Kia Unveils the 2025 EV4 and EV2 Electric Vehicles
The U.S. market will indeed welcome the new Kia EV4, as confirmed during a news conference by Kia on Monday. This electric vehicle is set to hit American roads in 2026 as a stylish four-door sedan. It features a sleek design with a low front, elongated rear, a spoiler on the roof, and a spacious trunk that holds 17.3 cubic feet of cargo. In other regions, the EV4 will come as a five-door hatchback, resembling an SUV, with a more traditional design.
While the exact specifications for the American version are still being worked out, Kia has shared details about the models that will be available overseas. The standard version features a 58.3-kWh battery, providing a range of 430 kilometers (approximately 267 miles). The Long Range variant is equipped with an 81.4-kWh battery, boasting a range of 630 kilometers (around 391 miles) based on European testing standards. However, it’s important to note that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates will likely indicate about a 20% reduction in range.
In terms of performance, the regular EV4 model offers 150 kW (equivalent to 201 horsepower), allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The Long Range version is just slightly slower, with a time of 7.7 seconds.
Inside the EV4, it shares its interior design with the smaller EV3 model, which is scheduled to be launched in the U.S. sometime after the EV4’s debut. The cabin includes an impressive 30-inch display that incorporates several screens: a 12.3-inch instrument panel, a 5.3-inch touchscreen for climate control, and another 12.3-inch screen for infotainment. There’s also a convenient small table that folds out from the center console.
Kia plans to produce 140,000 units of the EV4 each year, with around 50,000 of those earmarked for the U.S. market. The starting price in Europe is estimated to be around €37,000 (about $38,841), but pricing details for the U.S. model are yet to be announced. The EV4 sedan is set to launch in South Korea in March, followed by the hatchback version exclusive to Europe later in the year.
In addition to the EV4, Kia presented the Concept EV2, a preview of a new smaller all-electric SUV that will not be available in the U.S. This concept vehicle features some innovative design elements, like rear-hinged doors, which may not make it to production. It also boasts a rear bench seat that folds up to create more space and comes with clever storage solutions in the cargo area.
The design is minimalist and radical compared to any current electric vehicle, but these features are likely more for show than intended for mass production. For instance, the EV2 has a unique lighting system that can project messages onto the windows, a feature that some might find unnecessary given how people behave on the roads today.
Although certain high-end ideas from the Concept EV2 may not be practical for budget-conscious consumers in the B-segment market, the model reflects Kia’s commitment to expanding its electric vehicle range to include options for all customers. While the EV2 might not be crucial for Kia’s success in the U.S., it is very important for the company in Europe.
According to Kia’s President and CEO, Ho Sung Song, the EV2 will be a significant volume model in Europe, helping to boost the company’s electric vehicle production as demand for electrification in the region continues to grow. Kia has also announced plans to introduce a line of electric vans in Asia, Europe, and possibly North America, with more details to come.
