Kia Parades New EV3 And EV4 Electric Concepts

As Kia’s newest EV starts to make its way to customers with the EV9, the Korean brand showed two concept EVs at the LA Auto Show Thursday morning. 

The EV3 and EV4 models are a crossover with a strong influence from the existing EV9 and a new-for-Kia four-door sedan with a trunk. Both include touches of Kia’s production EVs, the EV6 and EV9, but push the design for clues of what could be coming for upcoming battery-powered models.

Like the EV9, the concepts include Kia’s new list of materials including bioplastic made from vegetable oils, sawdust and sugarcane and Bio Polyurethane to replace animal based leather.

Concept EV3: Compact, But Useful

Drawing from the SUV features of the now-open-for-reservation EV9, the EV3 concept is more of a crossover with a floating roof and strong angles, especially on the wheels. Inside is supposed to convey a calm effect with mood lighting and sparse dash. The materials throughout are based on nature and lightweight with a slim seat design.

Chief designer for the U.S. Tom Kearns noted its wide stance, “muscular appearance” and “evolved” tiger face compared to other Kia front ends.

Concept EV4: Kia’s First Electric Sedan 

The EV6 was Kia’s first dedicated EV and sat somewhere between a compact SUV and large hatchback. But with the concept EV4 Kia is introducing its first true electric sedan. A true four-door, Kia hopes to invoke sports and racing cards with a low nose and long tail and roof spoiler. It has a wide stance with the headlamps at the outer edges of the hood and front bumper. Kearns described it as having a “bold and purposeful expression.”

Inside it’s about efficiency with a stowable center console and the same fabrics and materials inspired by nature with an emphasis on sustainability with recycled cotton and natural dyes. Designer Kearns called the inside cocoon-like with an inviting reach bench as comfortable as a living room couch.

The LA Auto Show runs from Friday to Nov. 26 at the LA Convention Center.