Kia has set ambitious goals of selling 1 million EVs by 2026. Increasing that number to 1.6 million by 2030. To achieve these targets, The South Korean automaker has unveiled the Kia EV3 Small SUV Concept during its EV Day.
Although the EV3 is currently a concept, it is confirmed that it will go into production. While its availability in the U.S. is still uncertain, Kia plans to introduce the EV3 to all major global markets, including North America. Furthermore, Karim Habib, Kia’s head of global design the stated the EV3 is expected to closely resemble its concept form.
A Familiar Design Style from Kia
With a low and wide stance, the subcompact SUV showcases a styling similar to its larger siblings: the EV5 and EV9. Notable features include pronounced arches housing sleek four-spoke wheels, and LED light signatures with small geometric patterns, reminiscent of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models.
The interior of the EV3 is where it truly stands out. The rear doors are rear hinged, giving the front and rear a unique coach door opening style. However, these coach doors remain conceptual for now, though Habib expressed his liking for them, as they make the interior more visible. There is hope that these doors will make it to production in the future.
Interior Innovations
At the front, the EV3 features an innovative climate control panel that slides out from underneath the dashboard. The long rows of air vents are equipped with backlit and motorized components that direct airflow throughout the cabin. Additionally, there is a movable center console positioned between the front seats, which can be adjusted and locked into various positions to serve as a table.
In the rear, the EV3 offers a flexible seating arrangement, allowing the rear bench to flip upward. This allows the moving of tall items on the flat load floor. Kia is also developing a vehicle to load charging system for the EV3. This would enable the charging of external devices such as e-bikes while on the move. Kia has expressed a strong desire to bring this feature to production.
Powertrain details for Kia EV3 Small SUV Concept from Kia are yet to be revealed. It is known the EV3 will be built on the flexible E-GMP architecture. Unlike the larger EV6 or EV9, the EV3 will utilize a 400-volt architecture. A release date is unknown for the EV3, but given the popularity of small SUVs globally, We hope this adorable vehicle will hit the market soon.