Hyundai’s new Metaplant in Georgia is one of America’s most advanced automotive factories, and one that’s now set to produce more than half a million electric and hybrid cars annually. Officials from Kia were also on hand at the plant’s opening last week—an interesting development for two brands under the same corporate umbrella that generally play in separate lanes. They confirmed that eventually the Metaplant will make Kias alongside Hyundai and Genesis vehicles.
Will the allegedly $35,000 Kia EV3 be among those cars? For now, Kia America officials aren’t saying—nor are they elaborating on when and how that small electric crossover might hit our roads. The automaker had previously said the car was due to go on sale stateside in 2025.
“I don’t think I can say,” said Steve Center, Kia America’s chief operating officer and executive vice president. “At this point, we haven’t said anything about EV3. It’s just a matter of the business plan and when we’re ready to do things.”
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Source: InsideEVs
That may be a frustrating answer for anyone in America who’s excited about a more affordable electric vehicle option, which is where the entire market is trending. The EV3 was unveiled in concept from in 2023 and in production form last year. It’s already on sale in its native South Korea and in Europe. On the latter’s WLTP cycle, it is rated at up to 375 miles of range.
I drove the EV3 on its home turf in Seoul and walked away extremely impressed with it. It’s a high-tech, high-range EV that’s a little smaller than the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric, but it packs many features that outclass even my own Kia EV6. It has already proven to be a success wherever it’s on sale. And while Kia officials haven’t given an official estimate for U.S. pricing, it’s been projected to be around $35,000—which is in line with what it sells for in other countries.
Since the EV3 made its official debut, Kia officials have remained cagey about when it will go on sale in the U.S., where it will be made, and what it could cost. Last year rumors swirled that the EV3 may be built in Mexico, but U.S. production is possible too. The Hyundai Motor Group has been moving more and more of its EVs to American factories where they’ll also be equipped with Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) plugs.
But as with every automaker, President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on foreign-made cars and parts throw all of that into a state of flux. If the EV3 is made in Mexico or South Korea, it could be untenable for Kia to sell here without taking a hit to profit or increasing its price. And the manufacturing of small, affordable cars is fairly rare in America right now due to labor costs and other factors.
Center wouldn’t say if tariffs are a reason why the EV3’s plans haven’t been formalized. However, he did confirm that its close sibling, the Kia EV4 sedan, will be coming to the New York Auto Show in a few weeks. Like the EV3, it is front- or all-wheel-drive and should be priced more affordably than the Hyundai Ioniq 6—a car that’s seen widespread critical acclaim but slow sales in America as buyers gravitate to SUVs over sedans.
Photo by: Kia
As for the EV4, “It’s a great entry sedan, EV, a good commuter car and a very good value for the consumer,” Center said. He noted that Kia has seen huge success with its stylish gas-powered Kia K4 sedan, and that the EV4 could appeal in a similar way.
“Rumors of the death of the sedan market are greatly exaggerated,” Center said. “So I think we’re going to have a unique proposition for consumers.”
Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com
