EV3 sounds the charge

BABY KIA EV TARGETS THE VOLVO EX30. WOULD YOU BET AGAINST IT SUCCEEDING?

- JORDAN HICKEY

THE 2025 KIA EV3 electric small SUV - a rival to the Hyundai Kona, Volvo EX30, BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EVhas debuted ahead of its Australian launch.

Kia Australia has confirmed the EV3 will arrive in local showrooms sometime in 2025 - joining other dedicated EVs like the EV5, EV6 and EV9 - with exact timing to be confirmed closer to its launch.

The EV3 is based on the HyundaiKia Group's E-GMP modular electric vehicle platform - but, like the EV5, it has a front-wheel-drive bias and a lower 400-volt charging architecture.

Larger E-GMP electric vehicles like the EV6 and EV9 are based on a rear-biased version of the platform with an 800-volt architecture supporting ultra-rapid 350-kilowatt DC public charging stations.

Production of the EV3 is due to commence in South Korea soon, with a global pricing target between US$35,000 and US$50,000 (AU$52,000 to AU$75,000) positioning it closer to Hyundai Kona Electric and Volvo EX30 than the BYD Atto 3, MG ZS EV and Chery Omoda E5.

The brand was unable to confirm where Australian-market versions will be manufactured. It could follow the EV5 in being sourced from China, allowing for better price parity with its Chinese rivals.