Kia formally said on Tuesday that the EV3, a small electric SUV, will go on sale later in the year. The next electric vehicle in Kia's portfolio, the EV3 SUV, has teased photographs that the company recently revealed. When compared to other "EV" models, the EV3 is supposed to be more affordable, smaller, more ecologically friendly.

Kia EV3 Global Debut

As reported by Electrek, Kia has disclosed the date and time for the upcoming global debut of the new EV3, scheduled for later this month. If readers are familiar with the headline and believe they have seen numerous images of the Kia EV3, they are partially correct.

Various insights into Kia's intentions for a compact SUV named the EV3 have been revealed since fall 2023, highlighting unique interior features such as a center console crafted from plant-based materials like mushrooms.

Electrek continued to share that images were captured of the EV3 displayed at the LA Auto Show. However, the showcased model was the EV3 concept, positioned next to a conceptual representation of a potential upcoming model, the EV4. Apart from the concept unveiling, only camouflaged glimpses of the Kia EV3 undergoing tests in Korea have been available.

In alignment with the release of new EV3 images, Kia's press statement is concise and to the point. It reinforces the design elements that align the compact SUV with the brand's identity. Notably, the EV3 draws inspiration from the successful EV9, incorporating similar design principles.

Furthermore, the EV3 adheres to Kia's "Opposites United" design concept, featuring signature elements like the "tiger face" grille and tall wheel arches seen across the brand's electric vehicle lineup.

What's to Expect

Car & Driver reports that the EV3, which is anticipated to begin at roughly $30,000, will increase the number of affordable electric vehicles available. However, Kia hasn't made an official announcement about its intentions to launch the EV3 in North America.

The EV3 is expected to have specs such as using Kia's 800-volt platform with options for single or twin motors. The base models are likely to incorporate the 58.0-kWh battery pack present in the rear-wheel-drive editions of the EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

READ MORE: 2025 BMW M4 CS Redefines Performance , Offers New Era at $123,500 MSRP

Higher-end versions of the EV3 might be equipped with the newly unveiled 84.0-kWh battery pack designated for the upcoming 2025 Ioniq 5. The pivotal factor determining Kia's decision to offer the EV3 in the American market hinges largely on its manufacturing location.

According to Green Car Reports, accompanying the announcement, a series of tightly framed teaser images of the production EV3 resembled the original concept closely, as noted by the automaker. The photos highlighted the retention of the distinctive boxy rear fenders, tailgate, and the unique "Star Map" lightning theme.

The upcoming production version of the EV3 is scheduled to be revealed on May 23. As it transitions from a concept vehicle to a production model, Kia promises that it will be "comprehensively equipped," boasting exceptional performance achieved through the integration of advanced technologies.

During the unveiling of the EV3 and EV4 concepts, Kia also introduced the production-ready EV5 electric crossover, which is comparable in size to popular models like the Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4, as well as electric vehicles such as the VW ID.4 and Nissan Ariya. Kia initially mentioned that the EV5 would not be available in the U.S. but indicated potential for the smaller EV3 and EV4 to reach American markets.

RELATED ARTICLE: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Reshapes Crossover Experience, Presents All-New Look

Copyright @ MOTORTIMES, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.