The first affordable electric car from Kia with an AI assistant and an impressive range of 600 kilometers.

Despite the previously presented concepts of new electric vehicles, Kia has finally unveiled the final version of its highly anticipated EV3, ready for mass production. This compact crossover borrows many technologies and luxurious features from the large and multiple award-winning EV9, but in a more compact form. The starting price is expected to be around$35,000/£30,000/AU$55,000when the car will go on sale later this year.

The new EV3 is based on the same E-GMP platform as the current EV6 and EV9 models. This has allowed designers to significantly reduce the dimensions of the car compared to the aforementioned models. The length of the EV3 will be4300 mm...which is slightly shorter than the Niro model. This compact SUV will be available in a standard version and a long-range version, which will be able to travel up to an impressive...600 km (373 miles) thanks to the battery capacity81.4 kWhThis is more than many competitors in the compact electric crossover segment, such as the Volvo EX30, which has a range of about475 km (295 miles).

Of course, models with a longer range will be more expensive, but Kia plans to offer a more affordable version with a battery on...58.3 kWh, containing a nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) chemical formula. However, the target range has not yet been confirmed. Both options use the same electric motor with a power of150 kW, driving the front wheels, which allows for acceleration up to100 km/htakes only7.5 seconds.

Although the EV3 borrows many stylistic elements and internal technologies from the larger EV9, Kia claims that the new, more compact and budget-friendly electric vehicle will be equipped with400Varchitecture, unlike800Vthe system found in a seven-seater SUV. This means that the charging speed will be less impressive: the battery will be able to charge from10%to80%for approximately31 minuteson the model with an increased range, with a maximum charging power of up to128 kWFor a smaller battery, the charging will be limited.102 kW.

Inside the car, chief designer Karim Habib managed to retain elements of a "cozy" interior typical of a concept car. For example, there is a retractable tray located between the driver and the front passenger, which can be used for working on a laptop or placing coffee cups while charging. Unfortunately, the luxurious rear seat of the concept, with cushions and fabric reminiscent of a sofa, had to be excluded; however, the interior will still delight with soft-touch materials and recycled components.

One of the main innovations will be the integration of an AI-based voice assistant from Kia, which supports natural language and can handle a variety of requests.

The infotainment system is based on the LG Automotive Content Platform (ACP), which uses webOS. It will allow users to enjoy games and streaming video through a variety of applications. Kia places special emphasis on its long-standing partnership with the NBA, aimed at customizing display themes that allow the owner to showcase colors, graphics, and animations in the spirit of their favorite team.

The first sales of the EV3 will start in South Korea this summer, followed by a planned launch in the European market at the end of this year. It is expected that debuts in other regions will follow soon after, and while this information has not yet been confirmed for the US market, it is hard to imagine that North America would be left off the list.

Although Kia has not yet announced the official prices for the EV3, the company previously hinted at a figure around$35,000/£30,000/AU$55,000when I presented a number of concepts last year. In addition, a smaller model, the EV2, is being prepared for launch, which will be able to compete with the recent Renault 5 EV at a price of less than$30,000/£25,000/AU$45,000.

Considering that companies like BYD offer the Dolphin model at a similar price, and MG plans to update its existing models, Kia is clearly targeting the large mass market segment and wants to maintain competitiveness with the help of the EV2 and EV3. In addition, the company will also introduce the EV4 sedan and the mid-size SUV model EV5, which are already in the production process. This will allow Kia to offer a diverse range of electric vehicles that can attract buyers from both traditional automakers and new players.

Another advantage is the presence of a factory in Georgia, USA, which could give the company an edge in light of the new trade tariffs imposed by the Biden administration. These measures have made inexpensive Chinese electric vehicles less accessible to consumers.

Leon has been working at the intersection of technology and automotive engineering for almost 20 years, covering everything from embedded entertainment to robotic manufacturing. Currently, his focus is on electric vehicles, but in a few years, he might be testing electrified flying machines. In his free time, he enjoys classic motorcycles, as electric engines can't replace the good old Honda inline four.