Kia EV3 brings advanced technologies to lower EV segment

Following the introduction of the EV6 as its first dedicated fully electric model in March 2021, Kia added the flagship EV9 SUV to its EV range which is expected to eventually have numbers 1 to 9. Both models have been very well received if the Car of the Year awards won are an indication.

New model at lower end
The successful introduction of the EV6 and EV9 must have given Kia a lot of confidence that it is on the right track with its EVs as it now introduces the new EV3 at the lower end of the range. Though there are signs that the growth of the EV market (referring to fully electric models) may be slower than expected, there are still people who want an EV and offering more accessible choices may be a good move.

With the EV3, Kia not only aims to make EVs more accessible but also wants customers to get more new technologies that will enhance the driving and ownership experience. Pioneering world-first technology to bring genuine benefits to EV3 buyers was this a guiding objective for the development team.

Introducing segment firsts
Achieving this meant drawing up an entirely new set of parameters and bringing driving features previously unavailable in this segment and focussing on what matters to those who want to transition from an ICE (internal combustion engine) car to a one running only on electricity.

Three areas, in particular, are highlights of the new Kia EV – i-Pedal technology, Smart Regenerative Braking and Driving Range. These incorporate many world-first cutting-edge technologies which Kia believes raise the bar for what’s expected of a compact EV.

i-Pedal technology
Kia’s i-Pedal technology is not new and is a one-pedal approach to driving which is found in other EVs as well. However, the latest i-Pedal 3.0 technology offers the driver much more flexibility and control by separating the level of regenerative braking from the full stopping control function.

Full one-pedal driving can now be used in all regenerative braking modes, while i-Pedal 3.0 can be used optionally in Reverse and will also remember the previously selected level when the vehicle is turned off. The system can be selected through a simpler process of pulling the left-hand steering wheel paddle for more than 1 second.

Regenerative braking levels are rated from 0 to 3 to provide more comfort-focused deceleration Level 0 allows the EV3 to coast fully, while bringing a similar deceleration rate to Level 1 at lower speeds.

The most substantial Level 3 braking is ideal for driving in heavy start-stop traffic, where drivers may need to slow the car quickly. This has also been optimized with a more linear calibration for smoother results.

Level 2 provides slightly less braking force, an ideal setting on a winding road, enabling drivers to really engage with the driving experience by slowing the SUV smoothly for corners without touching the brake pedal. This sustainable approach can help to extend the range as energy is recovered and used to ‘top up’ the battery capacity. On a long motorway journey, drivers might prefer Level 1 or even Level 0, which allows the EV3 to glide when lifting off the accelerator.

The Smart Regenerative System is engaged by holding the right-hand steering wheel paddle for more than a second and integrates autonomous driving technology with regenerative braking. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the system uses sensors to detect the distance to the vehicle ahead and navigation information to automatically decelerate to a safe speed, if necessary.

The system can relieve the stress of negotiating a busy, unfamiliar city centre by relieving mental strain on drivers. While Kia’s previous system could automatically slow the vehicle to 9 km/h, the latest technology can bring the EV3 to a complete stop, providing even greater flexibility.

Intelligent technology
The EV3 is the first model in the Hyundai Motor Group EV3 to offer Smart Regenerative System 3.0 technology. The intelligent system also provides the driver with a digital co-pilot that can scan the road ahead and respond to situations with lightning-fast reactions.

While Kia’s previous Smart Regenerative System relied solely on GPS information, this latest version incorporates a wider variety of navigation-based data, unlocking an array of advantages for the driver.

For example, when the EV3 approaches a tight turn or a curve in the road, a speed limit decrease, a speed bump or a roundabout, the car will automatically slow down to an appropriate speed, making for a more relaxed, efficient and safe drive. Of course, this also requires that detailed information about the roads is available.

Addressing driving range concerns
Kia’s engineers have worked hard to address one of the top concerns for people considering EVs –  driving range. Many factors can affect an EV’s range, but the one that is dominant in motorists’ minds is still the battery.

This led the engineers to install the largest battery in the EV3’s class. The 81.4 kWh 4th-generation battery pack has approximately 22% higher energy density compared with the Niro EV, which shares the same 400V architecture, and delivers a best-in-class all-electric range of 600 kms.

Thanks to the introduction of a unique high-thermal-efficiency sheath heater and low-temperature charging software, EV3 owners will spend much less time waiting for their vehicle to charge. The battery has a liquid cooling system, which is used during charging to optimize battery thermal management and enhance charging speeds.

The EV3’s rapid charging time is said to be up to 12 minutes faster than the Niro EV, enabling charging from 10% to 80% capacity in 31 minutes (Long Range model, with a under 350 kW DC supply).

Besides the more energy-dense battery, the shape of the EV3 also contributes to the improved range. Wind tunnel studies refined the aerodynamic performance, with the SUV’s wheel shapes and enhanced rear combination lamps being optimized for smoother airflow. There are also new side sill undercovers, along with cleaner underfloor airflow and reduced drag. All these and other subtle features bring the drag coefficient of the EV3 down to 0.26 Cd.

On-board efficiency coach
While the EV3’s technology extracts maximum range from every battery charge, how owners drive can make a big difference too. To help them drive more efficiently is ‘Driving Range Guide’ technology. Located in the instrument cluster, the Driving Range Guide is easy to understand at a glance. It displays the maximum and minimum driving ranges achievable depending on driving style, and an estimated range based on past driving efficiency.

When the EV3 is being driven efficiently, a green gauge on the information cluster fills towards the maximum mark. If the car’s efficiency potential is not being maximized, this gauge turns orange and displays a reduced potential driving range. This real-time display can encourage drivers to drive more efficiently and go further.

Kia is the first manufacturer to bring Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging to the compact EV SUV segment. This feature enables the car to power external devices such as a laptop, a coffee machine, a small fridge and other appliances at home or when outdoors.

Multiple variants
Exports to selected markets have started and depending on the market, there will be an all-wheel drive variant as well as a GT model, besides 2-wheel drive models. Availability in Malaysia is not known yet although it is almost certain to come as Kia Malaysia already offers the EV6 and EV9. Hopefully, it won’t be priced like the Niro.

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