Author: EVAI

Kia on Thursday revealed the production-bound version of its EV3 compact electric crossover that might, if Kia keeps to original hints, start around $35,000. 

The EV3 emerges on the way to production in much the same form as the EV3 concept that was first shown in October 2023, albeit with a little more round to its profile and the rear end especially, and with a completely different interior that borrows some ideas from the larger Kia EV9 electric SUV.

This served as a global reveal for the model and, as of yet, Kia is short on U.S. specs, details, or differences—or whether, to be sure, the model is headed to America. If it were to arrive in the U.S. at the $35,000 starting price Kia suggested for the concept, it might be a strong rival for the Volvo EX30, along with others including the Hyundai Kona Electric and next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV—and leave Kia’s own Niro EV on uncertain ground.

The EV3 set for success from the start thanks to several key decisions. It’s built on Hyundai’s flexible E-GMP architecture, which has resulted in a hit parade of rewarding-to-drive, fast-charging EVs from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, and it has a coefficient of drag of just 0.263—great for efficiency in such an upright vehicle. 

Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP platform

Kia EV3 isn’t a hot hatch, but it looks sharp

Kia has managed to carry over many of the same technical and geometric details from the concept, and splice in Kia’s latest Star Map lighting theme, which just also made its debut in the 2025 Kia EV6. The EV3 will be offered in nine different exterior body colors. 

Two different battery packs will be featured in the EV3, fitted to EV3 Standard models and EV3 Long Range versions, and amounting to 58.3 kwh and 81.4 kwh, respectively. Kia notes that charging times will be in the vicinity of 31 minutes from 10-80%. Regardless of the battery pack, a single 150-kw (201-hp) electric motor at the front wheels provides 209 lb-ft of torque and accelerates the EV3 to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds.

Kia EV3

Kia EV3 range shaping up for 300+ miles

Kia boasts of a WLTP driving range of up to 373 miles. EPA ratings are based on different driving cycles, and it isn’t a direct translation, but given how other Kia EVs like the EV6 and EV9 have fared, that might mean an EPA range rating of well over 300 miles for some versions.

The EV3 gets a more advanced version of its regenerative braking system, including one-pedal driving and adjustable modes for various levels of regen. The EV3 will be one of the few vehicles in its compact class to provide so-called Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power output, which is good for powering small appliances and tools—and a gateway for other bidirectional charging features, perhaps. 

The dedicated EV platform accommodates what looks like a roomy passenger space considering this model’s decidedly compact exterior. While cargo capability are rather ordinary for this size of vehicle, at 17.0 cubic feet of rear cargo space with the back seats up and less than a cubic foot of frunk space, the interior layout allows a sliding table, fully reclining seats for a fold-back relaxation mode, and a center console with a sliding table and storage area. An adjustable two-tier luggage floor allows 5.5 inches in load-floor flexibility.

New Kia EV3

Little EV3 goes big with interface, streaming, AI

The focal point of the EV3 dash is its big widescreen display, spanning nearly 30 inches and incorporating two 12.3-inch displays plus a five-inch climate control panel—essentially a version of what’s made its debut in the EV9. The one at the center of the dash is a touchscreen good for entertainment and navigation. 

A smartphone- or smartwatch-based digital key system allows entry without a physical keyfob. Kia plans to provide downloadable display themes to customize the EV3 dash and infotainment system, and streamable content will be available through a Premium Streaming service powered by webOS and via LG’s content platform. Kia says that with the top Harman Kardon audio system the experience will be akin to home cinema. 

The Kia EV3 uses integrated generative AI for its voice assistant, extending natural language commands to span vehicle functions, entertainment, and info searches. 

Just as in the EV3 concept, there’s good use of recycled materials in the production-bound EV3—including recycled fabric for the dash and door trim plus PET used throughout the interior.

New Kia EV3

US arrival date for Kia EV3?

Kia says that the EV3 will be introduced in Korea in July 2024, followed by Europe in the second half of the year. It says it “has plans to expand the sale of EV3 into other regions, with subsequent launches to be expected after the European market entry.” So America might well be part of the plan in 2025.

The UAW discovered that, like politics, all organizing is local, as workers at Mercedes-Benz reject the union’s promises and its win at Volkswagen Chattanooga plant.

• Toyota’s Ted Ogawa on UAW, EVs and more

• Tesla to deliver more electric Semis to PepsiCo

• Fiat cars seized over flag by Italian government

• Honda Civic adds 2 new 2025 hybrid variants

GM gets its plug-in hybrids ready for 2027 and considers an electric Camaro. The Civic Hybrid will be perky and provide nearly 50 mpg. And VW puts its ID.7 on hold for the U.S. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. 

