Key Takeaways
Kia teases upcoming EV3 crossover in video promoting upcoming Pixar film.
EV3 expected to use E-GMP electric vehicle architecture.
Styling appears to resemble concept closely.
Kia has teased the upcoming EV3 electric crossover in a new video promoting Inside Out 2, a Pixar animated film premiering on June 19. The battery-powered Kia makes a brief appearance in the clip, with Kia showcasing the side profile in a shadowy teaser. Based on this quick glimpse, Kia is sticking closely to the design of the EV3 concept, which debuted late last year.
The EV3 borrows styling cues from the larger EV9, with boxy and upright lines and futuristic details. The production-ready EV9 (and EV5) haven’t strayed far from the original concepts, so it’s very likely the EV3 will follow suit. Spy shots indicate Kia will lean heavily on its ‘Opposites United’ design ethos, and while the camouflage makes it difficult to see anything, several details have revealed themselves so far.
EV9-Inspired Exterior Design
The rear door handles, for example, will be positioned on the C-pillars, creating the illusion of a two-door vehicle. Size-wise, the EV3 is expected to be the same size as the Seltos or Soul, providing the automaker with an electric offering in the voluminous subcompact crossover segment.
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Little is known about the EV3 currently, but it will likely be underpinned by the E-GMP platform utilized in several Hyundai Motor Company EVs, such as the Kia EV5, Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Genesis GV60. However, reports indicate that the EV3 will use 400-volt electric architecture to save costs. Reports suggest the EV3 pricing will start around $30,000 and go up to $40,000. Officials have already said the EV5 is not in the cards for now, but who knows for sure?
What We Know So Far
We wouldn’t be surprised if the EV3 shared some of its electric drivetrains with the larger EV5. The slightly larger crossover is available with 215 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, which would be more than enough for something like the EV3. While the EV5 will also be offered in a GT trim with 313 horses, that may be too much for the smaller EV3. A potential EV3 GT will likely provide less power so as not to steal its larger sibling’s thunder. Expect the EV3 to use the 58 kWh battery used in the EV5 base model.
Spy shots of the interior show the EV3 will boast a digital dual display, housed under a single sheet of glass. Like other Kia electric vehicles, the interior will reportedly receive sustainable cabin materials, from recycled PET yarn to bioplastics. We’re not sure what the latest obscure teaser suggests, but there’s a chance the EV3 may make an appearance in the movie. We wouldn’t be surprised if Kia decides to officially reveal the vehicle around the same time, either.