Kia is shaking up the affordable EV market with its latest electric sedan, the EV4. Unveiled at Kia’s 2025 EV Day in Spain, this sleek, long-range EV aims to compete with the Tesla Model 3 and other budget-friendly electric sedans. Alongside the EV4, Kia also showcased the EV2, a compact urban SUV concept, and the PV5 electric van.
EV4: Two Versions, One Mission
The EV4 will come in two body styles:
- A four-door sedan with a traditional look.
- A five-door hatchback, aimed at European markets.
Both versions will feature a single-motor, front-wheel-drive setup with 150 kW of power, accelerating from 0-62 mph in 7.4 seconds. While not a high-performance EV, it promises efficiency and affordability.
Range & Charging: A Game Changer?
Kia has equipped the EV4 with two battery options:
- 81.4 kWh battery – Up to 391 miles (WLTP)
- 58.3 kWh battery – Up to 267 miles (WLTP)
Although real-world EPA estimates may be lower, these figures put the EV4 ahead of many competitors in its class. The EV4 will use a 400-volt architecture, rather than the 800-volt fast-charging tech found in Kia’s EV6 and Hyundai’s Ioniq 5. Still, it can charge from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes.
Tech & Features: A Future-Ready Cabin
Despite its affordable pricing, the EV4 packs some high-end tech, including:
- A 30-inch widescreen display combining infotainment and driver info.
- AI voice assistant and Apple Watch digital key access.
- Streaming apps like YouTube and Netflix.
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L) for powering small devices.
- Smart Cruise Control 2 with advanced lane-keeping assistance.
When and Where Will the EV4 Launch?
- South Korea: Mid-March 2025.
- Europe: Hatchback version in the second half of 2025.
- North America: Sedan version later in the year.
An Affordable EV Alternative?
Kia’s EV4 will start at around $38,500, with 160,000 units planned for production—half of which will be shipped to North America. With Volkswagen pulling the ID.7 from the U.S. and uncertainty around EV incentives, the EV4 could be the budget-friendly alternative many buyers have been waiting for.
Will the EV4 challenge the Tesla Model 3 in the U.S.? Only time will tell.
