Kia EV3: Is This the Entry-Level Electric Vehicle You’ve Been Waiting For?

Kia’s entry-level electric vehicle EV3
Recently, additional indoor captures were made
Resembling a Smaller Version of EV9

Although governments worldwide are reducing subsidies for electric vehicles, the actual purchase price is expected to decline. This is thanks to the auto industry’s aggressive price reduction competition amid slowing demand for electric vehicles due to the popularity of hybrids.

Among the South Korean-made electric vehicles to be launched this year, Kia EV3 is expected to play a key role. While expectations for potential demand are high as the actual purchase price is expected to be reasonable, around $30,000, an additional interior appearance was recently captured.

3 displays connected
Equipped with column-type gear shift selector

According to recent foreign media reports, part of the interior of the Kia EV3 prototype tested in Sweden was captured. The layout of the EV3 concept car and EV9 revealed earlier are in perfect harmony. First, customers can see the air conditioner control display between the digital cluster and the center display. The center fascia is equipped with frequently used buttons such as media and navigation, and between the pair of air vents below it is a volume dial that doubles as an audio power button.

At the bottom, customers can see the arrangement of buttons for emergency lighting and air conditioner control. A simple-shaped two-spoke steering wheel was applied, and a column-dial gear shift selector was installed. These are all elements applied to EV9. The seat heating and ventilation buttons are placed on the garnish before the door handle. Customers can see that a walk-in device with a relaxation comfort function has been applied to the passenger seat backrest. According to the Automotive industry, a windshield-type HUD is also installed.

Two Types of Center Consoles?
Is There a Separately Final Design?

The center console design in the left and right photos is different, and it is not known whether this is a difference between the export and domestic models or the difference between the early prototype and the pre-production prototype. According to the Automotive industry, the latter is more likely. A common aspect is the placement of buttons. From the left, customers can see the auto hold, parking camera, parking sensor, and low-speed driving on slope functions.

The center console on the left in the photo looks closer to the concept car design. The end is finished in a matte silver color, and the top appears closed. The right center console is closer to that of a production car, and the area behind the buttons has all been changed into a storage space to increase usability. Considering that another small tray is underneath, a two-tier layout is expected to be applied like the concept car.

Expected to be Launched in the First Half of This Year
Expected Purchase Price Around $30,000 is Likely

The EV3 is expected to be similar to the Seltos, with a total length of 4,390 mm. A 400V system is applied instead of 800V to the EV6 and EV9 as an entry-level electric vehicle. The battery is available in 58 kWh and 77.4 kWh, respectively. The front-wheel drive single-motor version is standard, and a dual-motor version will likely be launched.

The starting price is expected to be around $30,000. Kia has previously announced that it plans a price range of $30,000 to $80,000 for the EV6 and EV9. As the EV3 is an entry-level vehicle, the actual purchase price with the subsidy applied will likely be around $26,000. The launch date is expected to be in the first half of this year.