The Volkswagen ID.7 EV has been delayed for the U.S., VW confirmed Wednesday. It provided no new timeline for the aero-savvy hatchback, but it verified that this decision doesn’t affect the arrival of the ID.Buzz electric Microbus, still due later this year in extended-length American form. 

The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid lineup coming this summer will return nearly 50 mpg, the automaker revealed Tuesday, as well as pep and performance that may rival that of the sporty Si model. Civic hybrids, with a larger engine than what’s been used in past versions of this model and a choice of sedan or hatchback layouts, are aiming for 40% of Civic sales. 

GM is reportedly considering an affordable Chevy Camaro EV as part of its rollout of Ultium electric vehicles. In a different approach than what Ford has used for the Mustang Mach-E, the Camaro EV would be a car, not a crossover, according to a recent report citing GM president Mark Reuss. Is this related to the automaker’s plan for cylindrical batteries and, potentially, a lower-profile version of the platform?

On the other hand, GM is pushing ahead with plug-in hybrids. They’re due in 2027, executives recently confirmed, so as to help with stricter fuel efficiency and emissions standards. GM has already hinted that trucks may be first in this rollout, and GM hasn’t sold a U.S. PHEV since the Volt departed after 2019.

And wondering how much real-world range Teslas lose in the first several years? Data from thousands of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles shows that they don’t lose very much, but they don’t exactly start near the EPA ratings either.

 _________________________________

Follow Green Car Reports on Facebook and Twitter

It appears there are plenty of buyers willing to drop a sum rivaling a mortgage on a new Mustang. Ford last month started the application process for its Mustang GTD first shown last summer, and the automaker on Wednesday said it received more than 7,500 applications from interested buyers across North America for the 2025 and 2026 model year…

Electric cars don’t require multiple gears, but they still have transmissions. And General Motors is working on a way to make them better. A patent filing from the automaker detailing a new type of clutch actuation for EV transmissions recently surfaced. It was published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) May 16, 2024, and…

Mercedes-Benz in 2022 announced a new strategy of focusing on lower-volume but higher-margin vehicles like those offered through its AMG and Maybach sub-brands. The strategy will also include the launch of a new Mythos series offering highly bespoke limited-edition cars. The first of these is scheduled for launch next year, and Mercedes on…

Volkswagen announced Wednesday that it will delay the arrival of its ID.7 electric hatchback for the U.S. and Canada. 

VW didn’t provide a revised timeline for the ID.7’s arrival. It was originally due later this year, for the 2025 model year.

In a statement on the delay, it cited two reasons behind the change: changing market dynamics, and the stronger-than-anticipated demand for its Tourer variant in Europe. 

“After the introduction of the ID.7 Tourer, customer demand for the models is higher than expected, especially in Germany,” said Volkswagen of America. The ID.7 hatchback went on sale in Europe last year, while the ID.7 Tourer, a wagon version, is now being delivered there.

2025 Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer

The company confirmed to Green Car Reports that this doesn’t affect U.S. rollout timing for the ID.Buzz, which remains set for an arrival later in 2024. A refreshed 2024 VW ID.4 electric SUV is also arriving at dealerships, with some of the lineup getting an improved interface, more power, and range improvements. 

VW earlier this month revealed an initial U.S. feature set for its ID.Buzz electric van, which are set to arrive in the U.S. in a long-wheelbase form roughly two years after they arrived in Europe.

Volkswagen ID.7

In a preview drive of the 2025 VW ID.7, more than a year ago, Green Car Reports found that the ID.7 handled well and delivered loads of passenger space, in an aerodynamically savvy package that aimed to maximize range. But VW decided not to bring the ID.7 to the U.S. with the most driving range, in its largest and fastest-charging battery configuration. 

Generally, Volkswagen has chosen to launch its electric vehicle products in the U.S. later than in its home European market. However it’s working to add a series of affordable U.S.-built electric trucks from a new Scout EV brand. Those are set for first deliveries in the U.S. first, in 2026.

The Michigan Court of Appeals upheld a lower court decision declaring a customer’s allegations of lease pricing deception at a Westland car dealership needed to be resolved through arbitration.

Coatings manufacturer PPG Industries plans to open its first new plant in the U.S. in 15 years as part of a $300 million investment in its North American footprint to support its automotive business.