When Kia unveiled the EV3 in May, the brand showcased a vehicle that would make effortless and more sustainable mobility accessible. To deliver on that commitment, Kia’s new compact all-electric SUV features industry-leading technology, a WLTP driving range of up to 372 miles and fast-charging capability.
The EV3’s game-changing blend of attributes means customers needn’t be concerned with making the transition from an internal combustion engine (ICE) car to an electric vehicle (EV).
Kia’s development team was determined to create an all-electric SUV that would raise the bar for what’s expected of a compact electric model. Achieving this meant drawing up an entirely new set of parameters, such as intelligent regenerative braking and the ability to power or charge external devices, such as camping equipment, enabling customers to enjoy a range of lifestyle and driving features previously unavailable in this segment.
Pioneering world-first technology sits at the heart of the EV3, with Kia’s engineers ensuring these innovations bring genuine benefits to the EV3’s occupants.
Braking innovations
Kia is constantly innovating and has evolved its regenerative braking technology for the EV3 with its upgraded i-Pedal and Smart Regenerative systems. These technologies take the concept of one-pedal driving to the next level to deliver greater enjoyment and efficiency.
The latest i-Pedal technology offers the driver much more flexibility and control by separating the level of regenerative braking from the full stopping control function. Full one-pedal driving can now be used in all regenerative braking modes, while i-Pedal can be used optionally in reverse and will also remember the previously selected level when the vehicle is turned off. The system can be selected through a simpler process of pulling the left-hand steering wheel paddle for more than one second.
Regenerative braking levels are rated from 0 to 3, with the most substantial Level 3 braking ideal for driving in heavy start-stop traffic, where drivers may need to slow the car quickly. This has also been optimised with a more linear calibration for smoother results.
Level 2 provides slightly less braking force, an ideal setting on a winding road, enabling drivers to really engage with the driving experience by slowing the SUV smoothly for corners without touching the brake pedal. This sustainable approach can extract more driving range from each battery charge.
Smart Regenerative System can relieve the stress of negotiating a busy, unfamiliar city centre by relieving mental strain on drivers. While Kia’s previous system could automatically slow the vehicle to 6mph, the latest technology can bring the EV3 to a complete stop, providing even greater flexibility.
On-board efficiency coach
While the EV3 is packed with technology to extract maximum range from every battery charge, how owners drive can make a big difference, too. That’s why Kia has made it easy to achieve this with its ‘Driving Range Guide’ technology.
Located in the instrument cluster, the Driving Range Guide is easy to understand at a glance. It displays the maximum and minimum driving ranges achievable depending on driving style, and an estimated range based on past driving efficiency.
When the EV3 is being driven efficiently, a green gauge on the information cluster fills towards the maximum mark. If the car’s efficiency potential is not being maximised, this gauge turns orange and displays a reduced potential driving range. This real-time display encourages drivers to enjoy a more efficient driving experience.
Kia plans to introduce an all-wheel drive (AWD) variant as well as a GT model, expanding the range of choice for customers beyond the current two-wheel drive (2WD) models.
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