Kia has unveiled the full details of the new Kia EV3 which will serve as a dedicated compact all-electric SUV in the Korean automaker’s burgeoning NEV fleet.
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Drawing inspiration from Kia’s award-winning EV9 SUV, the EV3 imparts some of that unique design identity albeit in a smaller package:
“With its groundbreaking design, industry-leading electric drivetrain, and practical 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 600km and fast-charging capabilities, the EV3 addresses common concerns about electric vehicles, reassuring those hesitant to switch to electric mobility.” – Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia.
The EV3’s design is rooted in Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy, which blends the divergent values of nature and modernity to create a harmonious whole. The design features vertical headlamps and Kia’s iconic Tiger Face design, complemented by the latest Star Map signature lighting concept.
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Inside, the EV3 offers a spacious cabin designed to enhance well-being and comfort. The interior features a sliding table and storage area in the centre console, multi-adjustable ambient lighting, ultra-comfortable seats with a fold-back relaxation mode, and a 25-litre frunk with a 460-litre rear load capacity. A near-30-inch widescreen display incorporates a 12.3-inch cluster, a five-inch air-conditioning panel, and another 12.3-inch AVN display, providing clear graphics and intuitive information to the driver. Many functions, including drive mode, cruise control, and navigation, can be controlled via steering wheel buttons, ensuring seamless operation.
Customers can choose from a variety of interior colours and materials inspired by Air, Earth, and Water elements, with sustainable materials like recycled PET used extensively throughout the cabin.
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Measuring 4 300 mm in length, 1 850 mm in width, and 1 560 mm in height, the EV3 features a front-wheel-drive electric powertrain based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The EV3 Standard model comes with a 58.3 kWh battery, while the Long Range variant is equipped with an 81.4 kWh battery, both utilizing a 150 kW/283 N.m electric motor. The latter offers an estimated range of up to 600 km (WLTP) and features ultra-fast charging capabilities, allowing the battery to charge from 10-80% in approximately 31 minutes. The vehicle’s aerodynamics and state-of-the-art Battery Management Unit (BMU) ensure maximum efficiency. Alongside a raft of safety and tech features, the latest EV also introduces Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging.
Set to launch in Korea in July 2024, followed by a European launch later in the year, Kia’s lauded newcomer isn’t yet confirmed for the local market.
