2025 Kia EV3 electric car revealed, due in Australia next year

The 2025 Kia EV3 electric SUV has been unveiled ahead of a South Korean launch from the middle of this year – and Australian deliveries starting next year.

The EV3 is the smallest model to date in Kia's global electric-car range, with dimensions similar to a Kia Seltos or Hyundai Kona Electric, and a choice of standard- or long-range batteries with faster charging than its peers.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, however, Kia CEO Ho-Sung Song told global media it will be priced from the equivalent of $US35,000 to $US50,000 – which converts to between $AU52,500 and $AU75,000.

Australian deliveries are due to commence sometime in 2025, with production to occur in South Korea.

The EV3 is underpinned by a downsized version of the EV6 and EV9's E-GMP electric-car platform, with front-wheel drive, rather than rear-wheel drive – and the battery runs at 400 volts to reduce cost, rather than 800 volts.

At 4300mm long, 1850mm wide and 1560mm tall, on a 2680mm wheelbase, the EV3 has similar dimensions to a Kia Seltos petrol small SUV, and it is about half a metre shorter nose-to-tail than a Kia EV6.

The EV3 is shorter bumper-to-bumper than a Seltos, but has a longer wheelbase – the distance between the front and rear wheels – to maximise interior space.

It's also similar to the Niro hybrid and electric SUV in dimensions. Kia executives told global media the two will co-exist, but the EV3 is predicted to steal sales from the Niro EV.

In overseas markets, the EV3 is available with 58.3kWh 'Standard Range' and 81.4kWh 'Long Range' batteries, offering up to 600km of estimated driving range for the latter, based on European WLTP lab testing.

Both models are powered by a 150kW/283Nm electric motor that drives the front wheels.

Kia claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds – 0.1sec slower than a base-model Kia EV6, and a second behind a Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatch – and a top speed of 170km/h.

Dual-motor all-wheel-drive models are coming – including a GT high-performance version – Kia executives told global media.

The EV3 can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in a claimed 31 minutes, though it does not quote a maximum charging power in kilowatts.

For context, a Kia EV6 with a smaller 77.4kWh battery pack – but a larger, heavier body – is rated with up to 528km of driving range on a single charge, though the soon-to-launch facelifted model promises a longer range from an 84kWh battery.

Kia quotes a drag coefficient of 0.263Cd for the EV3 – compared to 0.28Cd for the EV6 – with driving range aided by a "full 3D" underbody to improve aerodynamics.

Also fitted is a new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking system, which for the first time allows drivers to vary the intensity of the regenerative braking while still in a 'one-pedal' driving mode.

The showroom-bound EV3 is almost a match for the concept unveiled late last year, with boxy proportions, design cues from other new Kia electric vehicles, and rear door handles 'hidden' in the black-finished C-pillar.

The vertically-oriented LED headlights are said to feature a 'Star Map' daytime-running light signature flowing across the Kia line-up, while the tail-lights look similar to the EV9.

A GT-Line styling package is available, with sportier front and rear bumpers, unique alloy wheels, and body-coloured trim on the lower section of the doors.

Nine exterior colours are available, including two designed specifically for the EV3: Terracotta (burnt orange), and Aventurine Green.

Inside, it borrows from the EV9 with a 12.3-inch instrument display and 12.3-inch touchscreen running Kia's latest 'ccNC' software.

The infotainment system offers over-the-air software updates, an artificial intelligence-powered voice assistant, and an app store with downloadable display themes inspired by NBA basketball teams.

While parked to charge, occupants can access a range of in-car arcade games, as well as video streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube.

There are toggle switches on the dashboard for air temperature and fan speed, with the rest of the climate controls on a 5.0-inch panel between the dual 12.3-inch displays.

The EV3's front seats have the same lie-back 'relaxation' mode as larger Kia electric cars, while the centre console includes a slide-out table and storage which can be used for placing laptops while charging.

As with other Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles, the EV3 supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) – with plugs inside and outside the vehicle – to power electrical devices such as laptops or small appliances using the car's battery pack.

Kia claims a 460-litre boot capacity and 25-litre under-bonnet storage area – said to be the largest in its class – with a two-tier boot floor that offers 140mm of "load height flexibility".

Other interior features include ambient lighting, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, satellite navigation, 12-inch colour head-up display, and the ability to unlock and drive the vehicle with your smartphone or smartwatch.

Recycled fabric is used on the dashboard and door trims, and recycled PET plastic features on the seats, headliner, door armrest, floor mats and boot floor. 'Subtle Grey', 'Warm Grey', blue and black interiors will be offered.

Available advanced safety technology includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a highway driving assist semi-autonomous driving system with adaptive cruise control and lane centring.

The 2025 Kia EV3 is due to launch in South Korea in July 2024, ahead of the European market in late 2024, and Australia in 2025.

Kia executives told media the company aims to sell 200,000 EV3s annually which – based on 2023 results – would see it outsell the EV6 two-to-one.