Kia recently announced plans to develop new hybrid and plug-in hybrid models to help it cope with wavering EV demand, but that hasn’t stopped the automaker’s trudge toward full electrification. In fact, Kia’s CEO said the company was pushing forward with plans to release an affordable electric car called the EV3.
Ho Sung Song said that the car, based on the EV3 Concept, would go on sale before the end of 2024. The new model will join several hybrids also in development, along with at least on South Korea-only model expected to debut at the same time as the EV3. Kia hasn’t detailed the car’s styling or specs, but we know it will use a less expensive electrical architecture than the automaker’s larger EV6 and EV9 models. That should help keep costs in the low $30,000 range, a significant departure from most EVs, which are notably more expensive.
It’s important to note that Kia hasn’t confirmed the EV3 for American buyers, but it’s hard to imagine that an affordable electric model wouldn’t at least cover its costs here, even without federal tax credits. That, and the brand needs an entry-level model to push buyers higher in the lineup over time. Kia is also moving to improve its North American EV manufacturing footprint. It will build the EV9 in Georgia, making it at least partially eligible for the credits, but there’s no word on when or if the EV6 will make the leap to domestic production.
[Image: Kia]
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