Kia’s inaugural electric sedan, the EV4, has made a notably underwhelming debut, selling only 831 units in its first month—far short of the company’s ambitious target of 25,000 annual sales.
This slow start is particularly disappointing compared to its predecessors, the EV3 and EV6, which sold 1,866 and 1,910 units respectively in their initial months. Contributing factors include delivery delays and issues with government subsidies, which resulted in limited availability for consumers.
The EV4 is described by Kia as an “entirely new type of EV sedan” showcasing a sporty and aerodynamic design characterized by its signature ‘Tiger Face’ front, vertical headlights, and ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.23.
Kia Aims for 165,000 Annual Sales of EV4 Despite Initial Disappointment
This innovative aesthetic is complemented by wide wheel arches and a fastback silhouette, elements that Kia hopes will distinguish it in a competitive electric vehicle market.
Under the hood, the EV4 offers two battery options: a standard 58.3 kWh with a range of up to 237 miles, and an extended 81.4 kWh variant that can reach up to 331 miles on a single charge—the highest range recorded for any Hyundai Motor EV.
The quick charge capability allows the long-range model to go from 10% to 80% in just about 31 minutes when plugged into a 350 kW charger.
Kia anticipates that sales will increase as production ramps up and government subsidies are reintroduced. By 2026, the EV4 will roll out in the U.S., priced between $35,000 and $40,000, with expectations of selling 165,000 units annually worldwide.
The model is also equipped with Kia’s new ccNC infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays for navigation and driver information, along with a dedicated 5-inch climate control screen.