Kia’s Mexico Plant to Begin EV3 Mass Production in August, Creating 2,000 Jobs
Kia announced on July 29 that it will invest $649 million over the next two years to expand electric vehicle production at its plant in Pesquería, Nuevo León, Mexico. Horacia Chavez, Managing Director of Kia Mexico, revealed during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s daily press conference that the first mass-produced model, the EV3, will begin production on August 4, marking the company’s first all-electric vehicle manufactured in Mexico.
Chavez stated that the investment will create 500 new jobs in 2026, with an additional 1,500 positions expected by 2030, bringing the total to 2,000 jobs. Kia’s Mexico plant currently produces internal combustion engine vehicles, and this expansion signifies a major milestone in the company’s local electrification transition.
Mexico’s Government Praises Investment, Trade Talks with U.S. and Canada Set for September
Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, Mexico’s Economy Secretary, said Kia’s investment demonstrates Mexico’s competitiveness in electric vehicle manufacturing, supporting local industry upgrades and export growth. He emphasized that the Mexican government will hold a new round of negotiations under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with the U.S. and Canada during the first week of September to further strengthen regional supply chain cooperation.
President Sheinbaum noted that Kia’s investment will not only aid Mexico’s transition to a green economy but also enhance the country’s position in the global electric vehicle market. She stated that the government will continue to attract foreign investment in electric vehicles and related industries to create more high-quality jobs.
EV3 Pre-Orders Open in Mexico, Two Models Offer Up to 605 km of Range
Kia simultaneously opened pre-orders for the EV3 in Mexico on July 29, offering two range variants. The Standard Range EX model features a 58.3 kWh battery with a WLTP range of 436 km (270 miles), while the Extended Range SXL is equipped with an 81.4 kWh battery, delivering up to 605 km (375 miles) of range. According to an online shopping platform, the SXL model is priced at 767,700 Mexican pesos (approximately $44,000).
Kia stated that the EV3 is built on the 400V E-GMP platform, ensuring excellent charging efficiency. The 58.3 kWh battery version can charge from 10% to 80% in 29 minutes, while the 81.4 kWh battery takes about 31 minutes. Additionally, the North American version of the EV3 will feature a native NACS charge port, compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network, further enhancing convenience.
U.S. Market to Offer Five Models, Launch Expected by End of 2026
Kia plans to export the EV3 produced in Mexico to the U.S. later in 2026, with an expected market launch by the end of the year. The U.S. lineup will include five models: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and the performance-oriented GT. The Light model, like the Mexican EX version, will be equipped with a 58.3 kWh battery, offering an estimated EPA range of 220 miles (354 km). Higher trims, including Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT, will be available with an optional 81.4 kWh battery, providing a front-wheel-drive range of up to 320 miles (515 km).
All-wheel drive (AWD) will be optional on the Wind and Land models and standard on the GT-Line and GT variants. Kia has not yet announced official pricing for the U.S. market, but industry estimates suggest the EV3 could start at around $35,000, positioning it as one of the most competitively priced electric vehicles in the U.S. Previously, Kia only produced the EV3 in South Korea. After assembling its first prototype vehicles in Mexico in March 2026, the company officially launched local mass production, further strengthening its electric vehicle supply capabilities in the North American market.
