Mexico Is Kia’s Choice For EV3 Production

The South Korean automaker is investing $649 million to retool its Pesquería, Mexico plant to produce the Kia EV3, with the assembly line launching on August 4, 2026. This move marks the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle manufactured in Mexico, strengthening its North American production strategy.

Through 2028, this $649 million investment funds plant upgrades, new suppliers, and infrastructure for charging, renewable energy, and water recycling. For North American buyers, the key focus is how Mexican production and increased local content will impact EV3 pricing and availability.

Kia is investing $649 million to upgrade its Pesquería, Mexico plant, allocating over one-third of funds to establish a new production line for the Kia EV3, which is set to launch on August 4, 2026.

Kia’s Pesquería plant will begin production of the EV3 on August 4, 2026, scaling up for domestic and export markets. With preorders already live in Mexico, the EV3 becomes the first fully electric Kia manufactured and sold locally.

The EV3 will launch with 27% local content, which will rise as regional suppliers integrate. While battery packs initially come from Asia, Kia plans a gradual shift to local sourcing to optimize trade compliance and pricing. The $649 million investment also funds charging infrastructure, renewable energy, and water recycling at the Pesquería plant. Notably, Kia intends to export Mexico-built EV3s to the U.S. market starting in late 2026.

When comparing the EV3 to other small electric crossovers, consider its position relative to the delayed U.S. EV4. Our coverage of the EV4 launch and EV2 specs provides important context on how Kia plans to use facilities like the Pesquería plant to drive future volume.

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