South Korean automaker Kia Motors Corp is gearing up to launch its latest electric vehicle, the EV3, in Europe this November, aiming to capitalize on its recent success in the home market and bolster its position in the competitive European EV landscape.
The EV3, priced around $30,700 (KRW 42.08 million) in Korea, has garnered significant attention since its debut last month, with over 10,000 reservations recorded in less than 23 days.
Kia’s vice president, Won-Jeong Jeong, hailed the EV3 as a potential “game changer” in South Korea, citing its affordability and robust features derived from Kia’s flagship EV9 model. Powered by Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the EV3 offers a range of up to 311 miles (501 kilometers), making it a compelling option in the mid-range EV market.
Marc Hedrich, Kia’s new head for Europe, acknowledged the challenges ahead, describing the transition to electric vehicles as a “bumpy road” rather than a straightforward journey. Despite this, Kia remains optimistic about the EV3’s prospects in Europe, where the company aims to expand its market share in the coming years.
Kia’s strategy in Europe includes maintaining a diverse lineup that includes combustion engines, hybrids, and all-electric vehicles like the EV3, EV6, and upcoming EV5. Hedrich emphasized that despite hurdles, Kia is committed to meeting the rising demand for affordable electric cars in Europe, with the EV3 expected to play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.