Kia’s 2027 EV3 could be the affordable EV we’ve been waiting for

Kia's 2027 EV3 could be the affordable electric vehicle (EV) consumers have been waiting for. The entry-level trim begins at $31,385 in the US, including a $1,495 destination charge, making it the cheapest EV in Kia's lineup and one of the most budget-friendly options available. The EV3 has been performing well in Europe and other overseas markets for nearly two years, but getting it to American driveways has been challenging due to tariffs and the rollback of the federal EV tax credit.

Kia recently secured a $649 million plan to manufacture the EV3 in Mexico, which has cleared the way for a US launch. Five trims are available, ranging from $31,385 to $47,385, undercutting the EV6 by approximately $8,000 and being nearly $10,000 cheaper than the retiring Kia Niro EV. Buyers can choose between front or all-wheel drive, a feature not offered by competitors such as the Chevy Bolt or Nissan Leaf.

The base Light trim features a 58.3 kWh battery with a range of 221 miles, while other trims have an 81.4 kWh battery rated for 321 miles with FWD or 280 miles with AWD. Charging is done through a native NACS port, and a 350 kW fast charger can recharge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in under half an hour. The GT trim offers 288 horsepower, 345 lb-ft of torque, and virtual gear shifts accompanied by simulated engine sounds, creating a driving experience akin to a gas-powered car.

Kia's EV sales haven't been strong this year, so the EV3 will need to make a significant impact if it wants to change that narrative. Uber has introduced London's first public robotaxi service in partnership with British autonomous driving company Wayve. Through the Uber app, riders can summon a Ford Mustang Mach-E that can drive itself, with a trained safety operator initially seated behind the wheel to intervene if needed.

The service uses Wayve's AI Driver technology, providing the vehicle with a 360-degree view of its surroundings. Meanwhile, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has unveiled its first fully electric Range Rover, priced at £154,070 ($208,420), making it one of the priciest electric SUVs on the market. Solar-powered vehicles have predominantly existed in the realm of prototypes, but Stella Juva, developed by Solar Team Eindhoven, has completed a significant test.

The world's first solar ambulance successfully traveled hundreds of miles through challenging terrain while carrying medical equipment and generating enough electricity to operate independently.