Kia Reveals the New EV3
The Kia Corp has been pretty busy expanding its all-electric lineup, starting with the Kia EV6 in 2022, followed by the Kia EV9 in 2023, and several other battery-electric vehicle (BEV) concepts that have come to light. These include the Kia EV5, Kia EV8, and the Kia EV4, and Kia EV3. Today, Kia gives us an in-depth look at the EV3. A new compact SUV that’s designed to be dynamic, it’s simplistic while being adventurous. Made to be a BEV that can match the range and space of an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, the EV3 is the new flagship vehicle of the lineup that’s made for every type of consumer.
Power and Engineering
Starting from the ground up, the EV3 is still built on the popular Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that is set to be the groundwork for many BEVs, with a new design on the horizon. A new 3D undercovering has been placed all around the body to improve its aerodynamics, and with an EV3 GT-Line planned, we’re sure it will come in handy. Powered by an 81.4 kwH battery (for the long-range model), the EV has a Best-in-Class all-electric range (AER) of 350 miles, with the premier video showing a max of 500 miles being possible. It’s so powerful, the EV3 can even act as a mobile energy source with in-vehicle and outdoor vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology to redirect the power to appliances – even something as large as an outdoor grill for a nice picnic wherever consumers end up.
Able to charge in 31 mins from 10-80 percent, there are even more possibilities to recharge the battery with the i-Pedal 3.0. Consumers can tinker with this to manage the regenerative braking of the EV3. It’s said to come with one pedal, but the premier video shows two. It’s a good thing, because we’re not sure if the world is ready for one pedal when some drivers still confuse the acceleration and brake.
Design
A compact SUV, the EV3 starts off with the classic look of BEVs past with vertical headlights in the front fascia that highlight the new “Tiger Face” and taillights that curve around the rear. There’s no need for a grille with no engine, giving a much smoother appearance to the front of the vehicle. Designed with a bold structure with strong lines and a powerful stance. The profile of the BEV comes with asymmetrical wheel arches, a full boot profile, and boxy fender flares to add to the strong look of it all.
A new wheel design has been introduced to emulate the “Opposites United” design philosophy, and the EV3 rides on 19-inch wheels. Kia designed the EV3 to evoke an emotional response by sight alone. The sloping roofline and hatch-style rear glass give it a simple look while making drivers want to hop in and go.
Inside the EV3, this compact SUV seats five, but has much more space than expected from the outside. Boasting the Best-in-Class cargo volume, the EV3 offers people and personal items plenty of space. With no engine up front, the EV3 has a frunk (front trunk), and comes with many convenient storage solutions. Keeping up with sustainability, the EV3 uses sustainable materials everywhere it can, like the seating trim that feels like warm wool for comfort when sitting in the ergonomically-designed chairs.
The stylish interior comes with orange accents and areas to make the interior pop, and a retractable divider/armrest can slide in and out in the front. Inside, the entire dashboard is a floating console, complete with a floating steering wheel. There’s even more to love with the new tech features.
Tech
As soon as consumers enter, they’ll notice the center console features a 30-inch widescreen display. Powered by Kia Connect, consumers have access to streaming services and apps. Aside from ambient mood lighting for a little personalization, Kia finally offers consumers more choices with the Kia Connect Store. Consumers can choose apps and themes to download to fully customize the feel and look of the interior cabin. Truly connecting home, phone, and car, Kia gives consumers the chance to bring their digital or personal life on the road. The premier video shows an NBA display theme, most likely in honor of the partnership Kia has with the NBA.
That’s not all. Able to access streaming services and apps, consumers can turn the cabin into a small cinema or lounge with a relaxation seat that leans and moves back. What a perfect way to kill some time while charging with a streaming of favorite shows, movies, and even YouTube clips. Enjoy all the audio and shows with the classic Harman Kardon premium sound system found in Kia models. Consumers can also keep cool with the horizontal air vent just under the floating widescreen display.
Going even further, the Kia EV3 comes with the new and innovative Kia AI assistant. The Kia AI operates via voice command like a smart speaker and other digital assistants, able to provide information, assistance, and perform various tasks (like changing the cabin temperature). A great example, is the Kia AI can provide recommendations to consumers like restaurants or cafes or other points of interest (POI) and then navigate to those locations. The Kia AI can also recommend things to do on the weekend, music depending on taste. Designed to evolve over time, the Kia AI will receive over-the-air (OTA) software updates to keep the software running with the latest features.
Safety
Kia always has a mind for safety. We didn’t see a whole lot, but there is a new available 12-inch windshield HUD that can display data like speed limits and will also alert drivers to nearby vehicles or hazards coming up on the road. Highway driving assist 2 makes the journey on the road a little easier, able to help with automatic lane changes, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle detected ahead, and staying between the detected lane markers on certain highways. There’s also a blind-spot view monitor for easy detection of cars in other lanes.
To top it all off, talk about security. No need for a key or key fob, the EV3 will open up with a flash of the consumer’s smartphone. Now that’s a way to make a car feel personal.
Wow, what a BEV. We can’t wait for the EV3 to become available in America. What’s more, we saw plenty of other concepts in the premier video. One of them even looked like a sports car, maybe the EV8? Here’s hoping. Learn more about the EV3 and other Kia BEVs when you follow us on Miami Lakes Automall social media.
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