Kia has revealed further details of its upcoming EV3 compact all-electric SUV, which arrives later this year.

The EV3 line-up will expand later with an all-wheel drive variant as well as a GT model

The Volvo EX30 rival is intended to make effortless and more sustainable mobility accessible through a “game-changing blend of attributes” to allay concerns over the electric shift.

Alongside its official 372-mile WLTP driving range and fast-charging capabilities, the EV3 will also deliver new technologies to enhance the driving and ownership experience.

These include Kia’s upgraded i-Pedal and Smart Regenerative systems.

The EV3 is the first model to benefit from the brand’s new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology, which allows the driver to adjust the level of regenerative braking according to their preference, enabling one-pedal driving.

The latest i-Pedal technology enables full one-pedal driving in all regenerative braking modes, while i-Pedal can be used optionally in Reverse and will also remember the previously selected level when the vehicle is turned off. Drivers can select the system by pulling the left-hand steering wheel paddle for more than one second.

Regenerative braking levels are rated from 0 to 3, with the most substantial Level 3 braking ideal for driving in heavy start-stop traffic, while Level 1 and 0 provide more comfort-focused deceleration for long motorway journeys.

The EV3 also debuts Hyundai Motor Group’s new Smart Regenerative System technology incorporating autonomous driving technology with regenerative braking. The technology now uses navigation-based data as well as GPS information, providing a “digital co-pilot that can scan the road ahead and respond to situations with lightning-fast reactions”.

More details are also available on the EV3’s vehicle-to-load capabilities. Already seen on the Niro EV and the EV6 and EV9, this enables drivers to power or charge external devices, such as camping equipment. The brand says it’s the first manufacturer to bring V2L charging to the compact EV SUV segment.

Kia also claims a breakthrough in thermal management technology that it says gives the EV3 battery efficiency and charging time edge, even in harsh conditions.

Kia’s latest electric arrival is said to be the first vehicle in the world to deploy a simultaneous heat absorption system, enabling it to recycle waste heat not just from the vehicle, but also outside air to optimise efficiency. The advanced heat pump technology is claimed to significantly improve the EV3’s ability to protect battery performance and charge quickly in cold weather.

The EV3’s battery is also equipped with a liquid cooling system, which is used during charging to optimise battery thermal management and enhance charging speeds. The EV3’s rapid charging time is up to 12 minutes faster than earlier Kia battery configurations, enabling charging from 10 to 80% capacity in 31 minutes for the long-range version with a 350kW charger.

Other features include a Driving Range Guide that ‘coaches’ drivers for greater efficiency.

The EV3 is open for pre-orders on two-wheel drive models, priced from £32,995 on for the 58.3kWh battery version and £35,995 with the long-range 81.4kWh battery pack in entry-level Air grade.

The line-up will expand later with an all-wheel drive variant as well as a GT model.

The EV3 is a key model in Kia’s electrification plans. The South Korean carmaker is expanding its EV line-up to 15 fully electric models by 2027, which will include the forthcoming EV5 SUV, EV4 saloon and EV2 city car.