Kia axed its affordable EV, but a replacement is set to go on sale soon

Kia is dropping the electric version of its Niro for the 2027 model year, keeping only the hybrid. The Niro EV had been one of the more affordable electric vehicles on the market since 2019, starting under $40,000 with 239 miles of range, but Kia is replacing it with a newer, cheaper model: the EV3.

The EV3 is expected to go on sale later this year, with pricing likely starting under $35,000, though Kia hasn't confirmed the final price. It comes in five trims and two battery sizes. The base battery (58.3 kWh) is estimated to deliver around 220 miles of range, while the larger battery (81.4 kWh) is estimated at about 320 miles for front-wheel-drive versions. All-wheel drive is available on some trims and standard on others. Fast charging can take the smaller battery from 10% to 80% in about 29 minutes, and the larger one about 31 minutes. Every EV3 comes with Tesla's NACS charging port built in, so it can plug into Tesla Supercharger stations without an adapter.

For homeowners thinking about EV charging at home, the range and charging specs matter more than the badge swap. If you were eyeing the Niro EV as an affordable option, the EV3 is shaping up to be its direct, likely cheaper and longer-range replacement once it arrives in dealerships.