Kia to Launch EV3 Production in Mexico for North American Market

Kia will begin production of its EV3 electric SUV at the Pesquería plant in Nuevo León, Mexico, on August 4, 2026. This strategic shift in the company's manufacturing footprint aims to better serve the North American market and streamline regional distribution.

To support this transition, Kia is investing $649 million into its Mexican operations for EV production. The EV3, built on the 400V E-GMP platform, will be exported to the United States in late 2026. US consumers can choose from five trim levels: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. To ensure seamless integration with regional infrastructure, all North American models will feature a native NACS charge port.

Previously, the EV3 was manufactured exclusively in South Korea. Shifting production to Mexico allows Kia to align with USMCA trade agreements and increase EV availability for both local consumption and export. The investment has already drawn political support, with President Claudia Sheinbaum describing the development as "very good news for Mexico."

Kia is positioning the EV3 with a variety of battery options to appeal to different driver needs. The base "Light" trim, equipped with a 58.3 kWh battery, has an estimated range of up to 220 miles. For those requiring more distance, extended-range models featuring an 81.4 kWh battery offer up to 320 miles of range for front-wheel-drive configurations.

By localizing production and diversifying trim levels, Kia is expanding its electric footprint in one of the world's most competitive automotive markets. The introduction of the EV3 is expected to lower the barrier to entry for electric SUV adoption in the US, though official pricing has not yet been confirmed.

Industry observers are now awaiting the official US pricing announcement, which is expected closer to the vehicle's launch. While production begins in August, the timeline for the first US deliveries remains tied to the late 2026 export schedule.