Kia is expanding its range of electric car models, with the sleek EV6 leading the pack. Following suit is the spacious EV9 three-row SUV. The latest addition to the family is the Kia EV3, a compact and affordable option that bears a striking resemblance to its larger sibling but with its unique features. The EV3 looks a lot like the EV9 at first glance, with its boxy wheel arches, high front end, floating C-pillar, and strange headlights. But it is often less aggressive and a bit larger than the EV9. It’s a good thing that it looks like the love child of the Volvo EX30 and EV9. The EV3’s Starfield-inspired exterior shows that Kia is interested in future design. Because the insides of the EV3 and EV9 are so similar, we hope you’re okay with hearing us compare them. The two screens, cantilevered center console, and overall design are all clearly based on the company’s biggest electric car (EV), even though the dashboard and door panels are simpler. The two-spoke steering wheel is also a little different; the bottom part of it swoops forward, giving it a stupid, dead smile. The three-spoke wheels are very different from the ones on the EV9, but other than that, the car is mostly the same, which is a good thing. Under the surface is the E-GMP chassis, which Hyundai fans will know. Between the two bases is one of two battery packs, each with a capacity of 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh. The Kia EV3 has a single electric motor that makes 201 horsepower and 208 lb-ft of torque, no matter which battery you choose. Kia says that the EV3 can go up to 372 miles on a single charge and can reach 60 mph in 7.5 seconds based on WLTP tests. WLTP estimates that the fuel economy is often too high, so 300 miles is a better choice. Since most people need an EV3 to race at stoplights, range and usability are more important. The Kia EV3 has less than a cubic foot of space under the trunk and 16 cubic feet of space in the back for cargo. In addition, there is some very cool technology in the cabin. Hyundai’s I-Pedal 3.0 technology helps the driver decide how much regenerative braking to use. It is one of the company’s many cutting-edge driverless safety features. Recent sales of Kia’s all-electric cars have ruled the market, and the EV3 shows that this will continue. The company made its best model, the EV9, smaller and added features that its rivals didn’t have. When it comes out in July, the EV3 will first be sold in Korea. After that, the name will spread to Europe and North America. The EV6 starts at $43,975, which includes delivery. The EV3 will almost certainly be less expensive than both of its brothers. Information about prices has yet to be made public.
