As Kia prepared for the global press launch of its EV3 in Portugal in early November, it revealed more details of the compact electric SUV.

With a range of nearly 600km, the first-ever EV3 will introduce an upgraded i-Pedal technology that provides a more relaxed, efficient driving style. It is the first car to feature Hyundai Motor Group’s Smart Regenerative System technology. 

Kia says the EV3 has a game-changing blend of attributes, meaning customers needn’t be concerned with transitioning from an internal combustion engine (ICE) car to an electric vehicle (EV).

Kia says its development team was determined to create an all-electric SUV that would raise the bar for what’s expected of a compact electric model. 

That meant drawing up a new set of parameters, such as intelligent regenerative braking and the ability to power or charge external devices, such as camping equipment, enabling customers to enjoy various lifestyle and driving features previously unavailable in this segment.

Many factors can affect a vehicle’s all-electric driving range, but the one that figures most prominently in customers’ minds is still the battery. As a result, Kia’s engineers have equipped the EV3 with the largest battery in its class, delivering a best-in-class all-electric range of nearly 600km.

Many hours were spent in the wind tunnel to hone the EV3’s aerodynamic performance, addressing subtle details such as the optimised wheel shape and the enhanced rear combination lamps. There are also new side sill undercovers, along with eight parts covering the underbody, contributing to cleaner underfloor airflow and reduced drag.

Combined with optimised headlight and front bumper cover profiles, wheel gap reducers, an optimised wheel arch design, a shallower roof spoiler angle, aerodynamic strakes on the rear bumper cover and improved front wheel deflectors, the EV3 glides smoothly through the air with a drag coefficient of just 0.26Cd.

The EV3’s body across the rear wheel arches is also narrower than across its front wheel arches, creating a boat-tail shape and greater electric driving range.

The Kia EV3 is expected in New Zealand in the second quarter of 2025.