Kia is doubling down on its battery-powered efforts. One of its most important upcoming models is the EV3, a compact crossover previewed by a concept earlier this year. And we can now show you the production Kia EV3 in an independent rendering integrating the said show car and spy footage of test vehicles.
The carmaker held the world premiere of the EV3 compact crossover (and EV4 midsize electric sedan) at the Kia EV Day in South Korea, on October 12. Earlier this month, the concepts made their North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. And since the EV3 and EV4 are expected to enter production next year, with pricing starting in the $30,000 range for the US, they’re a hot topic right now when the market needs affordable electric vehicles.
Kia’s EV range in the US
Kia’s current American electric range includes the Niro EV ($36,000 MSRP) and EV6, which is due for a facelift soon ($42,600 MSRP), both compact crossovers, but the expansion plans are extensive. The company is already taking orders for the three-row, seven-seater EV9 premium electric SUV ($54,900 MSRP), whose design feature will trickle down into the EV3 and EV4.
The EV9 is built in West Point, Georgia, which means it’s eligible for the government tax rebate, so you can expect the EV3 and EV4 to also be built here. The South Korean automaker also showcased the EV5 SUV concept earlier this year, but this may or may not join the EV3 and EV4 on the US market.
The production Kia EV3 will look a lot like the concept
With the EV3 borrowing most of its styling from the larger EV9 as stated and a prototype of the former having been spotted in South Korea earlier this month, it’s safe to say the production EV3 will mostly resemble the concept.
Cue the production EV3 renderings we have here, which showcase the compact electric crossover with showroom-ready star map lightning and vertical LED headlamps. In addition, the vehicle gets regular door handles, along with larger door mirrors that provide the visibility required for everyday trafficโpixel tip to NYMAMMOTH Design for the renderings.
Kia EV3 specs
Seeing the EV3 prototype in traffic reveals the compact footprint of the electric crossover. Expect this to be shorter than the Niro EV, which sits at 4,420 mm (174.0 in).
The EV3 will ride on Hyundai-Kia’s E-GMP platform which already serves the EV6 and EV9. This means you can expect two battery sizes: 58 kWh and 77.4 kWh, with a maximum range of 300 miles. In addition, customers will get to choose between a single-motor (RWD) and a dual-motor (AWD) setup.
As for the interior, this also borrows plenty of elements from the EV9. We’re looking an an oval-shaped steering wheel, a floating center console, a super-sized dual-screen on the dash, and the kind of minimalist design we’ve come to associate with electric vehicle cabins. The folding bench-type rear seat of the concept will be maintained for the final version.
The Kia EV3 should enter production by the end of next year, coming to the US as a 2025 model. In the meantime, you can check out a prototype in the Instagram clip below, courtesy of creator Shorts Car.