The compact electric SUV may be priced around $32,000.
The electric vehicle industry appears to be calming down after a period of consistent expansion. Nevertheless, Kia’s strong push into the EV market is continuing as planned, with additional models in development. The next release will be the company’s most affordable zero-emission vehicle yet – the EV3. Originally debuted as a concept last November at the Los Angeles Auto Show, it is now nearing its official release.
Fresh photos reveal the finalized electric crossover before its official unveiling on May 23. The bold design with vertical front and rear sections showcasing distinctive lights remains largely unchanged from what was presented last year. It is expected that the EV3 will closely resemble the concept by about 90%, while the final 10% will include larger side mirrors and the incorporation of door handles.
Kia may make some adjustments to the bumpers and provide varied wheels, yet the core of the concept’s design will remain unchanged. In general, the aesthetics are expected to resemble a scaled-down iteration of the upcoming EV5/EV5 GT, which unfortunately won’t be available in the United States.
While these previews emphasize the outside appearance, the Concept EV3 revealed everything in pictures displaying a simple interior with hardly any physical controls present. The upcoming final product probably won’t be as stripped down as this, especially considering that Korean automakers still include traditional buttons and knobs in their newest vehicles (thankfully!).
Even though it will utilize the E-GMP platform from the larger EV6 and EV9, the new model is not expected to have an 800-volt system. Sources suggest it will opt for a 400-volt configuration similar to the EV5. Consequently, rapid charging abilities should not be anticipated. The EV5, which is not available in America, offers a 30 to 80 percent charge in 27 minutes, whereas the EV6 can accomplish 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes.
Ever since Kia unveiled the concept in LA, it would be logical to introduce the EV3 in the United States. When the crossover was first revealed, Min Woo Park, the global product team leader, mentioned to our sister site InsideEVs: “We’re still studying that.” According to a report from Automotive News last month, the model might be priced at approximately $32,000. In order to be eligible for the complete $7,500 incentive, it would need to be manufactured in North America.
According to reports, the EV3 is possibly going to be manufactured at a Kia facility in Monterrey, Mexico, where the upcoming K4 will also be produced. If the vehicle meets the requirements for federal tax credits, this could bring down the initial price to $24,500. Whether or not it is produced domestically, the tax credit will still be accessible for those who lease the EV3.
Source: Kia
