Kia Launches EV3 in the Philippines to Challenge the Compact Electric Crossover Segment

Kia Philippines has added a new entry-level electric model to its lineup, rolling out the EV3 on September 21 at a starting price of P1.898 million — roughly $30,400 — as it looks to carve out space in the country’s growing subcompact EV crossover market. The Ayala-backed distributor is offering the vehicle in a single GL trim, positioning it below the larger EV5 and EV9 models already on sale. To sweeten the deal for early adopters, Kia is throwing in a P30,000 price cut, a complimentary home wall-box charger, and five years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

The EV3 rides on a 400-volt version of the Electric-Global Modular Platform and uses a nickel-manganese-cobalt battery pack. In Philippine specification, the 58.3-kWh unit delivers up to 511 kilometers of range on the NEDC cycle, which translates to about 430 kilometers under the more stringent WLTP standard. Kia also offers an 81.4-kWh Long Range variant elsewhere that can cover up to 605 kilometers. Recharging from 10 to 80 percent takes five hours and 20 minutes on an 11-kW AC connection, or 29 minutes via DC fast charging. The car also supports vehicle-to-load, letting owners power external devices from the high-voltage battery.

Power goes exclusively to the front wheels via a permanent magnet synchronous motor rated at 204 horsepower and 283 newton-meters, enough to hit 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds before topping out at 170 km/h. A weather-sealed 25-liter frunk complements the 460-liter rear cargo area, which grows to 1,251 liters with the rear seats folded. The crossover measures 4,300 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,560 mm tall, with a 2,680 mm wheelbase and a curb weight of around 1,800 kilograms.

Inside, the five-seat cabin features a flat floor without a central tunnel, a sliding extendable console table between the front seats, and upholstery made largely from recycled PET plastics and bio-polyurethanes. The driver faces a panoramic display setup spanning nearly 30 inches across three screens: a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 5.3-inch climate panel, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity. Exterior details include a redesigned digital tiger face grille with vertical lighting signatures, flush pop-out door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an integrated roof rack. The EV3 squares off against China’s BYD Atto 3 while undercutting upcoming Japanese rivals like the Suzuki e Vitara, and Kia is counting on ACMobility’s expanding charging network to ease buyer concerns. Ownership coverage includes a five-year, 160,000-kilometer general warranty and eight years of protection for the high-voltage battery.