The all-electric Kia EV3 has been confirmed for release by the end of the 2024 calendar year, launching a full production version of the Kia EV3 concept unveiled late in 2023. Slated to arrive as a small, relatively affordable utility model, the Kia EV3 has yet to be confirmed for release in the U.S. That said, it’s looking like the EV3 may serve as a rival to the next-generation Chevy Bolt EV sometime in the near future.
Kia EV3 Concept
Per a report from Inside EVs, Kia’s recent CEO Investor Day highlighted the company’s ambitious all-electric vehicle strategy, underscoring Kia’s goal to introduce several EV models by the end of the decade. The EV push is part of Kia’s broader goal to transition into a “sustainable mobility solutions provider.” The Kia EV3, which will utilize a more cost-effective 400-volt architecture compared to the 800-volt systems in higher-end models like the EV9 and EV6, aims to bring EVs within reach of the average consumer by targeting a price point around $30,000.
Proportionally, the EV3 is expected to mirror the compact dimensions of the Chevy Bolt EV. This similarity could position the EV3 as a direct competitor, especially considering that the next-generation Bolt EV is set to launch by 2026, potentially overlapping with the EV3’s market entry to the U.S., however Kia currently states that the EV3 is not yet confirmed for release in the U.S. market. For reference, the next-generation Chevy Bolt EV will feature GM’s advanced Ultium-based EV technology, which promises enhanced efficiency and performance. For reference, the outgoing Chevy Bolt EV features a 65 kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor delivering 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque.
In terms of market strategy, Kia is not shying away from ambitious growth targets. Despite some industry trends indicating a slowdown in EV demand, Kia’s plan includes the introduction of numerous electrified models within the next few years. By the end of 2024 alone, Kia expects to launch six hybrid models, with more fully electric options to follow. This aggressive expansion into electrification signifies Kia’s determination to carve out a significant share of the global EV market, including critical regions like China and potentially the U.S.
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Comments
If we ever see another Bolt…..
A major resistance to the expansion of EV sales is the super high prices of the EV offerings today. GM has sold far more inexpensive Bolts than all of their other high-priced EVs combined. I suspect this reasonably priced EV is going to be on a lot more peoples radar when purchasing a new car.
Imagine the US EV market if BYD produces the Seagull in Mexico to avoid the US tariffs, and succeeds in offing a $11K-$17K car (as Mark Reuss of Ford publicly stated that he fears).
They can’t build a seagull in Mexico for the same cheap costs as they do in China. It wouldn’t be a $15k car in the US, probably more like $30k.
They can only avoid the tariff if they also fabricate 75% of the parts in Mexico, Canada, or the US.
Oh now you’re considering driving a BYD…go through your house and count all the cheap useless broken crap that reads “Made in China”… and you’d drive their car because it’s cheap? There’s definitely a nut loose behind your steering wheel!!!!!
I like but with 150kwh charge rate at least and 300 sure miles out of a charge.
How can EV3, a not yet released car that is probably not even coming to the US be a rival for an out of production car that was mostly only sold in the US?
I hope GM doesn’t think they can just put new batteries in the Bolt and call it a day.
It better be new inside and out.
It’s definitely not going to be all-new. That’s why they dropped the JV with Honda that was developing a brand new platform for affordable EVs. They are going to instead mostly reuse the Bolt EUV so they can save billions in development costs and bring it to market 2 years sooner than the JV was going to deliver. To save costs and development they need to reuse as much as they can. I would not expect it to be much different inside and out other than the Ultium components and batteries to offer faster charging more efficiency and lower costs of production.
Nothing really wrong with the bolt looks and interior.
@rEVolutionary
Plenty will be wrong with the Bolt inside and out by the time it comes out in late 2025 early 2026
GM better not think they can simply offer the Bolt with just a new Battery pack. It will not work. More competition will be out by then.
Big seller here in Canada too.
Maybe you never looked inside a Bolt.
The interior was redesigned for 2022, different instrument panel, infotainment, HVAC controls, shifter changed from joystick to buttons and more.
Kia EV3 is a winner. If the charge rate is decent and it has a NACS port they will sell a ton. Wonder if it will get a tax rebate too.
It’s not even confirmed for the US.
@Bob
Totally agree with you.
It is looking like Kia will beat Tesla to the 25K nice and modern BEV
Current Bolt was 55 KW. It 65 KW.
“the next-generation Bolt EV is set to launch by 2026”
Boltium is targeted for a 2025 launch, not 2026.
lets see whether they sell in all states or just few states as compliance car. but the race for affordable ev is heating up.
GM, Nissan, VW and now Kia are in the game
Don’t say Nissan in the game with both the leaf and Aryia that are terrible cars