Kia has unveiled the EV3, the latest addition to the automaker's global electric lineup. Expected to be Kia's cheapest electric vehicle yet, the EV3 will effectively replace the Soul EV, which was not marketed in Israel.
Sales are set to begin in a few weeks in Kia’s home market, with the EV3 arriving in Europe in the second half of the year and later in the U.S., where Kia aims to sell between 70,000 and 80,000 units annually. It is expected to reach Israel by the end of this year or early next year.
The design closely resembles the concept introduced in October 2023, featuring angular lines, vertical light units, and off-road styling with side protection strips and black wheel arch cladding, similar to the larger EV9, which will launch in Israel next week.
The EV3 is built on the E-GMP platform and offers dimensions comparable to the Kia Seltos: a length of 430 cm, width of 185 cm, height of 156 cm, and a wheelbase of 268 cm. It also boasts a similar trunk capacity of 460 liters, supplemented by a 25-liter front trunk.
The driver's environment is minimalist regarding buttons but rich in screens, including a 12.3-inch digital dashboard and a 12.3-inch multimedia screen, with an additional 5-inch touch screen for climate control. Noteworthy features include a retractable tray between the front seats and the absence of a central console, similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with a gear selector on the steering wheel also found in Hyundai models.
Initially, the EV3 will be launched with a motor producing 204 horsepower, front-wheel drive, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, with a top speed of 170 km/h. A performance-focused GT version with more power and chassis upgrades, similar to the EV6 GT, will be offered in the future.
There are two battery options: 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh. For now, Kia has only disclosed the estimated range for the larger battery, which is an impressive 600 km.
Despite utilizing the advanced E-GMP platform that supports fast charging at 800 volts, the modest EV3 operates at 400 volts, offering a standard fast-charging time of approximately 31 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.
Our take: Hyundai-Kia's advanced E-GMP platform initially produced relatively expensive vehicles, leading to some of the most advanced and impressive electric models in the industry. Now, the Korean automaker continues its journey with a more affordable model, aiming to reach a broader audience. The EV3 is expected to compete with bestsellers like the 2023 top-selling BYD Atto 3 in Israel. A smaller model, likely to replace the Stonic/Rio and named EV2, is anticipated to join the lineup in 2026.
The knowledge and experience gained allow Kia (and Hyundai) to enter desirable categories with more mature products. The main question that remains is pricing. If they can challenge the Chinese offerings, the potential for success is immense.