Cars like the Kia EV3 are bringing electric motoring into the mainstream, writes James Stinson
There’s lots to consider when making the transition to electric driving with price, range and where to charge top of the list… though not necessarily in that order. And having written about and driven many electric cars over the years, I was still to be convinced that I’d buy one over a conventional petrol or diesel car. But the tipping point for a growing number of drivers is coming and has already arrived for many.
Sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are up 40% on last year and now account for nearly a quarter of all new cars sales. Some 75% of those are company cars thanks to generous tax breaks but greater numbers of smaller and cheaper EVs are coming to the market that will help boost sales to private buyers. Range is improving too.
When I first drove an EV back in the late noughties, range was a meagre 100 miles or so. Today, range anxiety has largely gone with mid-price models now comfortably delivering more than 250 miles. There still aren’t enough rapid public chargers, especially in Northern Ireland, but if you have a driveway and charge at home (which most EV owners do) that’s not a problem.
Buyers are also being won over because electric cars are just so easy to drive and nice to own – something of a fashion accessory. They’re like smartphones, neat and modern. Pulling out from a junction in a BEV is zippy and reassuringly safe when compared to the agricultural lag generated by many petrol/diesel-powered SUVs. And few cars emphasise the joys of electric motoring more than the KIA EV3. Launched late last year, this compact SUV was the most popular EV in the UK among private buyers in the first half of this year and it’s easy to see why. The styling is chunky, angular and striking while the interior is modern, bright and futuristic.
It’s practical and desirable and with prices from £33,000 looks competitively priced compared to rivals – petrol and electric. There are two battery options available: the Standard Range has a usable capacity of 55kWh, and the Long Range 78kWh. The Standard Range can officially travel 270 miles on a charge, while the Long Range can manage up to 375 miles, farther than any other electric Kia. Somewhere between 250 to 320 miles is likely achievable in the in real world, depending on the weather and the types of road you’re driving on. Every EV3 has a 201bhp motor that powers the front wheels and that’s enough for 0-62mph in around 7.5 seconds. Suspension set-up is fairly soft, which helps deliver a comfy ride around town and a smooth motorway experience.
There’s adjustable levels of regenerative braking. In its strongest setting, this allows one-pedal driving, meaning the EV3 can bring itself to a stop without you using the brake pedal at all. Inside, there’s a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display behind the steering wheel, a 5.3-inch climate-control panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The touchscreen also boasts ChatGPT AI (artificial intelligence) voice control, which is supposed to be more intuitive than older voice control systems. Kia gets more brownie points for having physical switches for the aircon while wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come as standard.
The EV3’s driving position places you higher up than most rivals’ giving you a good view of the road ahead and there’s plenty of head and shoulder room front and rear – enough to accommodate six footers. There’s a generous 460-litre-sized boot. Rear seats slide back and forth and fold down in a 60/40 split for bigger loads. A 25-litre storage area under the bonnet is handy for storing your charging cable. Three trim levels are offered – Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S – with the latter two only available with the larger battery.
Not only does the entry level Air give you the option of either battery size but it also comes well equipped with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic LED headlights, climate control, keyless entry and even adaptive cruise control as standard. Prices start at £33,000 but the Long Range Air – from £35,215 – looks to be the pick of the bunch.