Small Car, Big Features: 2024 Kia EV3 revealed with 600 km range
2024 Kia EV3 combines EV9 features with compact size
Kia wants to make electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable yet packed with features for the 21st-century buyer. While costs and packaging may still be an issue for some EVs, Kia was able to make it work for their latest compact crossover EV.
This is the 2025 Kia EV3 and it's the brand's smallest all-electric vehicle to date. But don't think that this crossover is small in features, quite the opposite. Despite measuring only 4300mm long, 1850mm wide, and 1560mm tall, this tiny electric SUV is packed with features (and styling cues) derived from the flagship EV9.
Like its bigger sibling, the EV3 is underpinned by the brand's scalable E-GMP platform. It features a 400V architecture with an 81.4 kWh nickel-cadmium battery from LG Energy Solutions. On a full charge, Kia claims the EV3 can cover up to 600 km and supports DC fast charging that can fully recharge the EV3 from 20% to 80% in only 31 minutes. There's also a lesser variant fitted with a smaller 58.3 kWh battery pack although its range wasn't revealed.
The driving force of the EV3 is a single electric motor that delivers 204 PS with 283 Nm of torque to the front wheels. While it's not exactly built for performance, Kia says the EV3 can sprint from 0 – 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds which is still impressive for an electric crossover. It also has a top speed of 170 km/h. Should you need to power up a campsite or worksite, the EV3 also comes with V2L (vehicle-to-load).
Style-wise, the EV3 looks like a pint-sized version of the EV9. From its distinct front end to the sleek rear fascia, Kia's designers made sure the EV3 is stylish, eye-catching, and chic. Its bold looks deliver a dynamic appearance that is highlighted by the vertical LED headlights and the more robust-looking Tiger Face design.
Around the back, the EV3's geometric LED taillights and thick black trim give the electric crossover a one-of-a-kind appearance that looks straight out of Cyberpunk 2077. Last but not least, the distinct alloy wheels, floating roofline, and squared wheel arches provide a rugged yet futuristic look for Kia's new compact EV.
Hop inside and a plethora of features and amenities will greet you. What it lacks in size it makes up for in cutting-edge tech. From a 12-inch heads-up display to a 30-inch widescreen monitor that consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen and another 12.3-inch display for the instrument panel, there are plenty of screens inside the EV3.
There's also an AI-powered intelligent system that can be voice-activated called Kia Assistant. This system works much like Apple's Siri or Google Assistant which can help drivers in navigating or finding the nearest charging station should they need it. In addition, Kia Assistant can also help drivers look for nearby cafes, restaurants, and other points of interest.
Also worthy of mention is the unique center console that incorporates a sliding table and storage area. The lower section can store items such as drinks, snacks, and even small bags. Meanwhile, the top portion can hold laptops or even tablets when the vehicle is stationary.
Need more space to load your items? The EV3 can carry up to 460 liters worth of cargo in the back while the frunk is rated to hold 25 liters worth of luggage. Audiophiles will also be glad to know the EV3 is available with a Harman Kardon sound system.
Excited about the EV3? Kia says that it will first be launched in Korea in July 2024 and will arrive in Asian markets early next year. With Kia Philippines already confirming the arrival of the EV5 later this year, perhaps we might see the EV3 make its way here in 2025.
