Kia’s EV4: A Competitive Electric Sedan for North America
Kia is set to introduce its new electric sedan, the EV4, to the North American market in the fourth quarter of this year. The EV4 is built on a new version of Kia’s E-GMP platform, which has proven successful in models like the EV6. This new iteration is designed for smaller and more affordable electric vehicles, utilizing a 400 V system.
The EV4 will be available with a single motor producing 201 hp and 209 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels. Two battery options will be offered: a standard 58.3 kWh pack with an estimated EPA range of 235 miles, and a larger 81.4 kWh pack capable of up to 330 miles. Future variants are expected to include a twin-motor all-wheel-drive option and a more powerful EV4 GT model.
The EV4’s design is described as futuristic, with a drag coefficient of 0.23 contributing to its efficiency. The interior features recycled materials and offers more leg and shoulder room in the back than competitors like the Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2. The car also includes various convenience features such as wireless device charging and 100W USB-C ports.
Charging times are competitive, with the smaller pack reaching 80% in 29 minutes and the larger pack in 31 minutes using a DC fast charger. The EV4 also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities, although the latter two require compatible hardware.
While the exact pricing has not been announced, expectations are that the standard-range EV4 will start between $37,000 and $39,000, potentially undercutting the Tesla Model 3. The final pricing and availability will be influenced by factors such as tariffs and clean vehicle tax credits.
The EV4 represents Kia’s growing capabilities in the electric vehicle market, particularly in terms of efficiency and design. Its arrival in the US market is anticipated to provide consumers with another compelling option in the electric sedan segment.
