When Kia unveiled the EV3 in May, the brand showcased a vehicle that would make effortless, sustainable mobility more accessible. It features a WLTP driving range of up to 600km and fast-charging capability. Kia says that with this vehicle customers shouldn’t be concerned with making the transition to an EV.
For enhanced efficiency Kia has developed intelligent regenerative braking, dubbed Smart Regenerative 3.0. The latest i-Pedal 3.0 technology separates the level of regenerative braking from the full stopping control function. One-pedal driving may be used in all regenerative braking modes. Moreover, i-Pedal 3.0 works in Reverse. The vehicle will also remember the previously selected level after it is turned off.
One-pedal driving you activate by pulling and holding the left paddle for a second. The level-three braking is ideal for stop-start motoring. Level 2 is for slowing the vehicle heading into corners while on a winding road. On motorways, level 1 allows gliding after accelerator liftoff while level 0 ensures coasting.
The Smart Regenerative System is new. It engages when the driver holds the right wheel paddle for more than a second. This integrates autonomous driving technology with regenerative braking, slowing automatically for cars ahead, naturally, but also speed bumps, roundabouts, changes in speed limit etc. The system can bring the car to a complete stop.
To improve range in the EV3, a new energy-dense 81.4kWh battery with 400v architecture brings “best in class” range of 600km WLTP. Wind tunnel work ensured a Cd of 0.26.
‘Driving Range Guide’ technology helps optimise range. Driven efficiently, a green gauge on the information cluster fills towards maximum. Driven inefficiently, the gauge turns orange and displays a reduced potential range.
The EV3 is the first vehicle in the world to deploy a simultaneous heat absorption system, enabling it to recycle waste heat to optimise efficiency. The EV’s heat pump technology significantly improves its ability to protect battery performance and charge quickly in cold weather.
The EV3’s battery is also equipped with a liquid cooling system, which is used during charging to optimise battery thermal management and enhance charging speeds. Its charging time from 10 to 80 percent capacity is 31 minutes when hooked up to a 350kW fast charger. The EV3’s Thin HVAC system, gives front-seat passengers an extra 6cm of room in the footwell thanks to the 33 per cent reduction in the unit’s height.
Kia also brings Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging to the compact EV SUV segment. Even while ‘off-grid’, owners can use the EV3 to charge and power appliances such as a laptop, a coffee machine, a fridge or a movie projector.
Kia plans to introduce an all-wheel drive (AWD) variant as well as a GT model, after launching with the front-wheel drive models later this year.
Note: Information relates to overseas model. Local specification to be advised.
