Kia EV3: price, range, charging, and full technical specifications 2025
Jan 23, 2026
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Kia EV3: Price, range and technical specifications of the compact electric SUV
Starting at €35,990, the Kia EV3 is establishing itself as the new benchmark compact electric SUV with up to 605 km WLTP range and 10-80% charging in just 31 minutes. This model incorporates the proven technologies of its big brother, the EV9, in an urban and versatile format. Here's a comprehensive overview of this vehicle that is shaking up the segment.
Korean manufacturer Kia is making a big splash with the EV3, a 100% electric compact SUV that aims to democratize access to zero-emission mobility. After conquering the upper segments with the EV6 and EV9, the brand is now targeting the heart of the European market. Officially launched in France in the fall of 2024, this model has a lot going for it: a unique design inherited from the flagship EV9, remarkable interior space for its category, and above all, a record range that blows away the competition.
It remains to be seen whether the Kia EV3 will deliver on all its promises on the road and at fast-charging stations. Let's take a closer look.
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Prices and versions of the Kia EV3 in France
The Kia EV3 is available in three trim levels (Air, Earth, and GT-line) and two battery capacities. The Standard Range version has a 58.3 kWh battery, while the Long Range version has an 81.4 kWh battery. The entire range is powered by a single 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor developing 283 Nm of torque.
Important note: the Kia EV3 is not currently eligible for the French eco-bonus. Manufactured in South Korea, it does not meet the minimum environmental score of 60 points required by the 2025 regulations. However, Kia plans to launch European production in Slovakia in 2026, which should unlock access to government subsidies.
Trim | Battery | WLTP | Price |
Air | 58.3 kWh | 436 km | €35,990 |
Air | 81.4 kWh | 605 km | €40,990 |
Earth | 58.3 kWh | 436 km | €38,990 |
Earth | 81.4 kWh | 605 km | €43,990 |
GT-line | 81.4 kWh | 605 km | €45,990 |
Source: Kia France
The Kia EV3's major selling point is its 7-year or 150,000 km manufacturer's warranty, which is transferable to successive owners. This is a strong argument against the competition, particularly Tesla, which offers a 4-year warranty for the vehicle and an 8-year warranty for the battery.
Range and consumption: up to 605 km in real-world conditions
The Kia EV3 is based on the Hyundai-Kia group's E-GMP platform, here in a 400 V architecture. Fourth-generation battery technology optimizes energy density and delivers remarkable performance for the compact electric SUV segment.
With its 58.3 kWh battery, the vehicle has a certified range of 436 km according to the WLTP cycle. In real mixed use, you can expect around 350 to 380 km depending on your driving style and weather conditions. The Long Range version with its 81.4 kWh battery claims up to 605 km WLTP, or a real-world range of around 480 to 520 km. These figures place the EV3 at the top of its segment, ahead of the Volvo EX30 (476 km WLTP) and on par with the Renault Scénic E-Tech long range.
Kia's engineers have paid particular attention to the vehicle's aerodynamics. Three-dimensional underbody protection contributes to a drag coefficient (Cx) of 0.263, which is excellent for a compact SUV. Average consumption is between 14.3 and 16.9 kWh/100 km depending on the version and driving style, figures that rival the best electric sedans on the market.
The latest-generation battery management unit (BMU) and cell management unit (CMU) optimize energy consumption in real time. Kia's exclusive i-Pedal 3.0 system allows you to fine-tune the level of energy recovery during braking and adopt single-pedal driving to maximize range.
Charging the Kia EV3: time and power ratings
Charging is often a question mark for prospective electric vehicle buyers. In this area, the Kia EV3 reassures with solid performance, although its 400V architecture puts it behind the group's 800V models (EV6, EV9).
DC fast charging: from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes
At a fast charging station, the Kia EV3 accepts up to 128 kW of direct current for the Long Range version (81.4 kWh). The Standard version is limited to 108 kW. In both cases, it takes around 29 to 31 minutes to go from 10% to 80% charge, which is about the time it takes for a coffee break on the highway.
In practice, 15 minutes of charging at a high-power station will give you around 240 km of range on the large battery version. Electra stations, located on strategic routes in France, offer power ratings of up to 400 kW and are fully compatible with the EV3's capabilities. The Electra station map makes it easy to locate available charging points on your route.
Home charging: 11 kW three-phase charger as standard
Even the entry-level Kia EV3 comes with an 11 kW three-phase on-board charger. Using a suitable home wallbox, the 58.3 kWh battery can be fully charged in around 6 hours. For the 81.4 kWh version, it takes around 8 hours to charge from 0 to 100%. In practice, overnight charging is more than enough to ensure a full battery every morning, even when starting from a very low level.
