Update: All sections have been revised.
Kia plans to expand its EV line-up to 15 models by 2027. Most of these electric vehicles will be SUVs, though at least three are expected to be low-roof models, including two sedans. The first of Kia’s future electric sedan models is to be launched as the Kia EV4 in 2025. Here are the details:
Design
The Kia EV4 will have different proportions as compared to gas-powered Kia sedans. Kia presented its electric sedan as a concept at the Kia EV Day, held in S.Korea on October 12, 2023. Based on the concept, we’ve constructed the production model with realistic elements.
The production EV4 is expected to feature a strong, muscular appearance, with a robust hood and a curvy nose. Kia designers have adopted unique LED signatures (Star Map Lighting) for every EVx product, with a vertical arrangement for the sedan. The softly sloping roofline will meet a raked D-pillar to create a sporty greenhouse.
The sedan will have ample ground clearance, and the production car is expected to have an aero-optimized wheel option. Overall, its sleek low nose and long-tail silhouette will give it a distinct look, different from today’s three-box designs.
Interior
We expect the Kia EV4 to feature an upscale interior with a light color scheme, multi-color mood lighting, a sleek dashboard, and a floating center console. Based on a bespoke EV platform, it will have a flat floor that increases storage space in the front of the cabin and passenger space in the back.
Gauging by what’s offered in the EV3, the EV4 should feature the near-30-inch widescreen display, including a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 5-inch air-conditioner panel, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, paired to look like one seamless ultra-wide panel behind the steering wheel. A 12-inch Head-Up Display is expected to be an option.
The manually-adjustable three-spoke steering wheel should have buttons for drive mode, cruise control, entertainment, and navigation. Recycled fabric should be used in the dashboard and door trims, while recycled PET is found in the seats, headliner, door armrests, garnish, floor mats, and luggage board.
The infotainment system is expected to include Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility, and OTA software update support. The sound system is expected to be a premium Harman Kardon unit. A knurled scroller should allow the user to conveniently adjust the stereo volume without much distraction.
Another highlight of the EV4 would be the Digital Key 2.0, which offers vehicle access through the user’s smartphone or smartwatch, making the vehicle shareable with friends and family.
Specifications
The new Kia electric sedan will use the Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The EV4 will use a front-wheel drive layout of the E-GMP, which was introduced in the EV5, and recently in the EV3. We’re expecting a small frunk (around 20 liters/0.71 cu.ft.), with a boot capacity of around 350 liters (12.36 cu.ft.).
The EV4 is expected to be launched in Standard Range and Long Range variants, equipped with a 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh batteries, respectively. Both models are expected to be powered by a 150 kW/283 Nm (201 hp/ 209 lb-ft) electric motor, with i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology offering one-pedal driving. The top-spec EV4 GT-Line model is expected to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 6-7 seconds, with the top speed of 106 mph.
We think 300+ miles of EPA-est. range should be easily achievable in the long-range variant. We expect the Kia electric sedan to feature ultra-fast charging (0-80% battery charging in 31 mins), Plug & Charge support, and bidirectional charging.
We expect the Kia EV4 GT, featuring a beefier dual-motor setup and customized vehicle settings, to cater to driving enthusiasts, come out around a year after the EV4’s launch.
Manufacturing
Production of the Kia CT sedan will take place at AutoLand Gwangmyeong, in Plant 2. Previously home to the Rio hatchback and Stonic, Plant 2 has been converted into a dedicated EV factory. According to a report ET News published on January 29, 2024, Kia EV4 production will commence at the end of 2024. Kia plans to build 70,000 units of the EV4 annually.
U.S. production
The Kia EV4 could be made in the U.S. as well, eventually. Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is making huge investments for EVs in the region, as the American government is forcing automakers to adopt localization measures if they want to reap the benefits of its Clean Vehicle Credit program. The Kia Autoland Georgia (KaGA) factory or the upcoming Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) plant will make future EVs from HMG.
U.S.-built HMG EVs will consist of battery packs and cells produced locally. HMG is coming up with two cell production factories in 2025: one in a joint venture with SK On, and one in a joint venture with LG Energy Solution, both 50:50 owned. Hyundai Mobis will assemble battery packs using the cells made at these plants and supply them to HMG’s vehicle plants in the U.S.
Release date
The domestic launch of the Kia EV4 will take place in early 2025, as per the ET News report dated January 29, 2024. At the Kia CEO Investor Day on April 5, 2024, Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President & CEO, confirmed that there won’t be any other EV launches except the EV3 this year. His presentation indicated that only one launch is planned for 2024.
There’s no word on the U.S. launch of the Kia EV4, but we think it could happen by mid-2025. Kia will likely ensure the electric sedan stays accessible for it to sell in reasonable volumes. We’re expecting the price to fall between USD 35,000-45,000, tucking in beneath the EV6.
During Kia’s Q2 2023 earnings conference call on July 27, 2023, CFO Joo Woo-jeong said that the company should focus on increasing market share more than profitability when it comes to EVs, The Korea Herald reported the same day. If needed, it may have to lower prices (of existing EVs), Woo-jeong added. During the conversation, the CFO brought up the upcoming electric sedan:
TopElectricSUV says
The Kia EV4 shows potential to be a solid option for young buyers and small families on the market for a stylish and technologically advanced three-box design at an affordable price point. It certainly can appeal to the segment and to customers who are bored of SUVs. Kia could configure it as one of the most energy-efficient electric cars in the U.S. market, potentially surpassing the Hyundai Ioniq 6 in this respect.
Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s exclusive rendering of the Kia EV4.
I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.
