The All-Electric Kia EV3 SUV: The Complete Guide For The UK

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Overview

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Kia Corporation, the South Korean automotive manufacturer is fast developing a portfolio of lower-emission ‘eco’ vehicles, to include, zero-tailpipe emission battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and mild hybrids. The Korean automotive company is headquartered in Seoul, and it is South Korea’s second largest automotive manufacturer after the Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai owns a 33.88% stake in Kia). Kia was found in June 1944, and was formerly known as Kyungsung Precision Industry and Kia Motors Corporation. The Kia Corporation has been active in the European markets since 1991.

The BEVs and PHEVs range includes:

• The all-electric Kia Niro EV
• The all-electric Kia Soul EV
• The all-electric Kia EV6
• The all-electric Kia EV6 GT
• The all-electric Kia EV9
• The all-electric Kia EV3
• Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
• Kia XCeed Plug-In Hybrid
• Kia Ceed Sportswagon Plug-In Hybrid
• Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
• The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The All-Electric Kia EV3 SUV

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The competition in the fast burgeoning compact all-electric SUVs continues to increase, and the launch of the latest battery-electric vehicle (BEV) from Kia is testament to the attractiveness of this ‘compact EV SUV’ segment. The all-electric Kia EV3 (B-Segment) is in direct competition with other compact electric SUVs, like the pure electric Volvo EX30. The EX30 has a 2650mm wheelbase, 4233mm length and 1555mm height. In comparison, the EV3 has a 2680mm wheelbase, 4310mm length and 1570mm height.

The EV3 is part of Kia’s ‘Plan S’ strategy, which includes the automotive manufacturer launching 15 electric vehicles (EVs) by 2027. The zero-tailpipe emission EV3 is also built on the EV dedicated Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The all-electric Kia EV6 and all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 use the same platform. The production EV3 (launched in May 2024) has much in common with the concept EV3 that was unveiled in October 2023. The EV3 replaces the all-electric Kia Soul EV, albeit, with a far more compelling proposition on offer, to include, becoming Kia’s most affordable EV. In many ways the EV3 is like a shrunken best-selling Kia EV9 SUV.

The trend to offer BEVs with more than one EV battery size option, is a win for consumers and for the environment. The EV3 is available in two lithium-ion EV battery (400V architecture) options: 58.3 kWh (375 kg)/ 81.4 kWh (470 kg), with a claimed WLTP e-range of 267 miles and 372 miles. Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions (weather, temperature, road surface, driving style etc), the electric vehicle (EV) should be able to deliver up to 225 miles for the 58.3 kWh, and up to 315 miles for the 81.4 kWh on a full charge. More than adequate for most day-to-day driving needs. The EV3 onboard EV battery has 22 percent higher energy density compared with the Kia Niro EV.

We encourage automotive manufacturers (OEMs) to offer EVs with more than one EV battery size option, as not everyone requires a large onboard EV battery. If you live in a city or town with limited regular long distance driving, than the 58.3 kWh EV battery option will do just fine! The 58.3 kWh BEV can be charged 10%-80% in 29 minutes via a 150 kW DC rapid charger. At 50 kW DC, it will take 55 minutes to achieve an 80% charge. While the larger 81.4 kWh EV battery an be charged 10%-80% in 31 minutes via a 150 kW DC rapid charger. At 50 kW DC, it will take 79 minutes to achieve an 80% charge.

To further increase the efficiency (range) of the EV, the electric car incorporates the Kia i-Pedal 3.0 and Smart Regenerative 3.0 systems. The EV has 4 regenerative levels (Level 0, 1, 2 and 3). Interestingly, Kia does not offer a heat pump as standard on all variants. It is only available as standard on the most expensive trim. A pity! The manufacturer also claims a ‘world’s first’, in that, the EV3 is the first vehicle to deploy a simultaneous heat absorption system i.e. it captures heat from both the vehicle and the outside air to recycle and increase its efficiency. It is also worth noting that despite the body stye, the EV has achieved a decent aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.26Cd. The lower the drag coefficient, the greater the efficiency of the vehicle, resulting in increased range.

The Kia EV3 incorporates up to 10 sustainable solutions, to include: Bio paint, Bio-plastic, Bio PU leather alternative, Recycled PET yarns, Recycled PET / Fishing net carpets, BTX-free paint, PCM plastic, Recycled PET fabric, Bio PU foam and Recycled PET felt. It is now common practise for automotive manufacturers to incorporate a number of sustainable materials, to further enhance the environmental credentials of the EV.

