Kia shows off small cars in NY: The 2027 EV3 and 2027 Seltos Hybrid

In a refreshing turn of events for the automotive world, Kia has showcased its latest innovations at this year's New York Auto Show, bringing a positive vibe to the electric vehicle (EV) landscape that has faced challenges recently. The spotlight is on two new additions for the 2027 model year: the compact EV3 and the updated Seltos, now featuring a hybrid variant. Moving away from the trend of oversized vehicles, these offerings reflect the growing consumer demand for smaller cars. The 2027 EV3 draws inspiration from the popular SUV design of the larger EV9 while remaining compact and efficient. Kia first teased the EV3 over two years ago, alongside the EV4 sedan, which unfortunately did not make it to the U.S. market. The EV3 is built on Kia's 400V electric-global modular platform (E-GMP), a proven technology that has been successfully implemented in their larger 800V EVs. The entry-level variant, known as the EV3 Light, is equipped with a 58.3 kWh battery pack designed for a standard range. While Kia has yet to release specific pricing and EPA range estimates, projections suggest that the EV3 Light will offer around 220 miles (354 km) on a single charge. Charging convenience is also a priority, with the EV3 Light capable of rapid charging from 10% to 80% in just 29 minutes. The vehicle now features North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports, allowing drivers to connect to most charging stations without needing a separate app. Additionally, both vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-home capabilities will be available, enabling users to power devices or even their homes using the car's battery, provided they have the appropriate wallbox setup.