Kia EV3 concept makes debut

The Kia EV3 is set to introduce a new electric car price-leader to the Korean brand’s fast-growing EV line-up.

Shown at Kia’s 2023 EV day as part of a trio of EV newcomers (the others being the EV4 and EV5), the EV3 is a compact SUV that channels the design ethos of the EV9 and recently-unveiled EV5.

In concept guise the EV3 boasts rear-hinged back doors, retracting door-handles and a bold body shape.

Given Kia’s recent history with staying true to its concept designs, we’d expect the basic shape and bold stance to remain in production.

But executives confirmed the rear-hinged back doors will be replaced by more conventional openings in the quest for production efficiency.

While there’s plenty of tradition in the upright SUV stance, Kia has maximised cabin space by pushing the windscreen forward. Combined with a dedicated EV platform, it ensures there’s decent occupant space as well as a ‘frunk’ to add storage up front.

The back seats can also be folded up to make for a large load space ready for bikes, e-scooters or pot plants.

While Kia is yet to outline the specifics of the electrical system, executives at the brand’s EV day gave us some additional information on the vehicle.

The Concept EV3 sits on a version of the E-GMP architecture used across various Genesis, Hyundai and Kia models.

However, rather than using the 800V electrical system we’ve seen until now it will employ the 400V system used on the soon-to-arrive EV5.

While that means slower charging, the EV5’s claimed 27-minute charge time from 30 to 80 per cent and the apparent under-body similarities between the two suggests the EV3 will be competitive with key rivals including the BYD Atto 3 and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Also like the EV5, the EV3 production car will place its drive emphasis on the front wheels rather than the rears (as with the EV6 and EV9).

Single-motor two-wheel drive variants will drive the front wheels, while dual-motor models will bring the rear wheels into play.

“We are targeting mainstream buyers,” said Spencer Cho.

“Not all customers want to have the rear-wheel drive models. They are much more familiar with the front-wheel drive functionalities and practicalities.”

Pricing is yet to be announced, but Kia has nominated a $US35,000 kick off, which translates to something like $50,000 in Australia.

The EV3 will begin production at Kia’s Slovakian factory and is likely to be manufactured in at least one other plant as well, although it’s unclear which one.

Sourcing a vehicle from Europe creates challenges for Kia locally because they currently attract a five per cent import tariff – something that doesn’t apply to countries with which Australia has a free trade agreement (such as Korea and China).

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