After launching a new E-Value program in its home market, Kia’s new EV3 is now even more affordable. Starting at just over $30,000, the EV3 is one of the cheapest EVs on the market, but through its latest offer, Kia says the EV3 can be bought for as little as $67 per month.
Kia opened EV3 orders in Korea in June, with prices starting at $30,700 (KRW 42.08 million). With government incentives, Kia said the EV3 can be bought for under $30,000 (KRW 39.95 million).
The EV3 is Kia’s third dedicated EV, following the EV6 and EV9. It’s also the first of its new mass-market EV lineup, unveiled last October.
Kia’s new E-Value offer allows you to buy the all-electric EV3 SUV for as little as $67 per month in Korea.
According to Kia, the E-Value program is designed to “lower the entry barrier to electric vehicle purchases. ” It allows buyers to defer up to 60% of the purchase price when they pay a down payment of 1% or more with a Hyundai Card M series.
Buyers get a low interest rate of 4.2% for 36 months, and Kia also guarantees 60% of the residual value of a used car when purchasing a new one at maturity.
Kia EV3 GT-Line (Source: Kia)
Kia’s EV3 is among the cheapest EV options available
Kia said if the down payment is 39% and the grace period is 60%, the monthly payment for the EV3 would be $67 (KRW 90,000).
The offer is also available for the new Ray EV at $45 (KRW 60,000) per month and EV6 for $89 (KRW 120,000) a month.
Kia EV3 (Source: Kia)
Kia is also offering an “ultra-low” interest rate program on all EVs: 0.9% for up to 48 months and 2.9% for 60 months.
Kia’s compact electric SUV features its latest tech and design style, as shown in the flagship EV9, but in a smaller, more affordable package.
Kia EV3 interior (Source: Kia)
Based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform and its fourth-gen batteries, the EV3 has a driving range of up to 375 miles (605 km) in Korea. It can also fast charge (10% to 80%) in about 30 minutes with a 350 kW charger.
Kia’s EV3 starts at around $42,300 (£32,995) in the UK as one of the most affordable options on the market. In Europe, the EV3 gets up to 372 miles (599 km) WLTP range.
Kia EV3 trim
Range
Starting Price
Starting Price After Incentives
Standard
217 mi (350 km)
$30,700 (KRW 42.08 million)
$29,200 (KRW 39.95 million)
Earth
Standard: 217 mi (350 km) Long Range: 311 mi (501 km)
$33,400 (KRW 45.71 million)
N/A
GT Line
Standard: 217 mi (350 km) Long Range: 311 mi (501 km)
$34,100 (KRW 46.66 million)
N/A
Long Range
311 mi (501 km)
$34,100 (KRW 46.66 million)
$32,200 (KRW 44.15)
Kia EV3 price and range by trim in Korea
The EV3 is expected to launch in the US with starting prices in the $30,000 to $35,000 range. According to TheKoreanCarBlog, Kia plans to begin EV3 production in Mexico by the end of the year. With a potential tax credit, EV3 prices could fall under $30,000.
Next year, Kia will launch the EV4, its take on a mass-market electric sedan. Prices are expected to start at around $35,000.
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President Trump has nominated Jonathan Morrison to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Morrison has previously criticized and tussled with Tesla in his previous role at NHTSA.
Morrison is now Trump’s nominee to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is in charge of regulating the auto industry in the US.
The attorney was the agency’s Chief Counsel during Trump’s first term, and he had a few disputes with Tesla during that time.
The lawyers also subpoenaed Tesla to get data about a specific crash in 2019.
Next week, Morrison is expected to have his confirmation hearing in the Senate and could take up his role shortly after.
The nomination is significant in the context of the current feud between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and President Trump.
Musk has been criticizing Trump and his allies over their recently passed budget and tax bill, which is expected to significantly increase the federal government’s debt and eliminate virtually all subsidies to electric vehicles and renewable energy, potentially harming Tesla.
Trump has warned Musk that he could go directly after his companies and NHTSA would be the top vehicle for that when it comes to Tesla.
Most NHTSA probes into Tesla have resulted in slaps on the wrist at best, but this FSD probe involves several fatal crashes, and even though it started under the Biden administration, it could potentially ramp up under Trump, especially amid his feud with Musk.
On the one hand, it’s disheartening to see the US reach this point, where feuds between billionaires and elected officials are settled through regulatory agencies. Still, at the same time, Musk did buy the election for Trump, so he created this situation in the first place, and there are serious concerns about how safe FSD is.
At the very least, I would hope that NHTSA will start to force Tesla to release all its FSD crash and disengagement data.
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You might remember the GEM as a quirky little electric microcar that’s been cruising through campuses, resorts, and planned communities for years. But now, it’s taking on a more serious job – saving lives. Waev Inc., the maker behind the long-running GEM electric vehicle line, has just unveiled the GEM Ambulance, a purpose-built, all-electric, street-legal low-speed vehicle (LSV) designed specifically for emergency medical services.
While it might not replace a full-size ambulance on high-speed highways, this new electric responder is tailor-made for the dense environments where conventional ambulances often struggle: college campuses, sporting events, entertainment venues, airports, and more. With a top speed of 25 mph, it’s built for maneuverability, safety, and zero-emission performance in pedestrian-heavy areas.
