Kia has initiated early-stage production of its upcoming EV3 electric SUV in Mexico, marking a key step toward the model’s anticipated debut in the United States later this year.
According to recent registration data, 15 units of the EV3 were assembled last month at Kia’s manufacturing facility in Pesquería, Nuevo León. These vehicles are understood to be prototype models, aligning with recent sightings of heavily camouflaged EV3 test units undergoing road evaluations.
The small production volume indicates a measured ramp-up in North American manufacturing, as Kia appears to be advancing cautiously. The timing also coincides with the upcoming July review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a factor that may be influencing the automaker’s strategic approach.
The EV3 has already gained traction in international markets. Since its European launch in November 2024, the compact electric SUV has attracted strong demand, driven by its competitive pricing and a claimed driving range of up to 375 miles. With a starting price of approximately €36,000 (around $38,300), the model quickly climbed sales rankings, placing third in the UK within its first year and securing a top-ten position across Europe and Australia.
Kia recently confirmed during the New York International Auto Show that the EV3 will be introduced to the U.S. market, putting to rest earlier uncertainty about its rollout. Positioned as an entry-level electric SUV, the EV3 is designed to deliver many of the features found in the larger EV9, but at a more accessible price point.
In the U.S., the EV3 is expected to be offered in five trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. The base Light variant will feature a 58.3 kWh battery paired with a front-mounted electric motor, offering an estimated range of up to 220 miles.
Higher trims will be equipped with a larger 81.4 kWh battery, extending the driving range to approximately 320 miles in front-wheel-drive configurations. All-wheel drive will be optional on the Wind and Land trims, while it will come standard on the GT-Line and GT versions.
Built on Kia’s 400-volt E-GMP platform, the EV3 will support DC fast charging, allowing the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in about 29 minutes for the smaller battery and roughly 31 minutes for the larger one.
While official U.S. pricing has yet to be announced, the EV3 is expected to start at around $35,000, positioning it below the EV6, which currently has a starting price of $42,900.
Once launched, the EV3 will compete in a rapidly growing segment of affordable electric SUVs in the U.S., where models such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Toyota bZ lineup are gaining market share. Tesla’s Model Y continues to lead overall EV sales, followed by the Model 3 and an expanding range of mainstream electric crossovers.
