Kia wants a bigger slice of Europe’s electric vehicle market. With the EV3 now available in Europe, Kia claims its new electric SUV sets a new benchmark with segment-leading range at an affordable price.
Kia announced on Monday that the EV3 has arrived in Europe. With a segment-leading range of up to 375 miles on a single charge, the compact electric SUV will compete with the best.
The EV3 is the company’s first dedicated compact electric SUV and is “ready for all European journeys and lifestyles.”
Kia said its new EV has undergone “extensive testing” in Europe under all road conditions, including highways, city streets, and winding roads.
The EV3 is one of the most efficient EVs on the market, with a range of up to 375 miles. In the city, with Kia’s i-Pedal technology and regenerative braking system, you can get up to 479 miles.
It can also fast charge (10% to 80%) in 29 minutes (58.3 kWh battery). The Kia EV3 is available in Europe with 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh battery packs. The larger battery (81.4 kWh) can fast charge in 31 minutes.
Kia EV3 is ready to take on Europe
Kia fine-tuned the electric SUV for European customers to ensure maximum performance on Europe’s roads.
At 4,300 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,560 mm tall, the EV3 is about the size of the Volvo EX30 (4,233 mm length x 1,836 mm width x 1,550 mm x height). Volvo’s compact electric SUV is already one of the best-selling EVs in Europe, with a starting price of around £32,850 ($42,300).
Despite its compact size, the EV3 features a “living room ” feel. It’s packed with Kia’s latest software and connectivity tech, including the new ccNC infotainment system.
The system includes dual 12.3″ navigation and driver display screens, with a 5.3″ climate control sandwiched in between for easy access.
Kia EV3 trim | Battery | Range (WLTP) | Starting Price |
| Air Standard Range | 58.3 kWh | 270 miles | $42,300 (£32,995) |
| Air Long Range | 81.4 kWh | 375 miles | $46,200 (£35,995) |
| GT-Line | 81.4 kWh | 367 miles | $50,750 (£39,495) |
| GT-Line S | 81.4 kWh | 362 miles | $55,300 (£42,995) |
| GT-Line S with heat pump | 81.4 kWh | 361 miles | $57,500 (£43,895) |
Kia said the EV3 is now available in Europe, starting at around 36,000 euros ($38,300). The electric SUV has been on sale in the UK since August, starting at £32,995 ($42,500).
According to Kia Europe president and CEO Marc Hedrich, the EV3 “is an amazingly versatile vehicle, built and designed to accommodate the diverse needs and distinctive lifestyles of customers across Europe.”
The EV3 is already shaping up to be a “game changer” for Kia in its home market, according to Kia’s vice president, Jeong Won-Jeong
In Korea, the EV3 starts at just $30,700 (KRW 42.08 million). With government incentives, the electric SUV can be bought for under $30,000 (KRW 39.95 million).
Top comment by Leonard Bates
Good example of the brutal market conditions for EV manufacturers. In the time it took Volvo to figure out how to ship the EX30 to the US (promised for Spring 2024, now end of 2024), Kia has introduced the EX30 killer.
Kia plans to ramp up EV3 output due to strong demand for its affordable electric SUV. In Europe, Kia plans to sell over 9,000 EV3 models as it looks to gain market share in the region.
Next year, Kia will launch the EV4, its new entry-level electric sedan. Ahead of its official debut, the EV3 was recently spotted in a hatchback variant, likely aimed at Europe.
For those in the US, don’t worry. Kia is expected to launch the EV3 in the US. The EV3 has already been caught testing on US streets and is expected to debut next year as a 2026 model. It’s expected to start at around $30,000 to $35,000.
Source: Kia
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