The Kia EV3, a new all-electric compact SUV set to launch in July 2024, is showcasing the increasing interest among global automakers in integrating generative AI into their vehicles. One of the key features of the Kia EV3 is its voice assistant, which is built using OpenAI’s text-generating AI chatbot, ChatGPT.
While the AI assistant is based on OpenAI’s technology, Kia has heavily modified and customized it to suit their specific needs. According to Pablo Martinez, Kia’s head of customer experience design, these modifications enable customers to use the assistant for various tasks such as trip planning, vehicle control, and entertainment options like music and games.
Voice assistants in vehicles are not new, but their effectiveness has often been called into question. Automakers like BMW, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen believe that generative AI can significantly improve the capabilities of voice assistants and enable more natural and engaging interactions with drivers and passengers.
The hype around applying generative AI to vehicles gained momentum last year, with Mercedes-Benz incorporating a conversational AI-bot into its MBUX infotainment system. BMW and Volkswagen also showcased similar technology at the CES tech trade show in Las Vegas.
Kia has already introduced its AI assistant in the gas-powered compact sedan, Kia K4, which will be available this summer. However, the Kia EV3 will be the first all-electric vehicle in their lineup to feature the new AI-based assistant.
The Kia EV3 will initially be launched in Korea in July 2024, followed by a release in Europe later in the year. While Kia plans to expand sales to other regions after the European launch, they have not yet provided a specific date for its introduction in the United States.
By integrating generative AI into their vehicles, automakers like Kia are aiming to enhance the overall driving experience and provide customers with more intuitive and advanced features. The customized voice assistant in the Kia EV3 demonstrates the growing trend of automakers leveraging AI technology to create smarter and more interactive vehicles.