The e-SUV is available in 3 grades (Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S). All variants are front-wheel drive (FWD), with a single-motor powertrain. The entry-level Kia EV3 Air (58.3 kWh) can achieve 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the Kia EV3 Air (81.4 kWh) can achieve 0-62 mph in 7.7 seconds. All variants offer up to 201 bhp and 283 Nm peak torque. The manufacturer has plans to offer an all-wheel drive (AWD) in due course (2026).

The EV3 offers a generous level of technology onboard, to include: three-screens (12.3-inch driver display, 5.3-inch climate control touchscreen, 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system), Wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, vehicle-to-load (V2L) etc. The EV3 also offers a host of safety features and driving aids. Some of these include: front and rear parking sensors, Reversing camera system, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2.0, Highway Driving Assist 2.0, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear-Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist and more!

In terms of practicality, the five-door EV has decent headroom and legroom for taller passengers seated in the rear. The EV has a 25L frunk, along with a 460 L boot capacity. Interestingly, the EV also has a ‘laptop table’ for the driver to use when not driving! The rear-view is restricted, but the reversing camera does overcome the problem.

The order books opened on 1st August 2024 with deliveries slated for later in 2024. Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-2%) tax rate for pure electric cars. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs), to include, Salary Sacrifice, via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!

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PROS	CONS
Excellent real-world zero-tailpipe emission electric range	Heat pump not standard on all variants (£900)
Available in two EV battery sizes	Only available as a front-wheel drive (FWD)
Practical and spacious. Frunk (25L) and Boot Capacity (460 L)	Not the most user-friendly climate control

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The All-Electric Kia EV3 SUV (credit: Kia)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Body Type:	SUV
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):	Not Available
Engine:	Electric
Available In UK:	Yes

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Variants (5 Options)
Kia EV3 ‘Air’ Standard Range 58.3 kWh (from £32,995)
Kia EV3 ‘Air’ Standard Range 81.4 kWh (from £35,995)
Kia EV3 ‘GT-Line’ 81.4 kWh (from £39,495)
Kia EV3 ‘GT-Line S’ 81.4 kWh (from £42,995)
Kia EV3 ‘GT-Line S’ 81.4 kWh/ Heat Pump (from £43,895)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one two battery sizes: 58.3 kWh/ 81.4 kWh
Charging:	120-128 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 29-31 minutes). Onboard AC charger: N/A kW AC (0%-100%: N/A hrs N/A mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
EV Battery Warranty:	7 years or 100,000 miles

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Average Cost Of Residential Charging
Battery net capacity : 16.7 kWh	£2.40
Battery net capacity : 30.0 kWh	£4.32
Battery net capacity : 39.2 kWh	£5.64
Battery net capacity : 45.0 kWh	£6.48
Battery net capacity : 50.0 kWh	£7.20
Battery net capacity : 64.0 kWh	£9.22
Battery net capacity : 71.0 kWh	£10.22
Battery net capacity : 77.0 kWh	£11.09
Battery net capacity : 90.0 kWh	£12.96
Battery net capacity : 100.0 kWh	£14.40

• Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
• Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1560 – 1570
Width (mm):	1850
Length (mm):	4300 – 4310
Wheelbase (mm):	2680
Turning Circle (m):	10.4
Boot Capacity (L):	460
Frunk (L):	25

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EV3 58.3 kWh
EV Battery Capacity:	58.3 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	267 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km):	149
Charging:	120 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 29 minutes). Onboard AC charger: N/A kW AC (0%-100%: N/A hrs N/A mins)
Top Speed:	105 mph
0-62 mph:	7.5 seconds
Drive:	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	150
Max Power (bhp):	201
Torque (Nm):	283
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Kerb Weight (kg):	1,845
Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg):	300
Colours:	5
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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EV3 81.4 kWh
EV Battery Capacity:	81.4 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	372 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km):	149
Charging:	128 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 31 minutes). Onboard AC charger: N/A kW AC (0%-100%: N/A hrs N/A mins)
Top Speed:	105 mph
0-62 mph:	7.7 seconds
Drive:	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	150
Max Power (bhp):	201
Torque (Nm):	283
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Kerb Weight (kg):	1,930
Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg):	1,000
Colours:	5
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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