Kia EV3 with a range of up to 645 km on a single charge could be the successor to the Soul

The “younger brother” EV5 will be based on the new eM platform. The prototype of the future crossover is already being tested on public roads.

The Korean brand Kia continues to actively develop its “green” family, the first-born of which is the EV6 cross-hatchback, which debuted in the spring of 2021. The flagship crossover EV9 joined it in the spring of 2023, and the production version EV5 was presented at the end of last month. Kia patented the names for its “battery-powered” new products back in 2020; the list also includes EV3 and EV4.

In the photo: the current electric crossover Kia Soul (version for the European market)

According to the British Autocar, the Kia EV3 will most likely be a compact SUV, aimed primarily at driving on city roads. Probably, such a model will subsequently become an indirect successor to the current Soul EV: this electric car last received a portion of noticeable updates back in 2019. By the way, another supposed new product – EV4 – may take a place in the hierarchy of the “green” family between EV3 (the size of a Soul) and EV5 (the size of a Sportage); it is possible that the “four” will be close in size to the Kia Xceed.

Kia is now conducting a series of road tests of the EV3 prototype: spy photographers have previously caught camouflaged test electric vehicles. Judging by the pictures, the SUV will have short front and rear overhangs, a clear glass line and an almost vertical tailgate (which makes it visually similar to the “squared” silhouette of the Kia Soul). There is no opportunity yet to see the details of the appearance of the future new product.

In the photo: Kia EV5

It is assumed that the new product will receive a design in the style of other models of the electric family. This means that we should expect massive plastic linings, an unusual shape of optics, and a design of the front part in the form of a “tiger muzzle”. Kia EV3 can also be equipped with original wheels, the functional design of which probably helps improve aerodynamic performance.

Earlier, the Koreans announced that from 2025, electric passenger models of Kia and Hyundai will be produced on the new modular eM platform, and for commercial vehicles they have prepared a separate eS architecture (note that the current EV5 is based on the E-GMP “trolley”). Obviously, the eM platform will also be the basis of the Kia EV3; there are no official details about it yet. It is expected that the range on one charge of the new crossover can be about 645 km.

In the photo: Kia EV5 interior

The eM platform is designed to help the manufacturer move to a standardized approach to sharing components across different model lines. Hyundai Motor Group previously noted that now the batteries and electric motors for each electric car are different, and their standardization will allow “flexible use of common components” and “thus effectively expanding the model range.” And this will certainly help developers save on creating new electric cars.

According to preliminary data, the debut of the serial compact crossover Kia EV3 will take place towards the end of 2024, and its production will start in 2025 . Most likely, in the European market the new product will have to compete for buyers with Jeep Avenger, Mini Aceman and Peugeot e-2008.