Kia has released all the details regarding the EV3, its new compact electric SUV.
The Korean maker reckons that; “by significantly exceeding customers’ expectations, the EV3 will broaden the appeal and elevate the perception of EV SUVs”. Wow, must be pretty good.
“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 WLTP driving range of up to 600km 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.
Kia’s new compact electric EV measures up at 4.3m long and 1.85m wide. It’s 1.56m tall with a wheelbase of 2680mm. This front-wheel drive EV sits on the firm’s E-GMP platform and utilises Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology.
The standard range model comes with a 58.3kWh battery pack, while the long range model gets an 81.4kWh pack. The latter is said to provide an estimated 600km of range (WLTP), though Kia is yet to provide vitals for the standard model. The motor produces 150kW and 283Nm, allowing for a 0 to 100 time of 7.5 seconds. Kia says a 10 to 80 per cent recharge of the 81kWh battery takes approximately 31 minutes, although max charging speed hasn’t been revealed. The EV3 will feature the latest i-Pedal regenerative braking system with a one-pedal mode and there’s a vehicle-to-load function too.
The five-seat SUV has a 25L frunk and a 460L load capacity out the back, with a two-tier flooring system for a variable load height. Up front, the cabin features a centre console which incorporates a sliding table and storage area underneath. Some of the materials used are recycled fabrics and plastics. There’s variable ambient lighting and the front seats include a fold-back relaxation mode.
Two 12.3-inch displays occupy the dash, along with a 12-inch head-up display for the driver. There’s also a five-inch touch panel for the air conditioning. Many of the EV3’s functions, such as the drive mode selector, cruise control and navigation can be controlled by touch buttons on the steering wheel. The EV3 also features Kia’s new AI assistant technology. The human-like assistant is said to be more capable of understanding your requests and carrying them out. There’s also a digital key that uses your smartphone to unlock the car.
Expect the EV3 to arrive here later in the year. Meanwhile the EV5 goes on sale next month.
