Kia: First details about the EV3

Kia remains fully electric. Contrary to expectations, the EV9 will not be followed by the EV5, which was also already showcased in Beijing, but rather by the EV3. And that is likely to be a hit as well, as it takes cues from the EV9 and shows distinctiveness and identity – without being overpriced. After all, Kia already excels in quality and warranty. Additionally, Kia utilizes the large E-GMP platform from the Hyundai Motor Group, but likely here only with 400V instead of 800V to save costs, as with the EV5. Interestingly, the EV3 is also expected to be built in Gwangmyeong, South Korea.

Technical data – also for comparison with the EV5 and Niro EV – is still being withheld by Kia, but we expect battery sizes ranging from 58 to 64 kWh. It is also unclear how Kia will stagger the performance levels – and how far they plan to go above and below the usual 160 kW.

Much anticipation surrounds the future of the Niro, which also exists as HEV and PHEV. The electric variant might be discontinued or remain only as a budget-friendly base. The EV3 could be packaged more tightly by Kia, offering more interior space with the same (or even less) exterior length. Since even the EV3 might be too large for some customers, Kia has already hinted at an EV2, which could be among the six planned electric models by 2026. This includes two additional regional electric models, one of which is an affordable Carens EV for India. EV2, EV3, EV4, and EV5 are set to be sold in "important markets" which, according to Kia, include the USA, Europe, and South Korea.

One thing is certain: the EV3 will be a cornerstone in the portfolio, even as Kia plans not to scale further up but to maintain its current trajectory, meaning 15 BEV models by 2023 with an annual sales target of 1.6 million pure electric vehicles. Across all drive types, Kia aims for 4.3 million units by 2030, implying a 37.2 percent share of electric vehicles.