Kia wants you to go electric with the all-new EV3

In the local market, you could say that Kia and Hyundai are among the first of the mainstream manufacturers to really pioneer and push for electric vehicles. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 have proven that there is indeed a place for electric vehicles on Philippine roads, and now, Kia’s taking this a step further with the unveiling of the EV3. 

The EV3 slots itself below the EV9 and EV6 as a more approachable, entry-level EV option, but one that doesn’t skimp out on features and technology. Unveiled in a global press conference last Tuesday, Kia adopts a friendly, more down-to-earth approach when marketing its newest EV. 

In terms of features, however, it’s clear that the EV3 isn’t an EV just for the sake of being an EV. It features all sorts of tech that put it well within Kia’s standards of premium and luxurious. For starters, the interior is decked out in cozy and welcoming pantones, while a massive display doubles as an instrument panel and infotainment system. 

The EV3 comes with a cutting-edge front-wheel drive electric powertrain built on the Hyundai-Kia Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), leveraging Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology. The Standard model features a 58.3kWh battery, while the Long Range variant is equipped with an 81.4kWh battery. Both versions are powered by a 150kW/283Nm electric motor, delivering a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds. The EV3 has a claimed top speed of 170 km/h.

Kia's EV3 is equipped with advanced safety, driving, convenience, and charging features typically reserved for larger EV SUVs, setting a new standard in the compact SUV market. Its Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) include eDTVC Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, ensuring a smooth and secure driving experience. The Remote Smart Parking Assist allows for easy parking in tight spaces without the driver in the vehicle, while the 12-inch Head-up Display (HUD) projects information onto the windshield, minimizing driver distraction and enhancing overall convenience.

The EV3 is the first model to feature Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology, allowing drivers to adjust regenerative braking levels for one-pedal driving, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing fatigue on long drives. Kia also introduces Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging to the compact EV SUV segment with the EV3, enabling occupants to charge up their devices like laptops and small appliances. The Digital Key 2.0 lets customers unlock and start the EV3 with their smartphone or smartwatch, and share the digital key with friends and family.

Enhancing the driving experience, Kia gives the EV3 a suite of connectivity and entertainment features, many of which can be enjoyed safely on the move. This includes streamable content via the Premium Streaming service powered by LG’s Automotive Content Platform (ACP) with webOS, as well as in-car gaming through arcade games. The Harman Kardon audio system further improves the experience, offering sound quality which Kia says is similar to a home cinema.

The EV3 is the first electric model to feature Kia’s AI Assistant technology, which debuted on the Kia K4 compact sedan. This advanced tech allows customers to interact with and control the vehicle’s features directly and intuitively, boosting convenience and productivity while driving. The AI Assistant offers human-like support, enhancing the driving experience and inspiring users on their journeys. Kia plans to roll out this innovative technology across other EV models, starting with the EV3.

If and when Kia decides to launch the EV3 here in the Philippines, well, it could very well shake up the local EV market. It'll go up against other entry-level EV offerings from the likes of BYD, GWM, and MG. 

As of the moment, however, Kia Philippines has yet to announce a price point for this new and exciting EV. However, in the global market, it’s expected to carry a retail price starting at around $35,000, or about P2,000,000.