Kia unveiled its all-new EV4 sedan at the New York International Auto Show, expanding its U.S. electric vehicle portfolio with a compact, four-door model positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Hyundai Ioniq 6. Set to reach U.S. dealerships in early 2025, the EV4 aims to attract budget-conscious EV buyers with a combination of competitive range, modern connectivity, and compatibility with Teslaās charging network.
The EV4 will be offered with two lithium-ion battery options, both operating on a 400-volt electrical architecture. The entry-level Light trim is fitted with a 58.3-kilowatt-hour battery that delivers an estimated 235 miles of driving range on a full charge. It supports DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 29 minutes.
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Higher-tier Wind and GT-Line trims will use a larger 81.4-kWh battery, enabling a Kia-estimated range of up to 330 miles and a slightly longer DC fast-charging time of 31 minutes. While Kia did not specify the peak charging power in kilowatts, the 400V platform suggests slower charging speeds compared to 800V-based models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, which can charge to 80% in less than 20 minutes.
All variants of the EV4 will be powered by a single front-mounted electric motor generating 201 horsepower (150 kW). This setup provides a straightforward, front-wheel-drive configuration, emphasizing efficiency and cost reduction rather than high performance or all-wheel-drive capability. The EV4 shares some DNA with its Hyundai siblings, but itās not a simple rebadge of the Ioniq 6. Instead, it offers a distinct design and simplified platform meant to lower entry barriers into EV ownership.
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One notable feature of the EV4 is the inclusion of a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port across all trims. This integration allows drivers to charge at Tesla Supercharger stations without requiring an adapter, increasing access to one of the most expansive and reliable charging networks in North America. However, to use non-Tesla fast chargersāmany of which still rely on the Combined Charging System (CCS)ādrivers will need a CCS-to-NACS adapter. While Kia hasnāt announced a bundled adapter, the ongoing retrofit of NACS plugs by other charging networks could gradually resolve compatibility concerns.
Inside the cabin, the EV4 is equipped with Hyundai Motor Groupās latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system, which includes dual 12.3-inch digital displays. These serve as both the instrument cluster and infotainment center, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, as well as over-the-air software update capabilities. Physical controls remain present with a rotary volume knob, a few toggle switches, and capacitive touch buttons, striking a balance between modern digital features and driver usability.
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In addition to connectivity, Kia has equipped the EV4 with vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing users to power external electronics or appliances directly from the carās battery using a compatible adapterāan increasingly popular feature in EVs targeting outdoor and utility-conscious consumers.
The EV4 will be manufactured at Kiaās Autoaland Gwangmyeong EVO facility in South Korea. This decision stands out amid ongoing U.S. policy shifts affecting EV subsidies and tariffs, especially as vehicles produced overseas may not qualify for certain federal tax credits. Kia has not ruled out moving production stateside in the future, depending on demand and evolving trade conditions.
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While pricing details have yet to be disclosed, the EV4 is expected to undercut the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which starts around $38,000 in the U.S. market. The new model joins Kiaās growing EV lineup and serves as a strategic entry point for buyers looking for a well-equipped, reasonably priced electric sedan with long range and wide charging access.