Kia EV3: Compact Disruptor

Kia remains fully on the throttle: The EV3 is set to launch in Germany as early as 2024 and will be expanded with additional versions by 2026. What's great is that the production model of the EV3 shows hardly any changes compared to the concept vehicle Concept EV3, which was presented in October 2023. This strategy follows a trend that Kia has already pursued with other models such as the EV9, where the concept vehicles closely resembled the later (futuristic) production models. According to Kia, the drag coefficient is 0.267. Since it is a compact SUV, Kia utilizes active air flaps and a 3D underbody cover that seals 80 percent of the surface and is intended to smooth the airflow under the vehicle.

It aims right at the compact segment

The EV3 measures 4.30 meters in length, 1.85 meters in width, and 1.56 meters in height, offering a wheelbase of 2.68 meters, identical to that of the larger combustion model Sportage. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the interior space is said to be generous, with ample head and legroom as well as a cargo volume of 460 to 1,200 liters. There is also a 25-liter frunk. Kia has clear direct competition in sight: VW ID.3, Cupra Born, MG4, Renault E-Megane, Volvo EX30, and Smart#1.

At market launch, the EV3 will be offered with a 150 kW front motor, similar to the drive layout used in the EV5. There are two battery options: the standard version with a 58.3 kWh battery and the long-range version with a generous 81.4 kWh battery for this class, which is expected to provide a range of up to 600 kilometers.

A question of cost: 400 instead of 800 volts

Since the 800-volt technology is expensive, the EV3 is based on the 400-volt version of the E-GMP platform. Therefore, the EV3 does not deliver high charging capacities beyond 200 kW. Specifically, Kia states that the base model can reach up to 102 kW, while the 81.4-kWh battery can reach up to 128 kW – in both cases, the charging process from ten to 80 percent is said to take 31 minutes according to Kia. For AC charging, an 11-kW onboard charger is installed, which also supports the "Vehicle-to-Load" function known from other models to power external devices with current from the drive battery. Additionally, the EV3 is pre-equipped for bidirectional charging: The installed technology also fundamentally supports Vehicle-to-Grid or Vehicle-to-Home. When and to what extent these features will be offered in Germany remains to be seen, but it is possible.

Better route planning, V2G capability already on board

There is also battery preconditioning, either automatically during route planning or manually. Kia claims to have improved the route planning system. It is supposed to offer better response times, calculate charging processes with a dynamically selectable charge level, and also take into account the desired charge level at the destination. Plug&Charge is intended to simplify the start of charging processes with automated authorization and billing. In combination with the long-range model's high range and low consumption, a 580-kilometer journey from Frankfurt to Paris should be possible with just one charging stop.