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In brief I believe the reply might be sure, and that chance would probably come someday subsequent yr. Nonetheless, earlier than we assume that would be the case, let’s first take a look at why it won’t be coming to the US in any respect. Kia has not confirmed, but, that the US is among the “different areas” it plans to promote the EV3 in. Thus it’s attainable that the US is not going to get the EV3.
The EV3 is in the identical class as Kia’s gasoline powered Seltos SUV (which will probably be electrified with a hybrid choice quickly) and can be related in measurement to Kia’s electrified Niro crossover (which additionally has hybrid and absolutely electrical variations). The EV3 would straight overlap with the Niro EV, and the Niro EV is Kia’s greatest promoting electrical mannequin. Why would Kia doubtlessly harm its Niro gross sales with a brand new EV that straight competes with it?
Whereas the Niro is a crossover and styled one thing like a boxy hatchback, the EV3 appears to be like like a diminutive EV9 and if not in perform per se, clearly appears to be like the a part of a extra rugged SUV. To this point the EV3 has not been described as having an AWD choice and its floor clearance seems to be much like the Niro’s from photographs. Thus it’s straightforward to see the Niro EV and EV3 as fashions that would cut up consumers.
If Kia opts to convey solely an AWD model of the EV3 to the US although, maybe that function alone would differentiate the 2 (although it will nonetheless probably harm Niro EV gross sales). Or maybe Kia will finally focus Niro manufacturing and gross sales within the US on its hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) fashions, and pull the Niro EV from its product line. This is able to get rid of overlap whereas nonetheless giving customers choices for all three powertrain choices.
On the opposite facet of the coin, Kia is aware of value is hindering EV gross sales and has burdened that the EV3 is to be an inexpensive EV. Additionally, over 20% of Kia’s US gross sales final yr have been of compact SUV and crossover kind autos (particularly the mixed gross sales of the Seltos, Niro and Soul). These are causes Kia will almost certainly convey the EV3 to the US. Determining learn how to make room in its lineup is just not that large of an issue. What can be a giant downside although is Kia not providing extra competitively priced EVs within the face of competitors from the likes of GM (within the type of the forthcoming Equinox EV LT and Bolt EV) amongst others. Merely put, Kia can’t afford to cede the $35,000 and decrease market section to different automotive makers, not if it desires to develop its share of the EV market.
Lastly, let’s go over among the specs Kia gave us final week concerning the EV3 since Kia provided up a number of juicy new particulars. The EV3 is estimated to have as much as about 330 miles of vary (if one opts for the bigger of two batteries: 58.3 and 81.4 kWh). Kia claims it has the most important baggage area in its class (at over 16 cubic toes within the rear). It measures a bit over 169 inches lengthy, nearly 73 inches huge, and nearly 61.5 inches excessive (which suggests it’s barely shorter in size and peak, however a bit wider than both the present Seltos or Niro, and a bit larger in each dimension than the Soul). It is going to have a 150 kW motor powering the entrance wheels and a 0-60 time a bit over 7 seconds whereas seating 5 “comfortably” (and I’d guess an AWD choice, ultimately, which additionally may improve its acceleration time). It is going to supply superior security and comfort options, a few of which is able to debut within the EV3 and embody Automobile-to-Load (V2L) functionality as properly. The EV3’s vary, cargo area, inside quantity, security options and practicality will probably be extraordinarily interesting to customers in all places.
Are you curious about this new EV or extra affordably priced compact sized SUVs and crossovers usually? Would the EV3 be extra attention-grabbing to you than different equally sized autos from Kia or different manufacturers? Which fashions, manufacturers and why? Please go away your questions and feedback beneath.
Photos courtesy of Kia.
Justin Hart has owned and pushed electrical autos for over 15 years, together with a primary technology Nissan LEAF, second technology Chevy Volt, Tesla Mannequin 3, an electrical bicycle and most not too long ago a Kia Sorento PHEV. He’s additionally an avid SUP rider, poet, photographer and wine lover. He enjoys taking lengthy EV and PHEV highway journeys to lovely and serene locations with the folks he loves. Observe Justin on Torque Information Kia or X for normal electrical and hybrid information protection.
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