SPY PICS: 2025 Kia EV3 spotted in Sweden
Winter testing gets underway for the small electric SUV that will easily become one of Kia’s best-selling EVsThe 2025 Kia EV3 has been spotted undergoing development testing again – this time in Sweden – confirming the all-new compact electric SUV is indeed headed for production as one of the 15 new Kia EVs set to be offered globally by 2027.
The shroud of thick camouflage reveals little more than when we last saw a prototype (September 2023), but Kia showed a concept version of the EV3 in October and, if the bigger EV5 is any guide, it will be very close to the final production design.
Indeed, the alloy wheels the Swedish prototype is rolling on are a clear evolution of the concept car’s square rim design.
Primed to become the second dedicated Kia EV not underpinned by the Korean car-maker’s lauded 800V e-GMP architecture, the Stonic-sized EV3 will ride on a unique 400V platform likely derived from that of the EV5.
It should also follow its larger sibling’s lead by incorporating lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology in the name of cost and charging efficiency.
Single- and dual-motor versions are expected to be offered in all major markets, however, it’s likely the latter configuration will be reserved for the higher-end variants.
That’s consistent with the current Kia Seltos, which only offers all-wheel drive in tandem with the punchier 1.6-litre turbo-petrol powertrain and the Sport+ and GT-Line trims.
The production-spec Kia EV3 will make its global debut later this year and, when it comes to market sometime in 2025 (followed by the closely-related EV4 sedan), it will set a new pricing benchmark for affordable Kia EVs.
Related: Kia to launch 15 new EVs by 2027
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