Kia EV3 Compact Electric SUV To Get 599 Km Range; More Details Revealed

Kia’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible and sustainable took a significant leap forward with the unveiling of the EV3, a compact all-electric SUV designed to make the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric cars more seamless for consumers. The EV3 features innovative technology, a class-leading WLTP range of almost 600 km, and fast-charging capabilities that address many of the current concerns of EV users. 

One of the key innovations in the Kia EV3 is its evolved regenerative braking technology. Kia introduces its upgraded i-Pedal and Smart Regenerative systems. The i-Pedal system allows for more nuanced control of regenerative braking, offering flexibility by separating the regenerative braking levels from full stopping control. This technology takes "one-pedal" driving to new levels.

Drivers can select regenerative braking levels ranging from 0 to 3. Each level is tailored for specific driving conditions: Level 3 provides strong braking for start-stop traffic, Level 2 offers smoother deceleration for winding roads, and Levels 1 and 0 enable a gliding effect for long motorway journeys. This system helps maximize battery life by recapturing kinetic energy typically lost during braking. 

The EV3 is the first vehicle to incorporate Hyundai Motor Group’s Smart Regenerative System technology, designed to act as an intelligent co-pilot for the driver. This system integrates autonomous driving technology with regenerative braking, allowing the vehicle to adjust speed and braking based on road conditions and navigation data.

By holding the right-hand steering wheel paddle for more than a second, drivers activate the system, which then automatically decelerates to a safe speed using sensors that detect the distance to the vehicle ahead. Unlike its predecessor, which relied solely on GPS information, this system can now respond to a variety of driving scenarios, including sharp turns, speed limit changes, roundabouts, and speed bumps. 

Addressing one of the primary concerns for potential EV buyers—driving range—Kia has equipped the EV3 with a best-in-class battery. Its 599 km WLTP range is achieved through a combination of factors including a large-capacity battery, optimised aerodynamics, and energy-efficient technologies.

Kia’s Driving Range Guide technology serves as an on-board coach for efficient driving. This system, located in the instrument cluster, provides real-time feedback on driving style and efficiency. A green gauge indicates when the vehicle is being driven efficiently, while an orange gauge warns of reduced range potential. 

Kia’s development team tested the EV3 in extreme conditions, including the harsh climates of Arjeplog near the Arctic Circle, to ensure its performance in all environments. The EV3 is the first car to utilise a simultaneous heat absorption system that recycles waste heat from both the vehicle and the outside air, optimising efficiency even in cold weather. 

The vehicle’s battery is equipped with liquid cooling technology that maintains optimal thermal conditions during charging, enhancing both battery life and charging speed. The EV3 can charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 31 minutes using a 350 kW fast charger, which is 12 minutes faster than previous Kia configurations. Additionally, Kia's introduction of a high-efficiency sheath heater and low-temperature charging software further reduces waiting times during charging in colder climates. Kia plans to expand the EV3 lineup with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant and a GT model, adding to the existing two-wheel-drive (2WD) options.

Inside, the EV3 offers a spacious, comfortable environment thanks to Kia’s innovative HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. This compact system provides an additional 60 mm of footwell room in the front seats compared to conventional HVAC units, contributing to a more relaxed cabin experience. Moreover, Kia introduces Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging in the compact EV SUV segment for the first time, enabling the EV3 to power external devices such as laptops, small appliances, and camping equipment.