New EV introduced in Korea
designed to bring affordability

(May 24, 2024) There has been a dearth of small, affordable electric vehicles in the U.S. and the upcoming Kia EV3 should enhance EV accessibility in North America. With its combination of bold design, innovative technology, and groundbreaking features, the EV3 sets new standards never before seen in the compact EV SUV sector.

Drawing on Kia’s advanced technology and customer-focused values of the brand’s larger, multi-award-winning EV9 SUV, the EV3 carves out its own identity.

“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 (European) WLTP driving range of up to 600km (an estimated 350 miles in North America) 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 and CEO at Kia.

Following the EV6 compact crossover and EV9 three-row SUV, the EV3 arrives as the automaker's smallest and least expensive battery-powered model. The EV3 shares a platform and tech features with its larger counterparts, but its subcompact SUV size and radical design give it unique appeal. Competitors in the burgeoning small inexpensive EV segment include the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Volvo EX30, and Mini Aceman.

the EV3 electric SUV maintains the cute cubic profile of the concept, with a squared-off hood and hatchback rear glass. It's a true compact, 168-inch long with a wheelbase of 117 inches. Although the small SUV sits fairly low, it gives a visual impression of height and a narrow waist due to darker cladding around the wheel wells and sideline. All versions of the EV3 ride on 19-inch wheels in a two-tone finish.

As standard, the EV3 will have a single-motor FWD powertrain making an estimated 201 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful dual-motor AWD system — the EV3 Long Range — will become available later. Kia will offer the EV3 with batteries as large as 81.4 kWh, likely the same unit found in the latest Ioniq 5. However, smaller and less expensive batteries are also likely be offered.

The EV3 Standard model is predicted to have a 0-100km/h (0-62) acceleration time of 7.5 seconds. The EV3’s maximum speed is about 105 mph.



Kia’s "Opposites United" design philosophy, which harnesses the creative tension generated by the divergent values of nature and modernity to deliver a harmonious whole, was central to the formation of the Kia EV3’s progressive, dynamic, and dramatic design. The philosophy’s influence elevates the EV3's emotional feel and ambience, seamlessly combining dynamic aesthetics with thoughtful functionality.

“The EV3 embodies our design philosophy perfectly — a combination of playful design combined with thoughtful functionality. Though compact, the inspiring exterior envelops an open interior space that emphasizes restorative relaxation for every journey. Its future-facing aesthetic is further emboldened by the choice of daring colors; inside, the spacious cabin and the incorporation of new organic materials express a youthful sense of energy and playfulness,” commented Karim Habib, executive vice president and head of Kia Global Design.

The EV3 will be introduced first in Korea in July, followed by a European launch in the second half of the year. Kia has plans to further expand the sales of EV3 into other regions — including the United States — with subsequent launches to be expected after the European market entry.