Kia reveals three new EV concepts

The EV3: The tech and practicality of a flagship SUV but in compact form.

The Kia Concept EV3 is a compact electric crossover that embodies Kia's commitment to blending technology, practicality, and design.

It aims to provide users with the same qualities found in Kia's flagship SUV, the EV9, but in a smaller and more accessible form. This design philosophy is rooted in the idea of merging contrasting elements, as seen in the 'Opposites United' design philosophy, particularly influenced by the 'Joy for Reason' principle.

The design of the Concept EV3 combines a robust body architecture with a chunky profile, featuring squared wheel arches with asymmetrical angles and a wrap-around windscreen.

Inside the cabin, this philosophy continues, offering practicality and a joyful ambiance. The cabin promotes emotional well-being with soft mood lighting, clean dashboard lines, and spaciousness. Ergonomic seats and environmentally friendly materials support sustainability, and flexible mini tables offer different usage modes. The rear seat can be easily folded up for storing items like electric scooters and bicycles, making it a versatile and practical electric compact CUV.

The EV4: Redefining the electric sedan

The Concept EV4 is an EV that looks to redefine the traditional sedan concept. With impactful design, featuring geometric lines and technical surfaces the EV4 combines everyday sedan practicality with sports car attributes like a sleek nose, long-tail silhouette, and a technical roof spoiler.

The aggressive exterior showcases a wide stance and vertical headlamps, Kia sees the EV4 as a vehicle that pushes boundaries in the electric vehicle revolution. Inside, the cabin offers a sleek, driver-focused layout with innovative design elements like a neatly stored air conditioning control panel and customizable pin-style air vents. The interior aims to provide a cocoon-like ambiance and features twin digital screens for a clear and unobtrusive driving experience.

The Concept EV4 introduces 'Mind Modes,' allowing drivers to adjust ambient lighting and ventilation patterns. 'Perform' mode provides essential information for optimal performance, while 'Serenity' mode creates a relaxed atmosphere for reflection and restoration. Overall, the Concept EV4 represents a groundbreaking approach to EV sedan design and customer experience.

The EV5: Designed for modern families

Without question the most significant of the three concepts is the EV5 which has been confirmed for future production. Clearly designed to address the needs of younger, more modern lifestyles and families and based on the E-GMP electric platform, the EV5 combines versatility, comfort, technology, performance.

The interior of the EV5 has been reimagined to resemble a home lounge more than a traditional car cabin, offering an extensive and comfortable space.

Various model variations will be available, including standard, long-range, and long-range AWD. The standard model, with a 64kWh battery and a 160kW motor, aims to achieve a range of 530km per charge (CLTC standards). The long-range model, featuring an 88kWh battery, targets a 720km range. The long-range AWD model comes with an 88kWh battery pack and a combined output of 230kW, offering a range of 650km. Fast-charging capability allows the battery to be charged from 30% to 80% capacity in just 27 minutes.

The battery has been engineered to perform well in extreme weather conditions with an advanced heat pump system. The vehicle also features regenerative braking and an i-Pedal system for a more comfortable driving experience.

Kia's aim is to make electric vehicles more accessible to a broader audience, and the EV5 is a significant step in that direction. The vehicle will also be available in a GT trim with enhanced performance features.

Inside the cabin, the EV5 offers cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity technology. The connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system, along with over-the-air software updates, ensures a convenient and immersive driving experience. The Unified Graphical User Interface (GUI) simplifies menu navigation and displays important information, and an optional windshield Head Up Display (HUD) enhances the driver's experience.

The EV5 prioritizes safety with seven airbags, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and features like Highway Driving Assist 2. It also offers Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2) for easy parking without driver intervention.

Designed for energy efficiency, with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functions the EV5 allows the high-voltage battery to power external devices, while V2G enables surplus energy to be shared with the grid.

The vehicle offers multiple seating configurations, including eco-friendly materials and innovative features like reclining seats with massage functions, relaxation seats, comfort seats, and safety seats. It even provides a 0-degree, full-flat folding second-row camping seat for a versatile interior.

In summary, the Kia EV5 SUV represents Kia's commitment to electric mobility for a wider audience, with a focus on design, performance, safety, and convenience. It offers a spacious and tech-savvy cabin, various powertrain options, and a range of features to cater to modern families' needs and preferences.