Kia has completed an intensive endurance and battery performance test of its upcoming EV4 model, with results confirming the vehicle’s robust engineering and battery longevity. The South Korean automaker conducted a 110,000-kilometre accelerated endurance test on European public roads and an additional 10,000 kilometres on Germany’s Nürburgring racetrack.
During the Nürburgring leg, the EV4 was pushed to between 90% and 95% of its peak power output. The battery system also underwent repeated rapid charging intervals between laps, simulating the high-stress usage patterns that can accelerate battery degradation. Despite the intensity, engineers reported only minor wear, and the battery’s state of health (SoH) was recorded at 95% by the end of testing.
“To provide our customers a reliable, everyday EV, we had to validate the EV4’s durability both in real-world and extreme environments,” said Stephan Hoferer, Manager Durability Development at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center. “With the rigorous testing – from icy roads to racetracks, we’re confident the EV4 will deliver dependable performance well beyond everyday needs.”
The EV4 comes with a standard 58.3 kWh battery offering up to 430 kilometres of WLTP range, while a Long Range version boasts up to 630 kilometres on an 81.4 kWh battery. Both versions deliver 150 kW of output and 283 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 kph in under 8 seconds. In the UK, the EV4 Fastback is available with a starting price of £40,895.
Kia attributed the EV4’s performance to its new fourth-generation battery system, which integrates advanced thermal management and uniform coolant distribution across cell units. The system is designed to maintain safe operating temperatures, extending battery life and ensuring performance stability under stress. Kia now guarantees “at least 70 per cent of its battery capacity after 160,000 kilometres driven or eight years of regular use.”
