Can the EV3 cross the chasm of the electric vehicle market?
Driving the Kia EV3 from Seoul to Sokcho in heavy rain, I tested the GT Line Long Range trim. This is Kia’s third model based on the E-GMP platform, completing their ‘Three-Six-Nine Lineup’.
Kia is determined to popularize electric vehicles with the EV3, indicating their ambition to sell a significant number of units. However, the market remains challenging, hindered by the ghost of an unexpectedly emerging chasm that has left it struggling. Sales growth has markedly declined, with some sales even dipping.
The breakthrough may lie in the compact segment. By significantly boosting sales in a small and affordable market with a low entry barrier, Kia aims to break the chasm. The EV3 is now entering this market with a host of technologies first introduced in this group. It has reduced the size of the HVAC components below the cockpit, expanding interior space, improving aerodynamic performance, increasing battery density, and upgrading the iPedal and regenerative braking systems.
First and foremost, we must talk about its astonishing efficiency. During an economy drive over a distance of 87 km to Chuncheon, I maximized fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 7.7 km/kWh. Considering the official combined efficiency rating is 5.1, the real-world performance is commendable. On the 98 km stretch from Chuncheon to Sokcho, I enjoyed driving without worrying about fuel efficiency by switching between Sport, Comfort, and Eco modes, yet still recorded an efficiency of 6.8 km/kWh. The numbers 6.6 and 7.7 offer a very relatable perspective.
The regenerative braking and iPedal system play significant roles. If utilized well, you hardly ever need to use the brakes. In non-emergency situations, there’s usually no need to hit the brake pedal. You can control regenerative braking stepwise using paddles, and sometimes let just the iPedal function handle acceleration and deceleration. Once you get used to paddle adjustments, driving becomes quite enjoyable. It’s particularly fun to use the paddles to modulate regenerative braking while winding downhill, although occasionally you may have to hurriedly hit the brakes if you miss your timing. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the regenerative braking sensations using the paddles while driving this car.
The driving experience is exceptionally satisfying, comparable to the stability of a toy top. Although it’s front-wheel drive, its low center of gravity makes it resilient to road shocks. It offers a surprising stability when encountering bumps or road undulations that isn’t typical for a compact vehicle. The heavy battery effectively lowers the center of gravity, combined with frequency-sensitive shock absorbers and hydro bushing suspension applied to the front wheels, resulting in a high-quality finish. The drag coefficient is 0.27. This was achieved by covering the underbody and meticulously managing airflow even within the wheelhouses.
The double D-cut steering wheel with a straight top and bottom has a 2.6-turn lock-to-lock ratio, providing very stable steering performance. Although it’s a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the absence of an engine means the weight isn’t biased forward, which significantly reduces the chances of encountering understeer.
Between the two 12.3-inch monitors used for the instrument cluster and navigation, a 5-inch monitor for the HVAC is neatly integrated. The space is utilized effectively, showcasing numerous impressive functionalities. It includes safety and convenience features that outshine many imports. The voice recognition technology is top-notch, allowing for relaxed and conversational commands. It’s based on natural language AI assistance. While driving, controlling functionalities via voice rather than searching for buttons on the monitors is much easier. You can use your voice to operate window and sunroof controls, set cabin temperature, use heated seats, and control the radio and audio systems. The completeness of this feature is truly impressive.
Kia aims to achieve the popularization of electric vehicles, which essentially means they want to sell in large numbers. Ultimately, pricing is the critical factor. Electric vehicle subsidies vary by region, so it’s hard to pin down an exact consumer burden. In Seoul, it’s around 40 million KRW. The lowest-priced EV3 Air Stand model allows consumers to pay 34.85 million KRW after receiving a government subsidy of 5.73 million KRW and a Seoul city subsidy of 1.5 million KRW. The most expensive GT line model sees a consumer burden of 43.36 million KRW after government subsidies of 6.22 million KRW and Seoul city subsidies of 1.5 million KRW. Additional option prices are separate.
If you’re undecided about whether to buy, it’s advisable to at least place a reservation. This can help reduce waiting times. If you change your mind, you can simply cancel the reservation later, and you won’t incur any losses as the deposit is refundable.
The E-GMP electric vehicle platform is equipped with a 4th generation battery. The long-range battery is 81.4kWh, while the standard is 58.3kWh. With 17-inch wheels, the long-range version offers a range of 501 km on a single charge, and the standard version provides 350 km, while the GT line long-range with 19-inch tires has a range of 478 km.
The front-mounted motor produces 150kW (204 horsepower). Both the long-range and standard models share the same output. With a curb weight of 1,850 kg, this translates roughly to 9 kg per horsepower, indicating it’s not a high-performance vehicle. However, the inherent responsiveness of the electric motor is evident. When you slam the accelerator, particularly in sports mode, the immediate acceleration rivals that of high-performance sports cars, which can be quite a surprise.
The EV3 is as appealing when stationary as it is in motion, thanks to the V2L feature that allows for 220V power usage. You can cook samgyeopsal (pork belly), brew water in an electric kettle, or even install a small refrigerator in the car. In emergencies when power supply is cut off, you can draw electricity from the car, providing a sense of security.
Honest feedback from Oh Jong-hoon
As I sat in the driver’s seat, I extended my hand to examine the roof seam. It’s a habit of mine. My fingers trace the gaps; I can feel the rough finish of material cross-sections. I wonder how much this might affect noise and vibration, and while I appreciate the effort put into the minutiae, it’s regrettable to see such details overlooked.
Charging power is compatible up to 127kW. Anything beyond that is ineffective. For instance, even when plugged into 200kW or 350kW fast chargers, the charged speed doesn’t meet expectations. Naturally, ultra-fast charging does not occur. Kia stated that charging from 10% to 80% takes 31 minutes for the long range and 29 minutes for the standard, indicating minimal differences even with 200kW. Thus, high-speed chargers above 100kW hold little relevance for the EV3.
