New from Kia: the EV3 (Photo: © Kia)
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Electromobility for trades and SMEs - Special Topics
December 2024
The Kia EV3 looks like an over-washed EV9. This "shrunken" version proves to be the perfect family electric car.
How big can a car be to transport a family of five? With electric vehicles, it seemed to be simply a matter of budget. Now, the tide is turning, and Kia is among the pioneers offering an affordable SUV for families . The EV3 is now on the road – and has already garnered prestigious awards like the Golden Steering Wheel with its first appearances.
That this is justified becomes clear during the very first test drive. Visually, the car is easily described: it looks like the already familiar EV9 that's been shrunk in the wash. In fact, the EV3 is only 4,30 meters long , 1,85 meters wide , and 1,56 meters high , with a wheelbase of 2,68 meters . It sounds small and compact, and it is – yet the occupants have plenty of space. This even applies to the rear seats, where tall people can enjoy ample headroom and legroom, as well as a high level of comfort. In addition, the trunk holds 460 liters of luggage , expanding to a maximum of 1.251 liters with the rear seats folded down.
Above all, the technical specifications should please all those who, due to (unfounded) range anxiety, have previously rejected electrified models altogether. The EV3 boasts a range of up to 605 kilometers , provided it's equipped with the larger battery available in the two versions: either 58,3 kWh or 81,4 kWh . This front-wheel-drive electric vehicle is powered by a 150 kW/204 hp electric motor , which, with 283 Newton meters of torque, propels the car to 100 km/h in 7,5 seconds and on to a top speed of 170 km/h.
This is achieved with excellent comfort. The car sits smoothly on the road and offers a high level of ride comfort even on bumpy surfaces . The steering is direct and precise , ideal for long journeys, even on winding roads. Should the battery run low, it can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in half an hour using direct current . The smaller battery can achieve this with a maximum charging capacity of 101 kW , while the larger one has a maximum charging capacity of 128 kW.
The large battery provides a range of 605 kilometers, while the smaller battery offers 436 kilometers . The system can predict the range based on different driving styles. In addition to driving style, consumption depends on wheel size . Regardless of battery size, the EV3 consumes 14,9 kWh per 100 kilometers with 17-inch tires , 16,2 kWh with 19-inch tires for the 81,4 kWh battery , and 15,8 kWh for the smaller battery . These figures hold up in real-world driving, as the test drive confirmed. If you need power while on the go, you can draw on the battery to operate household appliances like a coffee maker or charge your e-bike.
The driver can choose between different driving modes, and the regenerative braking is also flexibly adjustable . Settings are adjusted via paddles on the steering wheel. With the help of the driver assistance systems, the driver can configure the EV3 to automatically adapt its speed to traffic conditions . It goes without saying that the model features all the latest driver assistance systems, as well as state-of-the-art communication options such as AI-enhanced voice control and a payment function with Kia Car Pay (that's right: pay, not play). The EV3 is the first Kia model to offer this feature. However, voice control is not yet available ; it is expected to arrive with an update sometime in 2025.
The price is fun: With the 58,3 kWh battery, the EV3 starts at a net price of 30.243,70 euros, with the 81,4 kWh battery it starts at a net price of 34.781,51 euros.
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