EV4 sedan and EV2 Concept: Kia’s electric unflagging zeal

While European carmakers one after another slink off with their tail between their legs, abandoning their fully electric goals and pushing hybrid ICE instead, South Korean Kia goes straight ahead with its electric flagging zeal.

At the brand’s 2025 Kia EV Day in Tarragona, Spain, it unveiled its latest weapons to conquer that part of Europe that still believes in an electric future with the EV4, its first electric sedan and hatchback, and the concept of a new low-budget B-segment SUV, the EV2.

Some ten days ago, Kia unveiled the exterior design of its compact electric saloon and hatchback EV4 ahead of the brand’s EV Day 2025, but little technical detail was known. Now, we know the EV4 will come with 58.3 kWh standard and 81.4 kWh long-range battery options, offering a range of up to 630 km (WLTP).

It can fast-charge 10-80 percent in just 31 minutes. Essential for those who want to use their car as a big backup battery to store the surplus energy of their solar panels or sell it back to the grid operator, is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G).

Contrary to Kia’s EV6 and EV9 which use 800 Volts technology, the EV4 is built on the dedicated 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). 800V architecture in EVs can enhance efficiency and reduce weight.

By increasing the voltage, the current needed is much lower, enabling thinner cables and smaller electric components, reducing weight and heat losses, and increasing range efficiency. Higher-voltage batteries can deliver more energy to motors, offering more performance and acceleration and better regenerative braking.

How far do you need to go?

Still, looking at the specs of the 400V EV4, the question is whether you really need this. Both Kia EV4 variants offer a choice of standard (58.3 kWh) or long-range (81.4 kWh) battery configurations. These supply a front-mounted 150 kW motor delivering 0-100 km/h performance of 7.4 and 7.7 seconds respectively, and a top speed of 170 km/h for both variants.

Even in the standard version, the WLTP range is 430 km, with the top version up to 630 km. The EV4 hatchback, with a less sleek profile, offers a long range of 590 km. On the move, Kia’s customizable i-Pedal 3.0 system works across all levels of regenerative braking to help further improve ease of driving.

It works alongside the EV4’s adaptive Smart Regenerative Braking function, which is adjustable with the paddles on the steering wheel and retains the last settings.

In terms of design, the EV4 follows the cues introduced by the EV9 and is followed by the smaller EV3. Both variants feature the same ‘EV Tiger Face,’ with vertical headlamps and Kia’s ‘Star Map’ light signature.

On the inside, the Kia EV inherits from its siblings the 30-inch wide-screen display incorporating 12.3-inch, 5.3-inch and 12.3-inch screens. Next to driving functionally and access to settings and ADAS systems, it offers infotainment. Kia says it brought that to the next level, offering a rich array of entertainment options, including YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, games, and karaoke with Vehicle Smart TV solutions.

The EV4 sedan will be produced at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong EVO Plant in Korea, while the hatchback will be produced only in Slovakia, primarily targeting sales in Europe. Production will commence in mid-March for the Korean sedan model, and the second half of the year for the Europe-only EV4 hatchback.

First look at EV2 Concept

The other premiere, the EV2 Concept is more or less a style exercise, as little or no technical detail is given. The front features a technical face framed by vertical daytime running lights (DRLs), delivering a strong sense of modernity, dynamism and a spirit of adventure. Kia’s Star Map signature lighting features an open lamp design without cover glass, creating a striking visual impact.

Most striking is that there is no central pillar and rear-hinged back doors. That delivers an expansive opening and improves accessibility, and occupants can also easily connect with the outdoors, Kia says.

Similarly, once the doors are open and the rear bench is lifted, the front bench can slide back and be used as a place to unwind. The question remains if all this will make it to the production model, which is expected not sooner than 2026. Same goes for the sometimes particular color choices made for the interior…