The GT-Line finish has numerous glossy black parts and specific rims.
While Europe is the leading market for Kia’s electric cars, the South Korean brand has chosen to launch its EV range of electric vehicles on a dedicated platform with imposing models. Thus, the EV6 marketed since 2021 is a 4.68 m long crossover while the EV9, launched in 2023, is a 5.02 m long SUV. Kia’s best-selling electric car in Europe in 2023 was therefore still the Niro EV; a model with a size more suited to the Old Continent (4.42 m long), but based on a thermal car platform.
Kia is now expanding its EV range with a more compact electric model on a dedicated platform, positioned in the segment currently experiencing the strongest growth in Europe, that of city SUVs (B-SUV). The EV3, that’s its name, measures 4.30 m long and is therefore positioned below the Niro EV in the range. It will compete in particular with the Peugeot e-2008, Smart #1, Volvo EX30, and the Renault Megane E-Tech sedan.
Although it is one of the widest in its category (1.85 m), the EV3 displays tapered lines in width and height.
Cubic lines, but with real aerodynamic work
The EV3 takes up the cubic lines of the very large EV9. However, its designers have worked on its lines to reduce its Cd to a coefficient of only 0.267, surpassing all the above-mentioned competing models.
The roof line is receding and extends onto a long spoiler.
A flat bottom covers nearly 80% of the EV3’s underbody and its grille benefits from air inlets capable of opening and closing automatically, depending on its cooling needs.
The active ventilation grilles improve the Cx of the EV3.
Inside, the dashboard is quite minimalist, but Kia has still retained physical controls to control the main comfort functions. The rest of the ventilation settings are accessed via a small 5.3″ screen, integrated between the 12.3″ instrument cluster and the central screen of the same size.
Changing the fan temperature or volume does not require a touch screen.
These three interfaces are taken from the big EV9 and are very complete, although a little cluttered.
A trip planner is integrated into the infotainment screen.
Kia plans to launch new features via over-the-air updates. At the end of 2024, the voice assistant should rely on ChatGPT to answer some of the questions from the occupants of the EV3. This feature will not require additional payment, unlike customization options. Also from the end of 2024, it will be possible to purchase themes for the display of the instrumentation, at a still unknown price, in order to make it take on the colors of the Lakers, Star Wars, or more Marvel licenses. Kia will also offer its own catalog of applications, which should include YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, SoundCloud, Amazon Music and video games, among others.
The meters will soon be able to be personalized with different themes offered, for a fee.
Finally, it will be possible to use your smartphone as a virtual key, via the solutions offered by Android, iOS and Samsung. If we do not yet know the full details of the equipment offered, the EV3 should be quite generous, particularly in terms of driving aids, as required by Kia policy.
The open central console frees up space, while it includes a sliding shelf, for working, for example.
If there is a large space under the central armrest, it is not closed.
The EV3’s interior uses many recycled materials and avoids the use of animal leather. The pre-production model presented to us was still equipped with non-final materials, which therefore do not allow us to judge the finishing qualities of the production models.
A QR code allows you to obtain more information on the details of the different materials used.
The advantages of a platform dedicated to electricity
The EV3 benefits from its dedicated electric platform to offer a large wheelbase of 2.68 m. This allows him to be very welcoming given his size. Adults of 1.80 m will have no problem taking a seat in the back, but they should not expect to share the bench seat with three people. Due to its narrow width, the central space should be reserved for small people, or for short journeys. On the other hand, we appreciate the absence of a central tunnel.
Rear seat space is among the best in the category.
The trunk volume is also generous, with 460 l under shelf (VDA) and up to 1250 l when folding the rear seat 60:40.
The modular trunk floor provides access to a deep space.
A 25 liter front trunk (frunk) allows you to store the charging cables.
Despite the presence of the electric motor at the front, the EV3 offers a frunk.
If the EV3 takes up the E-GMP platform of the EV6 and EV9, the latter has been thoroughly revised with a switch to traction. While the two-wheel drive versions of other models on the E-GMP platform are rear-wheel drive, here only the front wheels are driven. Furthermore, the EV3 is satisfied with a 400 V architecture, compared to 800 V for its peers.
Record autonomy, but more modest charging powers
Two versions will be offered: Standard Range and Long Range. The first is equipped with an already generous battery of 58.3 useful kWh, for an estimated range of 410 km on the WLTP cycle (pending final approval). The Long Range version makes the EV3 the most durable electric SUV in the category, thanks to its very large useful 81.4 kWh battery. It announces a range of up to 560 km (pending final approval). In both cases, the EV3 uses an NMC lithium-ion technology battery and its electric motor develops 150 kW (204 hp). Heavier, the Long Range version is therefore slightly less efficient, with a time of 7.7 s from 0 to 100 km/h, compared to 7.4 s for the entry-level model. In all cases, these performances remain largely sufficient for a car without any sporting pretensions.
On the charging side, the EV3 does not perform miracles with its 400 V architecture. It only announces 102 kW of maximum power in the Standard Range version and 128 kW in the Long Range version. It’s not much, but the charging times indicated by Kia remain correct, with around 30 minutes to go from 10 to 80% whatever the version. In alternating current, the EV3’s on-board charger accepts up to 11 kW, while a 22 kW charger will be offered as an option from 2026.
The EV3’s CCS charging port is placed on its right front fender.
The EV3 is technically compatible with bidirectional charging technologies V2G, to power the electrical grid, V2H, to power a house or building, and V2L, to power an external device. It is also compatible with Plug & Charge technology, which allows the vehicle to automatically identify itself at compatible charging stations. The availability of some of these services will, however, depend on the markets and the various partnerships entered into by Kia.
Cheaper than the Niro EV, but still without ecological bonus
Kia is not yet communicating the prices of the EV3, which we nevertheless know will be lower than those of the Niro EV, in order to respect range consistency. The electric version of the Niro is priced from €45,690, but Kia is currently offering a discount of €8,000, lowering its price to €37,690 at entry level. The Niro EV is not eligible for the ecological bonus in France and this should not be the case for the EV3 either, which will also be assembled in South Korea. Kia certainly plans to produce electric cars in Europe from 2025, in Slovakia, but this should not be the case for the EV3, at least for the immediate future.
Let’s hope that it will still manage to be competitive, because with its large space on board, both for passengers and their luggage, and its very flattering autonomy, it should not lack arguments to seduce.