Kia has set ambitious goals to increase its global electric vehicle sales and has unveiled new concept cars, the EV3 and EV4, as a sneak peek into its next round of production EVs. The company aims to sell 1 million electric vehicles annually by 2026 and 1.6 million by 2030. While the upcoming EV5 crossover and EV9 SUV will contribute to this goal, smaller and more affordable EVs are vital for Kia’s success.
At the EV Day event in South Korea, Kia showcased the EV3 and EV4, with plans to release them in the coming years. Additionally, Kia revealed its intentions to design an even smaller EV2 specifically for Europe and emerging markets, offering a low starting price around $30,000.
The EV3 and EV4 will be built on the E-GMP electric vehicle architecture, the same platform used for the Kia EV6 and EV9, and sister vehicles from Hyundai and Genesis. However, to provide cost-effective options, the EV3 and EV4 will feature a 400 V electrical system instead of the 800 V system used in their counterparts. This might result in slightly slower charging speeds for the new models.
While Kia has not provided detailed powertrain specifications, it is expected that the EV3 and EV4 will be available in both single- and dual-motor configurations. The decision to bring these vehicles to the US is yet to be confirmed, but if they do arrive, Kia plans to equip them with a combo charger that includes Tesla’s North American Charging Standard plug, giving access to the Tesla Supercharger network.
The EV3 charms with its compact SUV design and features like a slide-out panel for climate controls, movable backlit trim pieces, and a flip-up rear bench seat. Kia even aims to equip the EV3 with an interior vehicle-to-load (V2L) outlet, allowing users to charge other devices while on the move.
On the other hand, the EV4 challenges traditional sedan typology, blending elements of sedans, coupes, and wagons. Kia aims to redefine the sedan body style to appeal to changing consumer preferences.
In summary, Kia’s EV3 and EV4 concept cars offer glimpses into the company’s future production electric vehicles. With a focus on affordability and practicality, these models are poised to contribute to Kia’s mission of significantly increasing its electric vehicle sales in the coming years.
Sources:
Kia EV Day event
Kia electric vehicle architecture (E-GMP)
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