Production-spec Kia EV3 teased; global debut on May 23rd

The Kia EV3 Concept was revealedlast yearat the Los Angeles Auto Show.The Korean carmaker hasnowteased the production version of its most affordable zero-emission offering. The EV3 compact crossover will beKia’sthird electric model, after the EV6 and range-topping EV9, in thebrand'snew E-GMP-based BEV line-up.

Sincethe concept was shownin the United States, the EV3is expectedto go on sale there (although not confirmed yet), and if this happens, it could get a starting price of about $32,000. Similarly, in the UK, Kia could aim for a sub-£30,000 price for theEV3’sentry-level models.

During the unveiling of the EV3 Concept, Kia had outrightly stated that the productionmodel’sstyling would be more or less similar to the concept. And based on the teasers, it seems to be true.The boxy front & rear design, along withthe signature Star Map-design lighting, looksvery similar to the EV3 Concept.It’ssafe to say that the EV3 might look like a shrunken-down EV9. The addition of standard car bits like door handles, more practical side mirrors, and a slightly altered wheeldesign,are expected to be some of the main changes between the two versions.

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TheEV3’sinterioris expectedtobe teasednext. However, sincewe’vealready seen theconcept’sminimalist interior, it is likely to be carried over, only with the addition of a few control knobs and general switchgear.

Like the larger EV6 and EV9 models, the EV3is also basedon the Hyundai MotorGroup’sE-GMP platform. But since the EV3is aimedat the affordable end of the spectrum, it certainlywon’tuse the 800V architecture of the other two. Instead, it willmake use ofthe more cost-effective 400V set-up, its downside being a relatively longer charging time.

Reports also suggest that the EV3 will sit alongside the Niro EV inKia’sBEVline-up,and could alsobe a replacement forthe Soul EV.

All doubts and queries will be answered on May 23rd when the EV3 makes its global debut. It will go on sale later this year.