Kia Concept EV3: designing the future

Kia might already be a leader in the world of electric cars, but the future is looking even brighter. The company has already given us the award-winning EV6 and the flagship EV9 is just hitting the market, and causing a real stir with its bold style, cutting-edge technology, clever sustainability, and space for seven.

Now Kia has taken the essence of the EV9’s design and distilled it into the smaller Concept EV3. This compact crossover is set to arrive in the UK next year and, like the EV9, it has a real premium look and feel to it.

Joy for Reason

To create its bold new designs, Kia has used a philosophy it calls Joy for Reason. This means each of its EVs has a family look but, at the same time, each is very different. For the Concept EV3 that means it is a compact package which is stylish, and yet practical with a bold silhouette which turns heads. It’s packed with easy-to-use technology and the latest in sustainable natural materials.

“With the Concept EV3, the ‘Joy for Reason’ influence is evident in the contrasting qualities of a robust body combined with a dynamic silhouette,” says Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center. “In addition, the unexpected treatment of volumes and graphics simultaneously interlock with each other, creating a logical yet emotional design.”

The designers want the Concept EV3 to stimulate challenges and adventures whether in the city or out in the countryside. It’s all about being fashionable and cheerful, with bold design, interesting colours and a new way of interacting.

You can see this in the squared wheel arches, the high sills and the appearance that the roof is floating above the body. The front has the latest version of Kia’s ‘Tiger Face’ design, flanked by the brand’s new signature ‘star map’ lighting. A similar signature is used for the rear lights too, with various lighting effects when you lock or unlock the car. There’s a bold and futuristic look to the rear too, with a narrow window and a rear spoiler that enhances the dynamic design.

Growth in materials

The interior is equally as cool, with sustainable materials and colours that feel in tune with nature. Inspired by the four natural elements, it is designed to make you feel as though you are at home, surrounded by your creature comforts. Clean surfaces, natural materials and soft mood lighting all combine to provide an environment of emotional wellbeing.

Kia’s interior design team have used natural fibres that are both warm to the touch and eco-friendly. 3D Knit technology has been used on the seats to make them feel comfortable and luxurious whether driving or just relaxing at your destination.

One of the coolest features is the adjustable armrest, which is covered in a fabric that has been grown from mushroom roots. Marília Biill, Head of Colour, Materials and Finish Design at Kia explains the background to this unusual material:“Mycelium, which comes from mushroom roots, combines excellent strength with an extremely soft surface. Developing grown materials, a process referred to as bio fabrication, is a major goal for Kia.

“Using Mycelium enables us to mimic the processes we see in nature and leverage it to design more sustainable solutions – the material can be grown in any shape you want using a mould. The use of Mycelium is still at a very early stage, and, as part of Kia’s Sustainability Strategy, we are working with partners to accelerate development of the material. One day, by growing our own materials, we’ll be able to simplify processes, adapt forms and most importantly, be closer to nature in its essence.”

Clever seating layouts are also key to the interior design. Kia has created four themes - Focus, Social, Refreshing and Storage – to make the best use of the space, whether commuting, on a road trip or passing the time at a chargepoint.

Focus is for use while driving, but for Social the front seats can be rotated so everyone can relax and chat. There are useful mini tables, great for playing games or getting some work done. You can set the interior layout and lighting up to be Refreshing, then there’s the more practical Storage. This includes the ability to lift up the back seat so you can accommodate bulkier items such as a bike. If it’s electrically powered then you can charge it in the Concept EV3 too, using the vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability.

Connected in style

The in-car connectivity embraces the best of modern technology, without allowing it to become overpowering. The wide screen on top of the dashboard is beautifully designed and easy to use. It will stream your favourite music, keep you informed and make sure your trip is as efficient and effortless as possible thanks to intuitive AI and E-routing.

Kia has really focused on making the Concept EV3 a compact crossover that is designed to enhance life rather than just drive through it. From a multitude of ambient lighting choices and relaxing materials to the latest technology that is easy to use, the designers have come up with a model that promises to be a joy to travel in.