Kia’s first electric sedan, the EV4, has become South Korea’s best-selling domestic electric sedan just two months after its market debut, with May sales outpacing local rivals amid improving delivery conditions and renewed subsidies.
According to local reports, Kia sold 1,373 EV4 units in May, surpassing Hyundai’s Ioniq 6, which sold 754 units — up 100% year-over-year. The EV4’s initial month saw limited sales of 831 vehicles due to delivery issues and subsidy delays, but Kia had projected a rapid rebound once those factors normalized.
An industry source referred to the EV4 as a “box office hit,” noting that it quickly resonated with consumers due to its competitive pricing and features. The model starts at 41.92 million won (about $30,000), making it one of the most affordable in its segment and undercutting BYD’s Seal, which launched in April at 47.5 million won ($35,000).
Available in two battery configurations — 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh — the EV4 offers driving ranges of 382 km (237 miles) and 533 km (331 miles), respectively. Kia says both versions can charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Inside, the EV4 is equipped with Kia’s new ccNC infotainment system, featuring nearly 30 inches of combined display space, including dual 12.3-inch driver and navigation screens, and a 5-inch climate display.
Kia aims to sell 165,000 EV4 units globally per year, including 80,000 in Europe, 50,000 in the United States, and 25,000 in Korea. The EV4 is set to launch in Europe later this year, followed by a U.S. release in 2026. The U.S. version will come equipped with a NACS port for access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
The company has not yet announced final U.S. pricing but expects a starting price between $35,000 and $40,000. “The real test will come later this year when Kia launches the EV4 in Europe, followed by the US in 2026,” the report noted.