Kia targets ‘mass adoption’ of electric cars with new EV3
This eye-catching electric compact SUV is on its way to Australia, promising to speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
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Kia will take aim at the new breed of affordable electric vehicles with a compact SUV next year.
The new Kia EV3 will take on affordable EVs such as the MG4, BYD Atto 3 and GWM Ora in the sub-$50,000 class.
The Korean brand says the car will shape up as a hi-tech proposition loaded with safety gear and modern infotainment equipment.
Drivers benefit from a 12-inch head-up display, along with a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, 5.0-inch airconditioning touchscreen and 12.3-inch infotainment display.
The latter is hooked up to a Harman Kardon stereo, and powered by AI-assisted software with improved voice recognition.
The cabin is trimmed in recycled plastic woven into a soft-touch fabric, and practical points include a 25 litre frunk and 460 litre boot.
Kia designer Karim Habib said the new EV3 offers “a combination of playful design combined with thoughtful functionality”.
“Though compact, the inspiring exterior envelops an open interior space that emphasises restorative relaxation for every journey,” Habib said.
“Its future-facing aesthetic is further emboldened by the choice of daring colours; inside, the spacious cabin and the incorporation of new organic materials express a youthful sense of energy and playfulness.”
A single 150kW/283Nm electric motor returns a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 170km/h.
The car is available with a choice of two batteries. The standard offering has 58.3kWh of electric capacity, while a long range model brings 81.4kWh to deliver 600 kilometres of range.
Charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes 31 minutes.
Kia has not published prices for the new machine, which will sit underneath the medium-sized EV5 and large EV9 in the local line-up.
Ho Sung Song, president and chief executive of Kia, said the affordable EV3 aims to deliver the brand’s EV expertise “to a wider audience”.
“With a WLTP driving range of up to 600km and fast-charging capability, the EV3 addresses common concerns about electric vehicles,” he said.
“It will reassure those who may have been hesitant to make the switch to electric mobility and will lead the mass adoption of EVs.”
Originally published as Kia targets ‘mass adoption’ of electric cars with new EV3
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