The new affordable Kia EV3 and EV4 models are ready to be produced after the brand’s first EV factory refresh. Once operational, the site will exclusively manufacture electric vehicles, adding Kia’s new entry-level models.
Following an eight-month transformation, Kia’s manufacturing plant in Gwangmyeong will resume operation next month.
Kia’s plant, which used to make the Pride and Stonic vehicles, is now designed to produce its next-gen EVs. Once complete, the facility will be equipped to build 150,000 EVs annually, including the new EV3 and EV4 models.
According to the Korea Herald, a Hyundai Motor official broke the news without giving details.
The source said: “The smaller EV3 and EV4 will diversify Kia’s existing EV lineups. Kia’s smaller electric vehicles will join the EV5, EV6 and flagship EV9 in the automaker’s developing lineup.
The Hyundai official added that smaller electric vehicles “are expected to be less expensive than the EV6 and provide a wide diversity of features to customers. “
South Korea reports that Kia’s EV3 and EV4 will cost around 40 million won ($29,900) and 30 million won ($22,500).
After the upgrade, the plant will be Hyundai Motor’s first production site committed to electric vehicles. Kia Chief Executive Officer Song Ho-sung said the plant will use the newest production generation developed through Hyundai Motor’s new innovation center in Singapore.
This will come with artificial intelligence, robots (even robot dogs), data-driven operating systems, and much more. Kia’s CEO stated that the plant would especially improve quality, as 95% of the products would pass manufacturing quality tests.
Kia revealed three new models during its first EV day in October. It confirmed the EV5 will start at around $35,000 to rival the Volvo EX30 with up to 447 miles (720 km) CLTC range. The standard model is expected to feature up to 330 miles (530 km) range.
Two new electric cars, the EV3 and EV4, were unveiled at the event. The EV3 is an electric crossover that takes the design, practicality, and generation of the EV9 and brings them together in a smaller package.
I expect the diversity of this Ev5 to be genuine, even adjusted to EPA levels. The EV3 is rarely my thing as a crossover, but I think its practicality will sell very well in Europe at the quoted price and open up a real mass market for EVs. The EV4 is a bit weird, a budget EV6, too bad it’s not a sedan that I think will restrict its appeal as a four-seater, however, if they created an over-the-top GT edition with 600kW and an 800V system, it would become an icon.
You can see the EV9’s influence with Kia’s new “Opposites United” design. The new EV includes Kia’s reimagined Tiger Face as part of the brand’s revamp.
The interior is flexible and provides several other “modes” to fine-tune the design. Different modes come with focus, social networking, updating, and storage.
Meanwhile, Kia calls the EV4 “an all-new type of EV sedan. “It features an eco-friendly interior and two virtual screens for a minimalist vibe.
We will be informed more about the models as they approach production later this year. Please check back for more information.
Peter Johnson covers the automotive industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is a seasoned investor, money writer, and electric vehicle enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is one of the main reasons he pursued a career in investing. If he doesn’t tell you about his latest discoveries in the 10K, you can spot him enjoying the outdoors or exercising.