Kia’s electric sedan, the EV4, has been making waves in the automotive industry. With over 68,000 miles (110,000 km) driven on public roads, the Kia EV4 battery has proven to be almost as good as new. This is a remarkable feat that showcases the durability and longevity of Kia’s electric vehicles.
The EV4 is Kia’s first fully electric sedan, and in Europe, it is also available as a hatchback, marking a significant milestone for the Korean automaker. As part of Kia’s commitment to affordable electric vehicles, the EV4 has been put through rigorous real-world and extreme conditions testing. Following a grueling 68,000-mile public road test and a 6,200-mile Nürburgring campaign, Kia’s engineers confirmed that the EV4’s battery State-of-Health (SOH) was still at an impressive 95%.
This outstanding performance can be attributed to Kia’s fourth-generation battery system, which features a state-of-the-art thermal management system. This system ensures that coolant is distributed evenly across all battery cells, ultimately extending the battery life and maintaining consistent performance. Even during the demanding Nürburgring run, where the vehicle was pushed to 90% to 95% of its maximum output, the EV4 showed minimal wear.
The EV4 also features regenerative braking, allowing the vehicle to recapture 25% of energy while decelerating. This not only enhances the driving experience but also reduces strain on the battery, further increasing its longevity. According to Kia, the EV4 is guaranteed to retain at least 70% of its battery capacity after 160,000 kilometers driven or eight years of regular use.
Recently, Kia opened orders for the EV4 sedan, or Fastback, in the UK, with prices starting at £40,895 ($55,000). Powered by an 81.4 kWh battery, the EV4 sedan offers an impressive range of up to 380 miles. Additionally, Kia introduced the EV4 Hatchback with two battery pack options: 58.2 kWh or 81.4 kWh, providing a WLTP driving range of up to 273 miles or 388 miles, priced from £34,695 ($47,700).
The EV4 is set to launch in the US later this year, featuring an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 330 miles. The US version of the EV4 will come equipped with a built-in NACS port for recharging at Tesla Superchargers. While official prices have yet to be announced, the EV4 is expected to start in the $35,000 range.
Overall, the Kia EV4 has proven to be a reliable and efficient electric vehicle, setting a new standard for affordable EVs in the market. With its impressive battery performance and range, the EV4 is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle landscape.
