Details firm on Kia EV3

THE Kia EV3 has made its Australian debut at the Kia Powerhouse activation at the Australian Tennis Open in Melbourne this week.

Slated to arrive in Australian showrooms in the second quarter of this year, the Kia EV3 promises a high level of technology, excellent real-world range, and a high level of standard equipment, including vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging as standard across the range.

While Kia is yet to provide specifications and pricing for the Australian EV3 portfolio, it notes the “majority of the models in the range” feature an 81.4kWh battery and 400-volt architecture to provide a driving range of “about 600km (WLTP), depending on grade”.

Kia Australia chief executive officer Damien Meredith has also let slip that the EV3 will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations, creating what he says is more choice for customers.

“The new Kia EV3 builds on the success of the EV6, EV9 and recently introduced EV5, and I have no doubt it will put Kia’s range of electric SUV options front and centre for thousands of additional Australian customers,” he said.

“While we’re not announcing exact pricing and specification details at this time, I can confirm the EV3 range will offer a very compelling and competitive package.”

GoAuto understands the Australian delivered EV3 will include Kia firsts such as Smart Regenerative System 3.0 technology that uses forward scanning to read the road ahead and respond to potential risks.

The system is engaged by holding the right-hand steering wheel paddle for one second and integrates autonomous driving technology with regenerative braking.

When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the system uses sensors to detect the distance to the vehicle ahead, driver’s pattern of deceleration and navigation information to automatically decelerate to a safe speed, if necessary.

Kia says that while its previous Smart Regenerative System relied solely on traffic flow and driver behaviour, this latest version incorporates navigation-based data, unlocking “an array of advantages for the driver”.

“For example, when the EV3 approaches a corner ahead on the road, a speed limit decrease, or a roundabout, the car will automatically slow down to an appropriate speed, making for a more relaxed, efficient and safe drive,” says Kia.

While Kia’s existing software could automatically slow the vehicle down, the latest technology can bring the EV3 to a complete stop, providing even greater flexibility.

Alongside the intelligent driver aid, the compact Kia EV3 is said to provide a spacious cabin packed with the latest connectivity features. It will also be offered as standard with vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capabilities, allowing owners to charge and power appliances “such as a laptop, a coffee machine, a small fridge or even a movie projector”.

Importantly, Kia says the EV3’s battery is equipped with a liquid cooling/heating system, which is used to optimise battery thermal management and in turn enhance charging speeds. The technology enables a charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 31 minutes (Long Range model) when connected to a 350kW (DC) fast charging connection.

Further details on local specifications and pricing of the 2025 Kia EV3 will be announced closer to launch.