Kia, a Korean automotive brand celebrated its inaugural EV day last week, where the brand revealed its future goals in the field of electrification and also unveiled two concept models KIA EV3 and KIA EV4, and a production-ready model KIA EV5. Kia has already established its strong foothold in the electric market with the launch of Kia EV6 and Kia EV9. Now the brand aims to increase its EV lineup to a global level with more popular electric vehicle models. Among the three models showcased at the event, the concept model Kia EV3 is gaining a lot of attraction among the people.
The concept EV3 represents the brand’s vision for an electric compact CUV [Crossover Utility Vehicle] that efficiently merges practicality with the pure joy of driving. Kia EV3 looks quite similar in its appearance to Kia’s flagship SUV, the Kia EV9, and it said that it may offer the same technology, practicality, and design as the Kia EV9.
As per some sources, it is assumed that the KIA EV9 is considered to be closely related or similar to the Kia Seltos, a high-volume selling model in India. Kia had previously announced its plans to introduce an extensively localized electric vehicle in India by 2025, which will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Anantapur. There is a strong expectation that this upcoming model might draw inspiration from the EV3 concept.
Now, let’s have a look at some of the important expected key features and specifications of Concept Kia EV3.
DESIGN AND LOOKS
The Kia EV3 concept borrows its style from the EV9 and EV5 models. This compact electric SUV has a sharp look with straight lines and keeps the boxy shape the same as seen in compact SUVs, which makes it stand out from the rest. Kia aims to give a similar experience to the KIA EV3 as received with the KIA EV9.
Key features of the EV3 include a closed-off front grille, a noticeable front bumper, sleek LED headlights, and daytime running lights. The sides look sturdy with squared wheel openings and thick body panels. It comes with fancy alloy wheels and small side mirrors. The roof slants down, and there’s a horizontal glass section in the C-pillar, making the roof look like it’s floating.
INTERIOR
Inside the EV3 concept, the cabin is simple and clean, with hardly any physical buttons on the dashboard. Kia has kept the two-screen setup from their current models, including a digital display behind the steering wheel and a touchscreen for infotainment. It also has a floating armrest and lots of storage space in the middle console. In combination with the movement of the seats, the tables support four customer experience-enhancing modes – Focus, Social, Refreshing, and Storage.
The entire interior has a pleasing green color with beige accents. In the back seats, you’ll notice a slightly elevated floor, a foldable middle armrest, and room for two passengers. Kia has opted for a natural aesthetic inside the vehicle, with color choices and fabrics inspired by the outdoors. When creating the interior of the Kia Concept EV3, Kia’s CMF (Color, Materials, Finish) design team took inspiration from the element of Air with optimum use of light and transparency throughout the cabin. Kia team has used natural materials in interior of the car as opposed to fiber and carbon materials to deliver a lightweight, slimmer seat design.
Kia designers have opted for Mycelium material [a root like structure of a fungus] which comes from mushroom roots, and which combines expectational strength with an extremely strong surface. Developing grown materials, a process referred to as bio fabrication, is a major goal for Kia. The interior can transform, with reclining and rotating chairs, mini tables with adjustable positions and a folding rear bench to provide extra luggage space.
In the first half of 2024, Kia aims to release its app called ‘KIA APP’ which will help all the customers with all the comprehensive and hassle free experience, i,e from vehicle research to test drive to contract finalization. Generative AI technology will debut in the 2024 EV3 model, with subsequent integration into the EV4 and EV5, and continuous advancements via over-the-air updates.
BATTERY, RANGE AND ENGINES
Kia has not disclosed anything regarding the battery, range, or powertrain of Kia EV3 but, it is expected to feature a battery with a capacity ranging between 50-70 kWh with both single and dual-motor setups, with power outputs expected to range from 200 bhp to 300 bhp. We expect Kia EV3 to offer V2L and V2V functionalities and DC fast charging capabilities of up to 175 kW.
EXPECTED PRICING
Kia aims to introduce smaller EVs like EV5, EV3, and EV4, with prices ranging from $35,000 to $50,000, to accelerate the widespread adoption of EVs. In the emerging markets with slower EV adoption rates, the initial launch will focus on the EV6 and EV9, with subsequent releases of strategic models including the EV5, EV4, and EV3.
CONCLUSION
The Concept Electric car KIA EV3, looks pretty impressive in terms of its design and features, based on whatever information we have received from the sources till now. But, it will be interesting to know the actual details of the car once it is production ready and launch ready. Kia says that Efforts are underway to establish a reliable system for EV production and battery supply, with the brand’s goal of expanding its global EV production facilities to a total of eight by 2025. We surely are excited to know further announcements from Kia. Till then, please stay tuned because we will keep updating this article as we receive fresh updates regarding the Concept car KIA EV3.
Read More: Kia EV5, EV4 and EV3 three EVs unveiled