Equipment and technologies by trim level
The Kia EV3 inherits the technological arsenal of the large EV9 SUV, giving it a head start over the competition in the compact segment. The nearly 30-inch digital display is the centerpiece of the interior, combining a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 5.3-inch climate control screen, and a 12.3-inch central display dedicated to infotainment.
The Air trim, available from €35,990, already offers generous equipment: Smart Key system for keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control coupled with navigation (NSCC-C), active highway driving assist, LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a heat pump as standard. The latter optimizes range in cold weather by recovering heat from the electrical system.
The Earth trim adds blind spot collision avoidance (BCA), tinted rear windows, heated front seats and steering wheel, power-adjustable driver's seat, digital key 2.0 for using your smartphone as a key, and wireless phone charging.
The GT-line tops the range with Level 2 Highway Driving Assist (HDA 2), 12-cube LED headlights with welcome lighting, full LED taillights with "Star Map" design, hands-free power tailgate, customizable ambient lighting, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
The EV3 also introduces the Kia AI Assistant voice assistant, powered by generative artificial intelligence. This technology, deployed via OTA update, enables natural interactions with the vehicle: route planning, comfort function control, and information search. The service is included free of charge for one year.
Design and interior space: the DNA of the EV9 in a compact version
Kia's "Opposites United" design philosophy finds particularly successful expression in the EV3. The compact SUV has compact dimensions (4.30 m long, 1.85 m wide, 1.56 m high) while exuding a strong visual presence. The vertical front end echoes the design cues of the flagship EV9 with the "Tiger Face" light signature and vertical daytime running lights featuring Constellation technology.
The generous 2.68 m wheelbase provides surprising interior space for this category. Kia has removed the traditional connection between the dashboard and center console, creating a feeling of openness and volume. The cabin comfortably seats five occupants, with a flat rear floor that makes it easy for the middle passenger to get in.
The 460-liter rear trunk is one of the most generous in the segment. A 25-liter frunk (front trunk) completes the cargo capacity. The two-level adjustable trunk floor allows the space to be adjusted as needed. The sliding table integrated into the center console transforms the cabin into a true living space during charging sessions: ideal for working on a laptop or sharing a snack.
When it comes to materials, Kia is committed to sustainability. The dashboard and door panels are covered with recycled fabrics. Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is used in the seats, headliner, floor mats, and cargo floor, depending on the trim level. Eight exterior colors are available, including four new ones: Pastel Green, Frost Blue, Granite Gray, and Tuscan Brown.
Kia EV3 vs. the competition: Scénic, Model Y, EX30
The compact electric SUV segment is experiencing unprecedented growth. How does the Kia EV3 stack up against its direct rivals?
Compared to the Renault Scénic E-Tech Electric, the EV3 is priced around €3,000 lower for comparable equipment. The range of the two models is very similar (605 km for the Kia, 625 km for the Renault with the large battery version). The Scénic's major advantage is its eligibility for the eco-bonus, which reverses the price balance. The French car's trunk (545 L) also surpasses that of the Korean model.
The more compact Volvo EX30 has a slightly lower starting price but a shorter range (476 km). Its minimalist Scandinavian design contrasts with the EV3's more generous approach to equipment. The Swedish car's trunk (318 L) is a disadvantage for families.
The Tesla Model Y, although positioned in a slightly higher segment, remains an essential benchmark. Around €5,000 more expensive, it compensates with an XXL trunk and access to the proprietary Supercharger network. The EV3 counters with better energy efficiency, a more luxurious interior, and twice the warranty period.
The V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function is a key differentiator for the EV3: it allows external electrical devices (computers, scooters, portable refrigerators) to be powered directly from the vehicle's battery. This is unique in this segment and is not offered by Tesla, Renault, or Volvo.
Our opinion on the Kia EV3
The Kia EV3 ticks many boxes for those looking for a versatile compact electric SUV. Its record range for the segment, its technological features inherited from the EV9, and its 7-year warranty are compelling arguments. The equipment/price ratio is particularly competitive, especially on the Air trim with Long Range battery ($40,990), which offers the best compromise.
However, the lack of an eco-bonus makes it less attractive in terms of price compared to the Renault Scénic, which is manufactured in France. Buyers in a hurry will have to live with this reality until European production begins in 2026. The DC charging power (128 kW maximum) is decent, but does not match the performance of the group's 800 V models.
For long-distance journeys, the French fast-charging network has matured considerably in recent years. The transparent rates offered by Electra allow you to plan your charging budget with peace of mind. With a 31-minute break to recover 70% of the battery, long journeys in the EV3 are no longer an adventure but a comfortable road trip.
Ultimately, the Kia EV3 stands out as a credible alternative for families and professionals looking for a spacious, durable, and well-equipped electric vehicle. Kia has once again demonstrated its ability to shake up the European electric vehicle market.
Written by Nicolas, Electra mobility expert
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