Kia EV3: First All-Electric Vehicle Made in Mexico Begins Production
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Kia has begun producing its first all-electric vehicle, the EV3, at its plant in Pesquería, Nuevo León, Mexico.
- The production is part of a $649 million investment to enhance industrial capabilities and promote sustainable manufacturing, including solar panels and water recycling.
- Kia is also investing in public charging infrastructure and offering new EV3 buyers a home charger, installation, and extended warranty to encourage electric vehicle adoption.
Kia has launched production of its first all-electric vehicle assembled in Mexico, the EV3, at its Pesquería, Nuevo León plant. This move is a significant step in the company's $649 million investment to bolster its industrial and technological capacity in the country and accelerate sustainable manufacturing processes.
The investment includes modernizing production lines for electrified vehicles and implementing environmental initiatives. Notably, a solar panel park with an initial capacity of 2 megawatts is being installed, projected to expand to 8 megawatts by 2030. This aims to generate energy equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately 4,000 homes. Additionally, a new wastewater recycling plant will reuse about 70% of treated water used in industrial processes, reinforcing Kia's commitment to responsible resource management.
To foster the electromobility ecosystem in Mexico, Kia will also support the installation of public charging infrastructure. In partnership with commercial associates, the brand plans to deploy EV chargers in strategic locations like shopping centers, universities, and dealerships. This initiative aims to ease the transition to electric mobility for Mexican consumers.
Furthermore, new EV3 buyers will receive a 7.4 kW home charger, installation of up to 22 meters of cable, three years of maintenance, and a three-year warranty. These benefits are designed to address common concerns for first-time electric vehicle purchasers. The EV3 itself is a subcompact electric SUV built on the e-GMP platform, offering two versions: the EX with a 58.3 kWh battery (436 km range) and the SXL with an 81.4 kWh battery (605 km range). Both versions feature advanced technology, including a large panoramic display and driver assistance systems.
Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.