It’s hard to say whether the Kia EV3 is hitting dealerships at the best possible time—or the worst. Gas prices are still sky-high, electric options are dropping like flies, and affordable EVs—especially good ones—have always been tough to find. All of that bodes well for Kia’s stubby, $30,000 battery-powered crossover to make a real impact.

Then again, federal tax credits are gone and Americans seem increasingly smitten with hybrids. Kia may be dropping exactly the EV America has been asking for at a time when the market for it has never been more uncertain.

We’ll have to wait and see whether Americans actually buy the thing. But after driving the EV3 for a day recently, I can say this much: They probably should. Kia’s newest and cheapest EV is charming, capable, and appealing in ways that have historically eluded entry-level electric cars.

[Full Disclosure: Kia covered my travel, lodging, and meals in Victoria, British Columbia, so I could attend the launch of the EV3.]

The EV3 is a small crossover that slots in below the EV6 in Kia’s electric lineup. S. market that’s historically dominated by pricey models. Until future offerings like the Slate truck and Ford Fathom come along, the only cars it will compete with in that sub-$30,000 segment are the $28,995 Chevrolet Bolt and $29,990 Nissan Leaf . 5 inches shorter than an EV6.

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