“The GEM Ambulance fills a critical gap in medical response – delivering the ideal balance of agility and safety EMS teams need in crowded settings,” said Byron Dudley, Vice President at Waev Inc.
The new GEM Ambulance is built on the same proven electric platform that has powered GEM vehicles for over 25 years. It’s a highly refined LSV that combines practical engineering with professional-grade EMS functionality. In partnership with emergency equipment supplier QTAC, Waev integrated a skid-mounted EMS system that includes secure patient transport, attendant seating, optional oxygen and IV mounts, and rugged PolyTough™ construction designed to handle demanding conditions.
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Unlike golf carts or UTV-based setups that have been DIYed into emergency vehicles, the GEM Ambulance offers a more stable, comfortable, and professional platform. The EMS skid is positioned between the wheels for better weight distribution, and the vehicle’s low deck height and rear step-up provide easy access for patients and personnel alike.
The GEM Ambulance doesn’t skimp on emergency essentials either. It’s equipped with a 360-degree red emergency lighting system, an SAE Class 1-compliant siren with multiple sound patterns, a public address system, turn signals, LED headlights and taillights, and even a pedestrian noise emitter for quiet zones. A backup camera and full 360° sightlines give drivers added confidence when navigating tight environments.
And since it’s 100% electric, there’s no tailpipe emissions to worry about when operating indoors or in crowded spaces. Maintenance is minimal thanks to GEM’s maintenance-free batteries, regenerative braking, and corrosion-resistant aluminum frame. There’s even a seven-year warranty on the lithium-ion battery option.
The biggest surprise might be the price. According to Waev, the GEM Ambulance can cost up to 80% less than a traditional ambulance and 50% less than electric trucks or UTV-based alternatives. Plus, with operating costs of just $0.03 per mile, it promises long-term savings with no fuel, no fluids, and no downtime from engine servicing.
With applications ranging from college campuses and amusement parks to military installations and warehouse sites, the GEM Ambulance could be a game-changer for localized EMS response. It’s available now through GEM’s nationwide dealer network and can also be purchased through government contracts like Sourcewell, Texas BuyBoard, and GSA procurement channels.
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The Kia EV5 is officially heading to North America in early 2026, paving the way for a potential US launch. If so, it could go head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y.
Is Kia launching the EV5 in the US?
On Tuesday, Kia unveiled the new EV5, a global version of its electric SUV that has been sold in China since 2023.
Starting at around $20,000 (149,800 yuan), the EV5 is leading Kia’s comeback in China. It’s also a top-selling EV in Australia, where it’s exported from Kia’s Chinese joint venture, Yueda Kia.
The global version will be made in Korea with a few slight upgrades. For one, it’s powered by an 81.4 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack, rather than the BYD LFP Blade battery used in the version sold in China.
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In Europe, the EV5 will be initially available in two variants: a baseline model and a GT-Line model. Both are powered by front-wheel drive (FWD) with up to 215 hp (160 kW) and 218 lb-ft (295 Nm) of torque.
Kia EV5 baseline trim (Source: Kia)
The global version is 4,610 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,675 mm tall, or a bit smaller than the Tesla Model Y. It’s about the size of the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Inside, you’ll find a setup similar to the EV9 and EV3, featuring Kia’s new ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) infotainment system. The setup features a 12.3″ instrument cluster and a 12.3″ infotainment display in a panoramic format. There’s also an added 5.3″ climate control screen.
Kia EV5 GT-Line interior (Source: Kia)
During the launch event, Kia said the “rollout begins” in Korea and Europe in the second half of 2025, adding North American sales will start in early 2026.
Does that include the US? I wouldn’t get my hopes up. In January, Kia announced the EV5 will be “exclusive to the Canadian market in North America.” It will begin arriving at dealerships in 2026.
Kia EV5 GT-Line (Source: Kia)
However, it might make sense. The EV5 for North America will have a built-in NACS port, unlocking access to Tesla Superchargers. It will be available in both AWD and FWD powertrains. Two battery sizes will be offered, 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh, offering a range of up to 310 miles (500 km).
Kia EV5 GT-Line interior (Source: Kia)
With sales of the EV6 and EV9 slipping nearly 50% each through the first half of the year in the US, the EV5 could complement the two.
Electrek’s Take
Although it’s still unlikely, the EV5 could serve as a potential electric alternative to the Sportage, Kia’s top-selling vehicle in the US.
Through June, Kia has sold over 87,000 Sportage models in the US. In comparison, it’s only sold 4,938 EV9s and 5,875 EV6 models.
Kia is launching the EV4, its first electric sedan, in the US early next year. However, a smaller compact electric SUV may be an even better fit.
It already builds the EV9 and EV6 in Georgia, so it could produce the EV5 in the US to avoid extra tariff costs. Or, it could even potentially be built at Hyundai’s new EV plant in Georgia. However, nothing is confirmed.
Would you buy the Kia EV5 in the US? Prices would likely start at around $50,000. Drop us a comment below and let us know your thoughts.
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