Tesla may need extra competitors quickly
The crowded EV market is about to get a brand new entry, and it is likely to be one of many extra engaging we’ve seen in a protracted whereas. Making its first look on the New York Auto Present earlier this month, the Kia EV4 showcased Kia’s continued give attention to electrification with a design language acquainted to followers of the automaker’s present lineup. The true attraction isn’t the sloping hood or flat roofline we’ve come to anticipate from Kia’s EV sedans – it’s the rumored price ticket.
MotorTrend stories that Kia “suggests” the EV4 will begin at $37,000 and made no level in noting that pricing was with any EV tax credit score (traditionally $7,500) accounted for. To that, a base mannequin Kia EV4, with tax credit, would begin at $29,500. That’s virtually $5,000 lower than a Tesla Mannequin 3 Lengthy Vary Rear Wheel Drive, which prices $34,990 with the $7,500 tax credit score.
The EV4 carries over Kia’s design language with a cheaper price tag
The Kia EV4’s daring exterior styling shouldn’t be a brand new factor, however that is not a draw back. Kia’s design ethos is way more “prototype” than sensible, which units the model aside. The EV4 is noticeably smaller in stature than its sibling sedan from Hyundai, the Ioniq 6, irrespective of which manner you take a look at it. It’s shorter in total size by a number of inches, an inch narrower, a smidge shorter in top, and has a 5-inch shorter wheelbase. The EV4 is dimensionally just like the gas-powered K4 from Kia.
Kia opted for a front-wheel drive powertrain on the EV4, more likely to maintain the pricing decrease. It has a spritely 201 horsepower engine (150 kW in EV terminology) and shares parts like battery expertise and the drive motor with different EVs, such because the EV6 and EV9, that are shared throughout Kia’s E-GMP platform. In the USA, consumers shall be met with three acquainted trims: Mild, Wind, and GT-Line. Kia’s base mannequin EV4 Mild has a 58.3-kWh unit with an estimated vary of 235 miles. The EV4 Wind and EV4 GT-Line each get a bigger 81.4-kWh unit. Kia says the Wind will get 330 miles of vary when geared up with 17-inch wheels, the utmost vary throughout the lineup.
Inside, the EV4 may lack high quality match and end to some, however it’s appropriate for its value vary and features a digital cluster, an infotainment display, and an HVAC controls display in between. Kia wished the EV4 to be acquainted to folks buying their first EV, specializing in “consolation, house, and comfort.” Ambient lighting is normal and stands out as the spotlight of the cabin. i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking and superior driver help options with freeway driving help make a welcome return, and the EV4’s DC quick charging capabilities carry the battery from 10 % to 80 % in about half-hour.
Remaining ideas
For beneath $30,000 and with 235 miles of vary, automobile consumers shall be keen to make many concessions. The Tesla Mannequin 3 fleet Hertz dumped into the used automobile market did effectively, and people vehicles have been bare-bones and crushed up by renters. We anticipate the Kia EV4 will promote effectively, even when its exterior and inside designs are polarizing. Kia says we should always anticipate EV4 on dealership tons in early 2026.
