This week, Kia Corporation released its first teaser image for the Kia EV3. This new compact electric crossover was revealed as a concept back in November of 2023, but the global production version will make its debut on May 23.
What is the Kia EV3
The press release that accompanies the Kia EV3 teaser image doesn’t share too many details. We know it’ll be smaller than the Kia EV6, and that it will have a more boxy design, like the EV9.
If you go back to the concept press release from the 2023 LA Auto Show, you don’t have too many more details. However, we see images that look darn similar to what we see in the teaser and described in the press release. So, we’ll make an educated guess that the exterior, at least, will look quite similar to the Kia EV3 Concept.
On the interior, we’ll probably see some carry-over elements, like the open console area and a large mono screen that sweeps from gauge cluster to infotainment. Materials, colors and overall interior design will likely more closely resemble the EV9.
In terms of range and charging capability, we’re going to make another educated guess. Because the EV3 is poised to be less than $40k, which is less than the electric version of the Kia Niro, it is unlikely to have the 800V fast-charge architecture. Instead, we expect it to have the 400V architecture and the ability to charge up to 80% in about 45 minutes – which is 20 minutes slower than the EV6 and EV9. Niro has up to 253 miles of range and delivers 201 horsepower, and we expect EV3’s power to be similar, but the range might be a little higher. However, it will not top 300 miles.
The Kia EV3 Concept was revealed back in November. (Image courtesy of Kia Corporation)
Will it come to the U.S.?
The Kia EV3 is expected to go on sale by the end of 2024 as a 2025 model, but we don’t know if that means it will be on sale in the U.S. at that time. In fact, we don’t have direct confirmation that the compact EV will go on sale in the U.S. However, other outlets have quoted Kia insiders who confirmed the export to the States. Plus, it was shown at the LA Auto Show and we’ve seen American Kia executives posting about it.
So, the Magic 8 Ball says: Signs point to yes. But we expect it to hit the states in 2025 instead of 2024.
The bottom line
The Kia EV3 is set to compete with the upcoming Volvo EX30, which will have a base price around $30k. So, while we don’t have pricing yet, we expect it to take direct aim at Volvo’s compact EV. Personally, we can’t wait to see another affordable EV hit the market because it forces everyone else to compete.
Now all we need is the charging infrastructure to get with the program.
Kia EV3 Concept Photo Gallery
