC (Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control) to ensure power reaches the road smoothly and effectively. Various active systems constantly monitor and detect dangerous situations and alert the driver or if no action is taken, automatically activate systems like the brakes to prevent a collision.

Advanced self-parking capability
Parking assistants have been available for over 12 years and the EV3’s Remote Smart Parking Assist goes further by automatically parking the vehicle without the driver being inside at all. This feature, already offered in some other Kia models, allows the occupants to get out first when the parking space is too tight to open the doors properly. The sensors not only detect parked vehicles but also other moving vehicles and people and the vehicle will stop in hazardous situations.

The EV3 is the first model to benefit from Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology. This allows the driver to adjust the level of regenerative braking according to their preference, enabling one-pedal driving. Some drivers dislike one-pedal driving because of its abruptness which needs getting used but with i-Pedal 3.0, they might appreciate it.

Use of one-pedal driving maximizes energy efficiency – allowing the vehicle to travel further – and noticeably reduces fatigue on long drives.

The EV3 will be introduced first in Korea in July this year, with exports to European markets in the second half of the year. It will also be available in other regions after the European market entry.

To help promote EV adoption
“By providing groundbreaking design, an industry-leading electric drivetrain, and practical, innovative lifestyle solutions, the EV3 aims to extend Kia’s exceptional EV SUV experience to a wider audience. With a WLTP driving range of up to 600 kms and fast-charging capability, the EV3 addresses common concerns about electric vehicles. It will reassure those who may have been hesitant to make the switch to electric mobility and will lead the mass adoption of EVs,” said Ho Sung Song, President & CEO of Kia.

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