Kia’s much-awaited compact electric SUV, the EV3, has officially been captured testing on U.S. roads. Spotted in California not far from Kia’s North American design facility, this discovery adds fuel to the fire that potentially, just maybe, the EV3 is coming to America.
With a starting “around $30,000” and decent specs, this EV could turn the tide for the budget-constrained shopper.
What We Know About the Kia EV3
Revealed worldwide this year, the Kia EV3 is a small electric SUV based on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the structure that underpins the EV6 and EV9.
It’s an electric car aimed at putting a very low price point on the front door of the EV world and aimed at a projected range of about 300 miles (EPA) on a single charge.
It’s tipped to come with 100kW fast charging, a single-motor front-wheel-drive configuration, and cutting-edge digital connectivity. Slightly smaller than the Kia Niro EV, the EV3 will still offer lots of space and tech for its price point.
Why the US Sighting Matters?
The EV3 test mule was caught testing in Irvine, California, not far from Kia’s U.S. headquarters. This very much leans towards the car being tested for homologation.
It’s also the first solid indication that Kia is planning to bring the EV3 to these shores, potentially as early as late 2025 or early 2026. The timing also corresponds with Kia’s EV goal of at least two new electric models a year in the U.S.
How the EV3 Stands Out in a Crowded EV Market?
With a rumoured entry price below $35,000, the Kia EV3 might undercut several rivals but provide similar specs. It’s a direct competitor to the Chevy Equinox EV Volvo EX30; it also competes with the Hyundai Kona Electric, as all aim to bring mass consumer adoption to the affordable SUV EV space.
With its bold, boxy styling and efficient E-GMP platform, we can see this one hitting the sweet spot, especially atop U.S. federal tax credits that likely would apply if it’s eligible under something like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). If Kia can meet the promised range and set of appointments, the EV3 might just hit the mark as the go-to first EV for young American families and professionals.
What’s Next? Expected Timeline and Launch
Although Kia has yet to announce an official schedule for American availability, that vehicle is likely to be the production-ready version of the EV3, which will likely make its North American debut at a major auto show this summer, likely in Los Angeles or New York, according to industry analysts.
Considering that testing is now ongoing, a late 2025 debut and early 2026 deliveries are probably a good bet. Assuming it arrives on time, the EV3 could be one of the least expensive and versatile small EVs in the U.S. market.
Fleet-footed, affordable and featuring decent specs, the Kia EV3 has the potential to be one of 2025’s most thrilling electric vehicle releases and in the actual momentum, if it all goes according to plan, Kia could soon own the entry-level EV SUV room.
