Kia Begins Production of First EV3s in Pesquería, Nuevo León

Just a few days before Kia unveiled the North American version of the EV3 at the New York International Auto Show, the first prototypes of this all-electric subcompact crossover rolled off the assembly line at the Pesquería plant in Nuevo León, according to data from INEGI.

According to the Administrative Registry of the Light Vehicle Automotive Industry (RAIAVL), the South Korean automaker produced 15 EV3 vehicles last month, a figure that suggests this is the first batch of prototypes to undergo various validation tests.

In fact, some of these vehicles have already been spotted on the streets of Monterrey, according to reports from the national press.

With the production of its first 100% electric vehicles, Kia joins global automakers such as Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, which are also already assembling zero-emission models on Mexican soil for export markets.

The EV3 will debut in the United States later this year as Kia’s most affordable option for consumers seeking an electric vehicle—a market that, until a few weeks ago, was in full contraction due to the elimination of tax incentives.

However, rising gasoline prices, driven by international conflicts, have reignited interest—particularly among younger consumers—in models with this type of powertrain.

“The Kia EV3 represents a significant step forward in our commitment to making electric mobility accessible to more Americans,” said Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations at Kia America, during the vehicle’s unveiling.

It is worth noting that the EV3’s pre-production process—from prototype validation to the start of mass production—will run concurrently with the USMCA review, scheduled for this summer; therefore, Kia is expected to maintain a low profile regarding the launch of this program at the Pesquería plant.