Kia has confirmed plans to introduce new AWD and GT models of its EV3 electric SUV. The EV3 is the first in Kia's range of affordable EVs as it looks to challenge the industry leaders.
It's been almost a year since Kia first pulled the sheets on the EV3 during its first annual EV Day last October.
After opening orders this summer in Korea with prices starting at just $30,700 (KRW 42.08 million), Kia's new electric SUV has racked up more than 10,000 reservations in 23 days. With incentives, Kia says the EV3 can be had for less than $30,000
After the successful launch, Kia's vice president, Jeong Won-Jeong, called the EV3 a “game changer” for the domestic market.
Last month, Kia opened orders for the EV3 in the UK. Starting at $42,300 (£32,995), Kia has called it “the brand's most affordable EV yet.” As in Korea, the EV3 is offered in four models: Air Standard Range, Air Long Range, GT-Line, and GT-Line S.
Based on Hyundai's E-GMP platform with new advanced technology, the EV3 achieves a 372 miles (600 km) WLTP driving range. In Korea, it is limited to a width of up to 311 miles (501 km).
Powered by its fourth-generation battery (81.3 kWh), the EV3 packs about 22% more energy than its Niro EV counterpart.
The Kia EV3 will get AWD and GT variants
Kia confirmed plans to introduce new AWD and GT models on Wednesday, expanding the lineup beyond the current 2WD models.
The news comes after Kia sold more than 4,000 EV3 models last month. Kia's new electric SUV was the highlight in August despite overall sales declines in Korea (-4.1%) and overseas (-1.4%).
Kia is expected to launch the EV3 in the US early next year as it moves to new markets. Ahead of its official debut, the compact electric SUV has already been spotted testing on US roads.
The EV3 is expected to be among the most affordable electric options in the US, with prices around $30,000 to $35,000.
With plans to build the EV3 at its Monterey plant in Mexico by the end of 2024, Kia could use the federal EV tax credit, enabling even lower starting prices.
At 4,300 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,560 mm tall, the EV3 is roughly the same size as the Chevy Bolt EUV (4,306 mm long x 1,770 mm wide x 1,616 mm x tall).
| Kia EV3 configuration | Distance (WLTP) |
Starting Price |
| Air Standard Range | 267 miles | $42,300 (£32,995) |
| Air Long Range | 372 miles | $46,200 (£35,995) |
| The GT-Line | 347 miles | $50,750 (£39,495) |
| GT-Line S | 347 miles | $55,300 (£42,995) |
After its second consecutive month of record-breaking sales in the US, Kia is confident in the brand's direction. The EV3 will join Kia's new EV6 and EV9 lineup as it looks to gain market share in the US.
Kia's latest venture is America's leading EV brand. The company launched a new Tesla Competitive Bonus Program this month, offering up to $1,500 in savings to current Tesla drivers (see details here).