Kia EV3 electric car revealed alongside new EV4 and EV5 models

Kia has added three new models to its electric car and SUV line-up. Here's everything UK car buyers need to know about the EV3, EV4 and EV5, with new pictures...

Kia Concept EV3 front left static

Kia has given us a glimpse of its future electric car line-up, unveiling three new models in one go: the EV3, the EV4 and – you’ve guessed it – the EV5.

We’ll have to wait and see which of them will be available in the UK, but suspect the EV3 is the most likely of the three to come here, possibly towards the end of 2024.

As an electric SUV that will be smaller and likely cheaper than the Kia Niro EV, it could attract buyers looking for a less-expensive way into electric motoring. The latest photos of the Concept EV3 show how it shares exterior styling cues with the Kia EV9, with vertical and horizontal slit headlights, and flat planes rather than curves.

Kia Concept EV3 rear left static

Pictures of the interior (below) highlight the combination of high tech and natural materials. Kia has been testing eco-friendly production methods, including – in the Concept EV3 – a console table created using a substance called mycelium, which is sourced from mushroom roots.

Kia says the driver and passengers’ “emotional wellbeing” is a focus of the car’s design, with soft mood lighting and a minimalist dashboard.

Kia EV3 Concept interior

That said, we’re not sure the lack of proper buttons and switches will do our well-being much good: we find controlling frequently used functions through touchscreen menus, for example, more distracting.

The EV3 was unveiled at the car maker’s ‘Kia EV Day’ in South Korea, as it revealed its plans to develop a line-up of electric cars priced from $30,000 – currently about £24,400. If Kia manages to bring the EV3 to the UK at close to that price, it would be a strong challenger to low-cost electric cars from Chinese brands, including the BYD Dolphin and the MG4 EV.

There are no details yet about the EV3’s motor and engine options, but as Kia’s entry-level electric car model, it’s likely to be offered in fewer combinations than the Kia EV6, which comes with all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, and has a GT performance version.

Kia Concept EV4 front left static

Next up in the line-up, the EV4 (pictured above) is, like the EV3, currently in Concept form, but is described as an "electric saloon". With its sleek lines and aggressive nose, it’s clearly designed to be a sportier option than the EV3, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see an EV4 GT at some point.

It features a slightly wacky sounding feature called Mind Modes, which lets you pick one of four settings – including Perform and Serenity – that set the lighting and what’s shown on the wide digital driver display and infotainment screen to match your mood.

Kia EV5 front left static

The Kia EV5 (pictured above) – which has been confirmed for China, South Korea and other countries, and may come to the UK later on – is an electric family SUV that resembles a smaller EV9.

It’s being offered in three versions: Standard, Long-Range and Long-Range AWD, as well as a performance-focused GT, with official ranges expected to go from around 330 miles to as much as 450 miles (based on Chinese testing procedures).

Kia EV5 rear left static

The EV5 is designed to offer families a combination of car and camping vehicle. Kia says the rear of the vehicle can be transformed into a bedroom by folding down the back seats, and there’s also a fold-out table and a cooler/warmer for drinks and food.

We’ll let you know as soon as Kia confirms more details about whether the Kia EV3, EV4 or EV5 will be available to buy in the UK.

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