Kia EV3: the compact electric that promises to conquer the market
In recent years, KIA has emerged as one of the protagonists in the sector of electric cars, standing out for its innovation, design and quality. With a view to strengthening and expanding this position, the South Korean brand is ready to launch new models that promise to revolutionize the market. Among them, the KIA EV3 It is emerging as a proposal with a lot of potential.
The EV3 promises to be a competitor to take into account in the compact electric segment. With an estimated price from 35,000 eurosis positioned as an alternative to the Volvo EX30 and the electric version of the Alfa Romeo Junior.
Designed to be the successor to the Kia e-Niro, the EV3 shares similar dimensions with this previous model, but incorporates the latest technologies and improvements in efficiency and performance.
With the debut of the EV3, Kia is not only introducing a new model, it is also sending a clear message to the market: the electric revolution continues, and Kia is at the forefront of this change.
This is the new KIA EV3
The Kia EV3 will be based on a more affordable, lower voltage version of the E-GMP platform of Hyundai-Kia, operating at 400 volts instead of 800 V used in the most advanced models such as the EV6 and EV9.
The final model looks very similar to the prototype seen previously, although it will lose the reverse-hinged rear doors and adopt a more conventional interior. It has a tall and robust SUV-style body, closer to the EV9 than the sportier EV6.
The front of the EV3 is reminiscent of the EV9, but is distinguished by its unique V-shaped headlights. The prominent wedge-shaped fenders give it a sportier look than the e-Niro. The production taillights follow the shape of the C-pillar, similar to Volvo’s SUVs or the Honda CR-V, but with an additional horizontal element on the tailgate.
The EV3 has a body of 4,300 mm long1,850 mm wide and 1,560 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm, with a 460 liter trunkwhich are added to the 25 liters of the front trunk.
Compared to other Kia products, the EV3 is 105mm longer than the e-Soul and 120mm shorter than the e-Niro. This places it at the heart of the B-SUV segment compared to models such as the Peugeot E-2008 (4,304 mm) or the Volvo EX30 (4,233 mm).
The Kia EV3 concept features rear seats that raise to accommodate bulkier items, such as a bicycle, similar to the Magic Seats that Honda offered in many of its cars. We don’t know if Kia will implement this feature on the production model, but it would certainly give it an advantage over its rivals, as small crossover buyers would appreciate such a feature.
The dashboard will maintain the minimalist look of the concept with a 30-inch widescreen like the one on the EV9. It may also have more traditional climate vents instead of the concept’s sleek jets. The infotainment system is expected to be an improvement over what Kia currently offers, supporting remote updates and on-demand feature services.
As expected, it will have different driving aids, with a Level 2 system which controls the distance to other vehicles and keeps the car within its lane.
KIA EV3: features
For now, the EV3 will have a single motor version of 150 kW (204 HP) and 283 Nm of torque. According to Kia, the EV3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 170 km/h.
It will have a battery of 58.3 kWh for the access version, they provide you 410 km of approved autonomywhile the one with the greatest capacity reaches 81.4 kWhwhich allow you to enjoy a autonomy of 600kmthus surpassing the Volvo EX30, whose highest capacity version reaches 475 km.
According to KIA, the EV3 is capable of touring 560 km in real conditionsor cover the distance between Paris and Geneva with a full charge.
Among the factors that may influence these figures is a regenerative braking system, i-Pedal 3.0which allows the driver to adapt the recovery power manually, to get the most out of braking and increase efficiency.
In both versions, the EV3 will be able to charge in alternating current at 11 kW, and can optionally mount a 22 kW system. An alternative that will still have to wait to be available.
Fast charging reaches 102 kW in the 58 kWh version, and 128 kW in the Long Range, which will mean a charging time from 10 to 80% in 31 minutes. In addition, it includes bidirectional charging in V2L, V2H and V2G.
The intake is located in what for many is the worst position, the right front wing of the vehicle. Something that requires you to go around the car, and get it as close as possible to avoid problems with stations with short cables.
Later we will see the arrival of versions with two motors, mainly associated with the larger capacity battery, which will result in a more powerful system with four-wheel drive, yes, with a higher price and less autonomy.
The EV3 will be introduced first in Korea, in July 2024, followed by its launch in Europe in the second half of the year. Kia plans to continue expanding the marketing of the EV3 to other regions, with launches after entering the European market.
Source | KIA
