Kia unveils EV3 for the masses, confirms U.S. release in 2025

Kia debuted its smallest and most affordable EV yet, the EV3, on Thursday as the company strives to convert fence-sitters to the electric side.

Kia unveiled the EV3 compact SUV on Thursday, the brand's smallest and most affordable EV yet in its all-electric range.

With a focus on affordability and mass appeal, the EV3 is Kia’s third all-electric vehicle developed with its E-GMP EV-dedicated platform after the EV6 and EV9.

Befitting of its nickname — the "baby EV9" — its front fascia looks similar to its big brother with a tall and boxy body and vertical headlamps. The unique V-shaped headlight and slightly softer look may help differentiate it.

Kia unveils the EV3 compact SUV, its third all-electric vehicle developed with its E-GMP EV-dedicated platform after the EV6 and EV9. [SARAH CHEA]

The EV3 is Kia's third all-electric vehicle after the EV6 and EV9. [KIA]

The EV3 is available in two different versions: a long-range version powered by an 81.4 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a standard version with 58.3 kilowatt-hours of battery.

The long-range version can travel up to 501 kilometers (311 miles) per charge, but it could go up to more than 600 kilometers based on the WLTP range test, Kia said. The standard version can run up to 350 kilometers.

"We tried to maximize the range based on our judgment that consumers expect at least 450 kilometers to 500 kilometers when they consider buying EVs," Kia CEO Song Ho-sung said during an online press conference Tuesday.

"The EV3 addresses common concerns about electric vehicles. It will reassure those who may have been hesitant to make the switch to electric mobility and will lead to the mass adoption of EVs."

Kia's EV3 compact SUV was developed with its E-GMP EV-dedicated platform. [SARAH CHEA]

The V-shaped headlight is unique to the EV3. [SARAH CHEA]

As an EV3-exclusive feature, it comes with a sliding table incorporated in the center console which can be extended to 120 millimeters (seven inches). The lower compartment can store drinks, snacks and even small backpacks, while personal electronic items — such as laptops and tablets — can be placed on the table when the vehicle is stationary, Kia explained.

Total trunk capacity comes in at 460 cubic liters (16 cubic feet) with a 25-liter "frunk," a trunk in the front of a car.

The EV3 can travel up to 501 kilometers (311 miles) per charge based on Korea's certification standards. [SARAH CHEA]

Total trunk capacity comes in at 460 cubic liters (16 cubic feet) with a 25-liter ″frunk,″ a trunk in the front of a car. [SARAH CHEA]

Both models can do zero to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) in 7.5 seconds, with a maximum speed of 170 kilometers per hour.

It needs 31 minutes to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent using an ultra-fast charger.

The starting price of the EV3 will be at some $35,000, Song hinted, though the details about the price will be announced in June.

Sales will start in July in Korea, and in Europe in the fourth quarter. U.S. customers will have to wait until 2025.

Kia aims to sell 200,000 EV3s globally, with a goal of 25,000 sales in Korea.

Kia's EV3 compact SUV, its third all-electric vehicle developed with its E-GMP EV-dedicated platform after the EV6 and EV9. [SARAH CHEA]

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]