Kia’s EV3 Production Plan Officially Launches in Mexico
In August 2026, Kia announced that the EV3, named the 2025 World Car of the Year, will begin mass production at its Pesquería plant in Nuevo León, Mexico. This decision marks a major shift in Kia’s electric vehicle manufacturing strategy for North America, with production set to start this month and the vehicle expected to launch in the U.S. market later this year. Kia stated that this move will enhance the company’s electric vehicle supply efficiency in North America while also meeting demand in Central and South American markets.
Kia plans to invest $640 million between 2026 and 2028 to expand the electric vehicle production line at the Pesquería plant and develop related infrastructure. The investment includes a charging network, a 2-megawatt solar power park, and a wastewater treatment facility capable of processing 1,050 cubic meters (277,000 gallons) of water daily. Kia expects this investment to create 1,500 jobs locally, further solidifying Mexico’s position in the global electric vehicle manufacturing landscape.
EV3 Specifications and Technical Features
The Kia EV3 is built on the 400-volt version of Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, a modular architecture developed specifically for electric vehicles. While the 400-volt version does not offer the fastest charging speeds of the 800-volt variant, Kia asserts that it meets the needs of most daily driving scenarios. The EV3 is equipped with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, and official data indicates the vehicle can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, making it compatible with North America’s widespread charging infrastructure.
The EV3 offers two battery options: the entry-level model features a 58.3 kWh battery and a 201 hp front-wheel-drive motor, delivering an estimated range of 220 miles and a starting price of around $35,000. The higher-end model comes with an 81.4 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 320 miles in its single-motor configuration, while the dual-motor version produces 261 hp. The GT Performance package boosts output to 288 hp, with an expected price near $50,000. In terms of dimensions, the EV3 measures 170 inches in length, which is 3 inches longer than the Volvo EX30 and 9 inches shorter than the Chevrolet Trax, positioning it as a compact SUV.
Inside, the EV3 features two 12.3-inch displays and a 5.3-inch climate control screen, with a combined display area exceeding 30 inches. The vehicle includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Kia’s i-Pedal 3.0 adaptive regenerative braking system, which enables one-pedal driving for acceleration and deceleration. Safety features include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and the Highway Driving Assist 2 system, available on higher trims, which provides automated lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control on highways.