KIA EV3: the attractive family electric car for those who hesitate (TEST)

With adequate range, plenty of space and a great price, the Kia EV3 aims to convince the undecided of the benefits of electric mobilit piese auto online.

KIA EV3: the attractive family electric car for those who hesitate (TEST)

Kia is determined to make electric mobility functional for the masses, and to that end they are entering the race with the EV3. The 4.30m long crossover should offer one thing above all: reliable range and plenty of space at an affordable price.
For this purpose, two sizes of batteries are provided. One with a capacity of 58.3 kilowatt-hours, which according to the equipment should guarantee the 2-ton electric vehicle a range of 436 km according to WLTP.

The price of the base model: a fair 69,900 leva. If your eyes are on the horizon and you need at least 600 km of electric range, you will have to choose the option with an 81.4-kilowatt-hour battery, with the price starting at 79,900 leva. In terms of charging speed, the small battery on a DC charging station reaches a maximum of 101 kW, and the large battery is recharged with up to 128 kW.

In both cases, the waiting time is nearly 30 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent. Logically, the procedure at an AC charging station takes longer, since the maximum onboard charging capacity is only 11 kW.

Anyone who sets off on a long journey with the EV3 receives a kind of support in the form of a route selected according to the available charging stations, prepared by the factory navigation. It processes data from the vehicle, analyzes the routes in real time and, if necessary, suggests appropriate intermediate breaks. The same system can be used to further adjust the battery in order to optimize and, above all, speed up the charging process. In addition, the vehicle supports the Plug and Charge function - this means that for many of the charging stations, there is no need to unlock them via a mobile app or company cards after concluding the relevant partnership agreement.

While driving, the advanced braking system technology in the form of the so-called i-Pedal 3.0 ensures the efficient generation of valuable electrical energy during braking and coasting. Using the paddle behind the steering wheel, the power of the recuperation can be selected and fixed from three levels up to the One-Pedal-Drive function, as well as deactivated completely. Anyone who wishes can leave the braking before bends, roundabouts and intersections to the adaptive active cruise control system, which works with navigation information, and successfully takes on the role of a virtual electronic navigator.

The motorization for both types of batteries is identical. It is a permanently excited synchronous electric motor with 204 hp and maximum 283 Nm of torque, which drives the wheels of the front axle. According to Kia, it takes 7.9 seconds to reach a speed of 100, and the possible maximum speed is 170 km/h.

OK, we're not talking about world record-breaking numbers here, but in the interest of maximum EV3 usability in everyday life, they're more than acceptable. The car's suspension - also expected - is not at all designed for track racing.

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Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

Kia is determined to make electric mobility functional for the masses, and to that end they are entering the race with the EV3

The price of the base model: a fair 69,900 leva