Kia has revealed the next step in its electric car range: the 2025 Kia EV3, which will sit in the range as the company’s smallest global electric SUV offering. Sitting underneath the EV5, EV6 and EV9 SUVs, the EV3 still uses the same ‘E-GMP’ platform as its larger siblings but despite being smaller – it’s just smaller than the company’s petrol Seltos – still offers a healthy range of up to 600km on the WLTP cycle. Kia Australia has confirmed that the EV3 will launch here sometime in 2025.
“By providing groundbreaking design, an industry-leading electric drivetrain, and practical, innovative lifestyle solutions, the EV3 aims to extend Kia’s exceptional EV SUV experience to a wider audience.” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia.
“With a WLTP driving range of up to 600km and fast-charging capability, the EV3 addresses common concerns about electric vehicles. It will reassure those who may have been hesitant to make the switch to electric mobility and will lead the mass adoption of EVs.”
Dimensionally, the 2025 Kia EV3 is similar to the current Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona, which means that when it launches here, it will be one of the smaller electric SUVs on the market. It measures in at 4,300mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,560mm tall with a 2,680mm long wheelbase. Interestingly, the EV3 is shorter overall than the Seltos, but the wheelbase is longer to reportedly maximise interior space.
Globally, both a standard or long range battery with DC fast charging being available, though Kia is yet to confirm peak charging speeds, instead confirming that it can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 31 minutes. The EV3 uses the same E-GMP platform as its siblings, though it uses a cheaper 400V architecture to lessen costs compared to the EV6 and EV9’s 800V version. The EV3 will be front-wheel drive initially with dual-motor all-wheel drive variants arriving afterwards.
Overseas the 2025 Kia EV3 will be offered with a 58.3kWh ‘Standard Range’ battery or an 81.4kWh ‘Long Range’ battery, with the latter offering up to 600km of driving range based on the stricter WLTP testing. Both battery options are matched to a 150kW/283Nm electric motor driving the front wheels. Kia claims that the EV3 will hit 100km/h in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 170km/h.
On the wish list is a Kia EV3 GT, which the brand told media is coming soon. Expect more power and sportier styling, but little else is known about it. Nine exterior colours will be available on the EV3, including two designed specifically for the EV3: ‘Terracotta’ (orange), and ‘Aventurine Green’.
Using Kia’s new ‘Opposites United’ design theme, the EV3 takes elements from cars like the EV9 and applies them to a smaller package, like the daytime running light signature and the vertical tail lights. On the inside, the dashboard layout is also similar to the EV9 with big screens, an open centre console for more storage and horizontal design elements to make it feel wider.
Recycled fabric is applied to the dashboard and door trims to create an intimate and home-like ambience. As with the EV9, there are also two 12.3-inch screens (one is a digital driver’s display and one a touchscreen for the infotainment system) as well as a 5-inch screen for the climate control settings.
Eventually, Kia says that an over-the-air update will add Youtube and Netflix for drivers to entertain themselves while waiting for their EV3 to charge. Other features available on the EV3 will include ‘relaxation’ front seats that recline fully for drivers to relax while charging, a sliding centre console ‘table’, heated and ventilated seats, a 12-inch head-up display, a Harman Kardon sound system, a sunroof and a range of active safety systems, including active lane guidance for semi-autonomous highway driving.
Optional will be a GT-Line styling package, which makes the EV3 look sportier with a different alloy wheel design, body-coloured trim on the lower section of the car and more aggressive bumpers. On the inside, the GT-Line gains a different steering wheel.
The 2025 Kia EV3 will go on sale in Australia in 2025, with local pricing and specifications to be confirmed before then. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
Leave a Reply