Kia EV3 Production Begins in Mexico With Major Investment

Kia has confirmed that EV3 production will begin in Mexico after a $649 million investment aimed at expanding EV manufacturing for North America.

Kia is taking a major step in its electric vehicle strategy by launching Kia EV3 production in Mexico. The automaker has confirmed a $649 million investment to upgrade its manufacturing complex in Pesquería, Nuevo León, where assembly of the compact electric SUV will officially begin on August 4, 2026.

The project makes the EV3 the first fully electric Kia model built in Mexico, strengthening the company’s manufacturing footprint across North America.

Pesquería Plant Receives Major Upgrades

The investment will modernize Kia’s existing factory and prepare it for dedicated EV production through 2028.

Key improvements include:

• A new EV3 production line
• Updated manufacturing equipment
• Expanded supplier operations
• Renewable energy projects
• Water recycling systems
• Additional EV charging infrastructure

Production will gradually increase throughout the year as Kia supplies both the Mexican market and export destinations.

Kia’s Pesquería plant will become the company’s first production site in Mexico dedicated to the EV3.

North America Is a Key Target

Kia expects the Mexican-built EV3 to play an important role across North America.

Initial production will include approximately 27% local content, with that figure expected to grow as additional regional suppliers begin manufacturing components closer to the assembly plant.

Battery packs will initially be imported from Asia before sourcing shifts toward regional suppliers in future production phases.

The Kia EV3 will be assembled in Mexico for both domestic sales and North American exports.

Investment Goes Beyond Vehicle Production

The project includes much more than factory upgrades.

Kia will also invest in:

• Public charging infrastructure
• Dealer charging networks
• Renewable energy systems
• Water conservation programs

These initiatives are designed to reduce the plant’s environmental impact while supporting the growing adoption of electric vehicles throughout the region.

Kia Expands Its EV Strategy

The EV3 represents another important milestone in Kia’s global electrification strategy.

By producing the compact electric SUV in Mexico, the automaker aims to improve manufacturing efficiency, strengthen regional supply chains, and increase production capacity for one of its newest electric models.

As demand for affordable electric crossovers continues to grow, the EV3 is expected to become one of Kia’s most important EVs in North America.

he EV3 will play a central role in Kia’s expanding electric vehicle lineup across North America.