Despite the news that EV sales growth is continuing to soften, leading some automakers to reel in their future plans, Kia continues to press onward. During its recent CEO Investor Day event, the brand revealed plans to charge ahead with its EV plans. Most pertinently for those waiting on cheaper electric options, the production version of the small and reasonably affordable Kia EV3 Concept will go on sale before the end of the year.

Kia’s CEO and President Ho Sung Song calls the brand’s push forward into EVs and hybrids as a drive to become a “sustainable mobility solutions provider.” This drive has not changed despite growing concerns about EV demand. The Korean automaker still wants to grow to 4.3 million units by 2030 (up from 3.2 million units globally), and expects 58% of those cars sold, to be electrified in some form.

To do this, Kia has plans to continually beef up its EV and hybrid offerings to compete across the globe better, especially in China where competition is fierce.

Of course, some of those models we’ve already seen in some form or another—the EV3, and EV4 exist in concept form. The Kia EV5 is currently on sale in China and will make its way to Europe. Kia makes mention of an EV2 model we haven’t seen yet, as well as an electric version of the Kia Carens, a low-cost seven-seat vehicle meant for markets like India.

All of this starts this year. In 2024, the brand plans on introducing six hybrid models before the end of this year, eight more electrified models by 2026, and nine more models by 2028. Its full EV lineup will reach 15 models by 2027.

Six of those EV models will be launched by 2026. So far, Kia has done exactly what it has said it would for 2024. It already has revealed the ICE-powered Kia K4, a replacement for the Kia Forte sedan. It also plans to reveal updated versions of the EV6, Sportage, and South Korea-only K8; it’s not hard to assume that these models will likely be shown off alongside the all-new EV3. 

Kia has been somewhat hushed about exactly what the final EV3 will look like. Spy shots of the EV3 do show a somewhat toned-down vehicle appearance, but proportionally the car resembles the concept model fairly closely.

We do know it will use the same E-GMP platform that is used by the EV9 and EV6, but it won’t have the same 800-volt architecture as those cars. The EV3 will use a cheaper 400-volt architecture to keep costs down, which should hopefully get the EV3 to the $30,000 mark. 

(A Kia spokesperson told InsideEVs that the automaker has not confirmed whether the EV3 will come to the U.S. or not.) 

As the softer-than-expected EV demand rears its ugly head and strikes fear in the hearts of risk-averse automaker middle managers, I applaud Kia for sticking to its guns and attempting to meet the market where it is and future-proof its lineup. Sam Fiorani, Vice President of AutoForecast Solutions has noticed that as a whole, buyers are very much choice-limited when it comes to entry-level vehicles. On that front, EVs aren’t so different than traditional cars.

“On the EV side, [Kia’s] popular EV6 and EV9 will eventually require models positioned below them,” Fiorani said in an email. “Just as K4 buyers are likely to trade up to a K5 or a Sportage, an EV3 buyer will want to move up to a larger electric model.”

Kia’s strategy is long-term; it sees the very real EV growth slow down, but it’s courting customers in traditional ways, allowing them to grow with the brand. This is very different to than some of the high-dollar, luxury-only strategies from other brands. 

“By the end of the decade, Kia expects buyers demanding a range of electric vehicles and the automaker wants to be there for them,” Fiorani said. It looks like the EV3 will be the first step in Kia’s plan to meet buyers where they’re at. Hopefully, it’ll pay off. 

Contact the author: kevin.williams@insideevs.com 

The Affordable Kia EV3 Will Be Released This Year

In the fast-paced world of electric vehicles, Kia is set to shake up the market with the highly anticipated release of the affordable Kia EV3. This compact electric car is expected to hit the roads later this year, offering consumers a reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

The Kia EV3 boasts a sleek and modern design, with a focus on efficiency and affordability. With a starting price point that is lower than many other electric vehicles on the market, Kia is making electric cars accessible to a wider range of consumers. This move is in line with Kia’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, as the company continues to lead the way in the electric vehicle market.

One of the key selling points of the Kia EV3 is its impressive range. With a fully charged battery, the EV3 can travel up to 200 miles on a single charge, making it an ideal choice for daily commutes and weekend road trips. Additionally, the EV3 boasts fast charging capabilities, allowing drivers to quickly top up their battery when needed.

In terms of performance, the Kia EV3 does not disappoint. The electric motor delivers instant torque, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The EV3 also offers a range of driving modes, allowing drivers to customize their driving experience to suit their preferences.

Safety is a top priority for Kia, and the EV3 is no exception. The car is equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to help keep drivers and passengers safe on the road, giving consumers peace of mind while driving.

Overall, the Kia EV3 is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle market with its combination of affordability, range, performance, and safety features. With its sleek design and powerful electric motor, the EV3 is sure to appeal to a wide range of consumers looking to make the switch to electric vehicles.

As Kia prepares for the official release of the EV3 later this year, consumers can expect to see a fresh new addition to the electric vehicle market that is sure to make a big impact. Stay tuned for more updates on the release of the affordable Kia EV3 and get ready to experience the future of driving.