Kia’s new EV3 is just getting started after 500+ first-month sales

This is car sales news, not a home energy story, but here's what happened: Kia's new electric SUV, the EV3, went on sale in mid-August starting at $29,890 before a $1,495 delivery fee. In its first full month on the market, Kia sold 514 of them in the US. That's a small number compared to Kia's gas-powered models, but the company expects the EV3 to be a major growth driver going forward. Kia had a record September and third quarter overall, selling over 221,000 vehicles in the US from July through September.

The EV3 comes in several trims, with driving range from 221 to 321 miles depending on battery and whether it has front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Pricing runs from about $30,000 for the base model up to $45,890 for the top GT trim. It's one of the cheapest electric SUVs sold in the US, alongside the Chevy Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, though Kia notes it offers longer range, more power, and the only all-wheel-drive option among that group. The EV3 has already sold well overseas, ranking as the third most popular EV in the UK and tenth in Europe during its first year there.

For homeowners thinking about an EV purchase, this is mainly a sign that more affordable electric SUV options are reaching US dealers. It doesn't affect home charging equipment, electricity rates, or any home energy rebate programs on its own.