South Korean automaker Kia has unveiled pricing for its “most affordable electric SUV”, the EV3, in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, and two battery pack sizes offering a driving range between 430km and 600km.
Unveiled earlier this year, the EV3 is Kia’s smallest electric SUV to date and aims to compete with lower-priced models while also allaying range anxiety.
The EV3 will be offered in three “grades” featuring Air, GT-Line, and GT-Line S. However, only the long-range 81.4kWh battery pack will be available in all three lines, with the standard-range 58.3kWh battery pack only available in the Air line.
With UK customer deliveries expected to start from late 2024, the EV3 Air with 58.3kWh battery pack starts from £32,995 on-the-road, and £35,995 with the long-range 81.4kWh battery pack.
The price continues to edge up with the two GT lines, starting from £39,495 for the GT-Line and from £42,995 for the GT-Line S.
Given that the UK drives on the same side of the road as Australia, pricing can sometimes be indicative for future Australian models, with local deliveries expected to start in 2025.
Converted from current prices, the EV3 Air with 58.3kWh battery pack clocks in at around $65,000, and $71,000 for the 81.4kWh EV3 Air. While there’s no guarantee the GT models would make it to Australia, their prices on current conversion rates are $78,000 for the GT-Line and $85,000 for the GT-Line S.
The EV3 Air will be able to travel for up to 430km (WLTP) on the 58.3kWh standard range battery pack, and up to 600km on the long-range 81.4kWh battery pack. Both the GT-Line and GT-Line S will be available only on the 81.4kWh battery pack and are capable of a driving range of up to 560km (WLTP combined).
The full list of equipment as standard for the UK models can be viewed here.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.