Automotive supplier Webasto is providing key components for the Kia EV3, including battery systems and opening roof systems, the company said on Friday. Both components are manufactured in South Korea, with roofs produced at Webasto’s Ulsan plant and batteries assembled in Dangjin.
Webasto supplies two battery variants for the EV3, offering 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh gross capacities. Both versions use NMC811 chemistry and incorporate pouch cells from South Korean battery maker LG Energy Solution. According to Webasto, it assembles the cells into battery packs before delivery.
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The EV3’s batteries can be charged from 10% to 80% with charging power of 101 kW or 128 kW, requiring about half an hour for both, based on the technical specifications. Kia states that the long-range model achieves up to 605 kilometres of range according to the WLTP cycle.
In addition to the battery systems, Webasto also produces an optional panoramic roof for the EV3. The large, movable glass panel is designed to let more light into the cabin and can be opened for ventilation. “The Kia EV3 is not only confirmation that Webasto meets the highest technical requirements, but also an excellent example of our deep understanding of vehicle architecture,” said Webasto CTO Marcel Bartling. “Both the roof and the battery are essential components of a vehicle that have a significant influence on its shape and interior comfort. These components make a decisive contribution to the overall quality and driving experience.”
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Webasto’s Dangjin plant, opened in 2022, has expanded its battery production capacity, now capable of producing up to 1,000 battery packs per day for electric vehicles from the Hyundai-Kia Group. From 2024 onwards, the company expects to manufacture 300,000 battery packs annually at the site, with production dedicated to the South Korean market. The facility was modelled after Webasto’s Schierling battery plant in Germany, which started operations in 2019.
Founded in 1987 as a joint venture in South Korea, Webasto initially focused on sunroof production. Today, the company’s core products include sunroofs, parking heaters, and battery solutions. In early 2024, Webasto exited the electric vehicle charging business, selling a majority stake in its charging division to private equity firm Transom Capital Group.