Kia unveils EV3 as their new smallest and most affordable EV

Kia is making its electric vehicles more reachable to a wider customer base with the unveiling of the EV3, its smallest and most affordable EV crossover to date.

The Kia EV3 is the fourth fully-electric vehicle from the Korean automaker, after the EV6 was unveiled in 2021, and the EV9 and EV5 were unveiled in 2023. Like its larger siblings, it rides on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which is also shared with Hyundai and Genesis EVs.

When it comes to design, the EV3 is undoubtedly a Kia, taking some styling cues from the EV9, but in a smaller subcompact package, and still wearing the brand’s Opposites United design language. Vertical elements for the LED headlights and taillights make it instantly recognizable.

Inside, the EV3 features what you’d expect from recent Kia models with its sleek yet simple design. Thanks to its platform, interior room is also abundant and that includes the addition of a sliding center console which allows for even more floor space if needed.

As with recent Kia models, a single panel houses the dual 12.3-inch screens for the driver’s display and infotainment system. There’s also a Harman Kardon premium audio system and LG’s Automotive Content Platform (ACP) for playing games and streaming content while the vehicle is in Park.

The EV3 is also Kia’s first EV to feature their AI Assistant. This allows owners to control various vehicle features via voice command, just like Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant.

Powering the Kia EV3 is a single electric motor paired to either a 58.3 kWh battery (Short Range) or 81.4 kWh battery (Long Range). These combinations produce a total of 204 horsepower and 283 Nm of torque, allowing it to go from 0 to 100 kph in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 170 kph. Driving range figures are not yet complete but the Long Range variant will be able to go up to around 600 km on a single charge.

In addition, the EV3 is also the first Kia to feature the brand’s iPedal 3.0 regenerative braking system which allows the driver to set their regenerative braking level preference and allows for one pedal driving, further maximizing efficiency and driving range, and reducing driver fatigue.

The Kia EV3 is set to begin sales in the brand’s home market of South Korea by July this year. European markets will follow by the last quarter of the year, with the Asia-Pacific region, hopefully including the Philippines, getting it next year. 

Do you think the Kia EV3 will do well if launched in the Philippines?