The all-new 2026 Kia EV3 is production-ready, but here is the backstory about how Kia tests the their newest cars in a variety of extreme climates before it ever reaches the showroom and your driveway. I had a rare and exclusive opportunity to join the Kia design and test team in northern Sweden near the Arctic circle to learn how they test and validate their vehicles in a cold climate. I also get a chance to drive an EV3 prototype on a frozen lake at the Colmis proving grounds in Sweden.
First, a few EV3 specs.
This is a 2026 model that we expect will go on sale in the United States in late 2025 with a starting price of around $35,000. We do not yet know if it will be eligible for any tax incentives. We still don’t know the EV3’s precise starting price as it is still more than a year away, and a lot can change between now and then. However, this car’s technology, convenience, and an attractive price could make it a game charger. Let’s dig in!
The Kia EV3 aims to strike the best balance of compact exterior proportion, large interior volume for five people and their stuff, driving range of around 300 miles per charge, and an attainable price. Kia aims to accomplish this with a more cost-effective 400-volt electric architecture. We expect Kia to bring a larger 81.4 kWh battery to the United States in a FWD electric car with a permanent magnet motor that is capable of up to 201 horsepower. Kia’s latest 4th-generation miniaturized heat pump prioritizes efficiency and occupant comfort with additional front legroom. Kia’s smart cabin air intake system and powertrain heat scavenging make it so the car does not waste much energy while keeping you comfy and moving along.
You might say that other manufacturers such as Tesla, Lucid, GM, Volvo and others already figured this out and are selling very efficient and cool electric cars now. Well, the final judgement will come when we will be able to range test the new EV3 against its competitors next year. Please stay tuned for this.
Here is just a quick look at EPA efficiency ratings for several lower priced electric cars that are on sale now. The 2026 Kia EV3 should be at least this efficient when it comes to market, but it may possibly beat the current cars with an energy usage of under 25 kWh / 100 miles.
Why go to northern Sweden to drive a prototype?
It’s a way for Kia to demonstrate many of their latest technologies and show us how they tune and validate this in a cold climate. It’s no secret that electric vehicles lose efficiency when temperatures dip far below freezing. This is why Kia is focusing its efforts on the latest heat pump technology and battery conditioning. We cannot yet confirm how the new EV3 will behave during cold winter months. I had just very limited time behind the wheel of this prototype.
After spending a few minutes behind the wheel of the new EV3 and also some time as a passenger in the rear seat – I can tell you that this is a small crossover with lots of room for people. It may not have the cargo volume to rival some other compact crossovers, but I can be comfortable in the front seat or when sitting behind myself. I am 6’3” tall.
I have driven several other prototypes before, but this one felt well sorted (like a production car would be). The traction control system was very predictable and smooth when I tried to upset the car on icy and snowy surfaces. The electric motor had plenty of power during my quick drive. Kia estimates that the EV3 will be able to acceleration 0-62 MPH in 7.4 – 7.7 seconds. This is plenty quick for a daily driver/commuter that can be relatively affordable.
Please join me in the video below and please stay tuned for more news about this and other new cars.
