Kia has begun producing early EV3 prototypes in Mexico as the company prepares to introduce its affordable electric SUV to the US market later this year.
Recent registration data indicates that 15 EV3 units were assembled last month at Kia’s Pesquería plant in Nuevo León. These initial vehicles are expected to serve as early test prototypes, following sightings of the model already undergoing road testing.
Production activity in Mexico is increasing as Kia quietly scales up operations ahead of a broader North American rollout. The timing comes ahead of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) joint review scheduled for July, with local reports suggesting the automaker is maintaining a low public profile during the ramp-up phase.
The EV3 has already proven successful in global markets. After launching in Europe in November 2024, the compact electric SUV quickly gained traction thanks to its competitive pricing and segment-leading driving range of up to 375 miles. Starting at roughly €36,000 (about $38,300), it became one of the region’s top-selling EVs, ranking third in the UK in its first year and placing among the top ten electric vehicles across Europe and Australia.
Kia officially confirmed the EV3’s US arrival at the recent New York Auto Show, easing concerns that the model might be delayed or cancelled following uncertainty around other upcoming Kia EV launches. The company described the EV3 as an entry-level electric SUV that delivers many of the features of the larger EV9 in a smaller, more affordable package.
For the US market, the EV3 will be offered in five trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. The base Light version uses a 58.3 kWh battery paired with a front-mounted electric motor, delivering an estimated range of up to 220 miles.
Higher trims come with an 81.4 kWh battery pack, increasing range to as much as 320 miles in front-wheel-drive configurations. All-wheel drive will be optional on the Wind and Land trims and standard on the GT-Line and GT variants.
Built on Kia’s 400V E-GMP platform, the EV3 supports DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 29 minutes for the smaller battery and about 31 minutes for the larger pack.
Pricing has not yet been officially confirmed, but the EV3 is expected to start around $35,000 in the US, positioning it below the EV6, which currently starts at $42,900.
In the broader EV market context, demand for affordable electric SUVs remains strong, with models like the Toyota bZ, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Chevrolet Equinox EV ranking among the best-selling electric vehicles in the US. Tesla’s Model Y continues to lead overall sales, followed by the Model 3 and several mainstream crossovers competing in the growing affordable EV segment.
