The electric car we've been waiting for: 2025 Kia EV3 revealed with long driving range and high-tech features to take on the BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV

Kia is bringing the EV3 small electric SUV, its most affordable EV yet, to Australia in 2025.

The South Korean brand debuted the Seltos-sized electric SUV in Seoul with promises of a long driving range and plenty of high-tech features.

President and CEO of Kia, Ho Sung Song, said the EV3 will reassure those hesitant about EVs to make the switch.

“By providing groundbreaking design, an industry-leading electric drivetrain, and practical, innovative lifestyle solutions, the EV3 aims to extend Kia’s exceptional EV SUV experience to a wider audience. With a WLTP driving range of up to 600km and fast-charging capability, the EV3 addresses common concerns about electric vehicles,” he said.

The EV3 follows the design of the large EV9 and coming mid-size EV5 with a boxy shape, short bonnet and dynamic LED lighting front and back.

It is built on the company’s modular electric car platform that spawned the bigger models, but the EV3 will be front-wheel drive initially, not rear-wheel drive like the others.

Kia executives said this makes the car lighter and is better suited to an entry-level SUV rather than the more performance-focused EV6 and EV9.

It’ll be available with two battery sizes: a 58.3kWh unit and long-range 81.4kWh pack.

The latter can deliver a range of up to 600km on a single charge. Kia hasn’t revealed the range of the smaller battery version.

Power comes from a single 150kW/283Nm electric motor that can go from zero to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 170km/h.

A vehicle-to-load function, that is found on Kia’s other EVs, is also present. This allows owners to power household appliances such as a laptop or electric cooker via a household powerpoint in the car.

The company hinted it is aiming to price the EV3 between US$35,000 and US$50,000, which is about $50,000 and $75,000 in local currency.

It is highly likely the entry-level version could slip in just below the $50,000 mark as Kia Australia is likely to start the bigger EV5 range at just below $60,000.

It’s also unlikely the long-range version would top out at the maximum as it would create conflict with the EV5, too.

Charging won't be as speedy as the bigger, more expensive models as it forgoes the 800-volt charging architecture in favour of a 400-volt set-up.

This means the 350kW maximum rate of Kia’s other vehicles is unlikely. The company said it can replenish the batteries from 10 to 80 per cent in 31 minutes, which would put the charge rate at about 120kW.

The EV3 should have a roomy interior that belies its compact size thanks to a boxy shape, a flat floor and a long wheelbase.

It has a sizeable 460-litre boot and a small cargo area under the bonnet.

A sliding table in the centre console can act as a desk when parked and the front seats have a relaxation mode that folds the chairs backwards.

Inside, the EV3 has the same screen layout as the EV9, with a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen joined to a 5.0-inch climate control that is connected to a 12.3-inch digital driver display.

A head-up display that projects vital information such as travelling speed and safety warnings onto the windscreen in front of the driver is also included.

Kia has also developed a Generative AI digital assistant that can provide information searches, directions and control vehicle functions.