Kia has recently arranged flights from Washington, DC, to Seoul to allow Ars to test drive their latest electric vehicle, the EV4. Ars maintains a strict policy against accepting paid editorial content.
SEOUL, South Korea—A closer look at the plethora of electric vehicles from various manufacturers reveals a notable trend: Korean automakers are excelling in this arena. From compact models like the Niro to spacious three-row SUVs, the electric vehicles produced by Kia and its sister company Hyundai stand out for their efficiency and distinct style. Their commitment places them at the forefront of electric vehicle offerings in North America.
Introducing the newest addition to this lineup, the Kia EV4. This small electric sedan builds upon the highly regarded E-GMP platform, previously showcased in models like the EV6. Initially designed for larger vehicles operating on an 800 V system, the E-GMP powertrain has proven its capabilities, though it tends to be costly to manufacture. Kia has now harnessed insights from their 800 V experience to develop a new 400 V version, making it suitable for smaller and more affordable electric cars.
The EV4 features a single motor paired with two battery options. Kia has informed Ars that, while the expertise from the higher-voltage components has influenced the development of the new system, the battery, motors, and power electronics have all been redesigned. The EV4 is set to make its debut in the United States in the fourth quarter of this year and will include a native NACS charging port.
Currently, the vehicle comes with a single motor producing 201 horsepower (150 kW) and 209 lb-ft (283 Nm) of torque, which powers the front wheels. Customers will have a choice between two battery sizes: the standard 58.3 kWh battery, projected to deliver an EPA-estimated range of 235 miles (378 km), and a larger 81.4 kWh long-range battery, expected to achieve up to 330 miles (531 km) on North American roads. Future variants may include an all-wheel drive option with dual motors, as well as a more powerful EV4 GT model.