K3
formerly i30/Eco-Car baseK3 (and its predecessors) is a converted, not a dedicated EV platform: the Kona and Niro are also sold as petrol and hybrid versions, with the electric motor up front where the combustion engine otherwise sits — so no flat skateboard floor. For a used-car buyer: along with the MG and Tesla, these are the most common used EVs on the Belgian market, they charge slowly by current standards, and there is a recall history around battery fire (2020–2021, LG cells) that you should check when buying — was the pack replaced at the time or the software updated?
K3 is the EV platform of Hyundai Motor Group, in production since 2018, with a 400V architecture. The K3 platform carries 2 models from 2 brands. The WLTP range of the current variants on K3 runs from 377 to 514 km.
Pick the car first, then the version — chemistry, battery and drive differ per version.
Platform schematic
Hyundai Kona Electric
Long Range 65 kWh2023+ · tweede generatie· verified| Battery (gross) | 68.5 kWh NMC |
|---|---|
| Battery (usable) | 65.4 kWh |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Power | 160 kW |
| Motors | 1× · 1 front / 0 rear |
| WLTP range | 514 km |
| Real range (estimate) | ±410 km |
| Max DC charging | 105 kW |
| 10 → 80% | ±37 min |
Charging speed per variant
peak DC charging power · 10 → 80%
Models on this platform
Platform evolution
- 2018Affordable long-range EVKona Electric and e-Niro, as the first affordable EVs, bring a usable daily range within reach
- 2020Recall over fire riskHyundai and Kia recall EVs worldwide over fire risk from the LG battery cells; many packs were replaced
- 2022Second-generation Niro EVThe Niro EV switches to the K3 platform and drops the European name e-Niro
- 2023Second-generation Kona ElectricThe new Kona is drawn first as an EV and then derived for petrol and hybrid
- 2024The new compacts choose E-GMPHyundai Motor Group moves its new compact EVs to the dedicated E-GMP skateboard, while Kona and Niro keep this platform
Frequently asked questions
- Which models are built on the K3 platform?
- The K3 platform carries Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV.
- Which group owns the K3 platform and how long has it been in production?
- The K3 platform was developed by Hyundai Motor Group, has been in production since 2018 and runs at 400V.
- Does the Hyundai Kona Electric (2023+) charge faster than the previous generation?
- The Hyundai Kona Electric (2023+) charges at a peak of 105 kW, against 77 kW for the 2018–2023 generation.
- Which variant on the K3 platform charges fastest?
- The Hyundai Kona Electric Long Range 65 kWh charges on the K3 platform at a peak of 105 kW and goes from 10 to 80% in ±37 minutes.
Verify the specifications of each version before purchase or customer use. Real-world range is a CarMatch estimate for mixed driving, not a manufacturer figure. Battery values are gross packs; charging times are approximations. Not a homologation document, not an offer.