Kia’s electric SUV line-up is set to expand, starting with this all-new model to replace the Soul EV On sale Late 2024 Price from £36,000 (est)
James Tute james.tute@haymarket.com
WITH THE WRAPS now off Kia’s electric flagship, the EV9, the South Korean brand has given us a glimpse of its plans for elsewhere in its electric line-up, with an SUV named the EV3.
Seen here in concept form, the EV3 is likely to go on sale as a successor to the Soul EV and could be available in the UK by the end of 2024.The concept shares exterior styling cues with the EV9, with vertical and horizontal slit headlights, and flat planes rather than curves. If its larger relative is any indication, the production EV3 is likely to closely resemble this concept.
Pictures of the concept’s interior show that it uses natural materials, yet still looks distinctly high tech, exemplified by its futuristic-looking, oval-shaped steering wheel and single, wide screen that combines a digital driver’s display with the infotainment touchscreen.
The concept EV3 also showcases the eco-friendly production methods that Kia has been testing, including use of a substance called mycelium, which is produced from mushroom roots. In the EV3 concept, it’s used to make a console table.
Also, Kia says its CMF (colour, materials, finish) design team used 3D knit technology for the seat covers.The firm describes the process as an ultra-efficient method of creating woven material without any waste.
The driver and passengers’ emotional wellbeing is said to be a focus of the EV3’s design; its minimalist dashboard and the use of soft mood lighting are intended to create a calming environment for travel.
That said, we’re not sure the dashboard’s lack of proper buttons and switches will do your wellbeing much good: having to control frequently used functions through touchscreen menus is more distracting.
As yet, there are no details yet about the production EV3’s motor and battery options, or its performance. A Soul EV with a 64kWh battery is officially capable of 280 miles from a full charge, and we’d expect advancing electric vehicle (EV) technology to better that for the EV3.The new model is also likely to improve on the Soul’s charging speed.
The EV3 was one of three new models unveiled as part of the brand’s ‘Kia EV Day’ event, during which it outlined its plans to develop a worldwide line-up of EVs with prices starting from $US30,000 – currently equating to £24,600.
