The EV4 is here. Kia’s first European-made EV rolled off the line in Slovakia on Tuesday, kicking off a bigger push that includes new electric SUVs, cars, vans, and more.
The EV4 is the first Kia EV to be built in Europe
Kia is bringing back the hatch. The EV4 is Kia’s first attempt at an electric hatchback, and now, it’s the brand’s first EV built in Europe.
“The start of production is a huge milestone for us,” Kia Europe’s CEO, Marc Hedrich, said on Tuesday. He added, “From 20 August, Slovakia will build fully electric cars alongside models with hybrid and internal combustion powertrains.”
The Slovakia plant is Kia’s sole manufacturing facility in Europe and will serve as a cornerstone as the company looks to gain market share in the region. It already accounts for about 1% of Kia’s total global output.
Kia invested 108 million euros ($125 million) to upgrade the facility for EV production, including a new battery conveyor.
The EV4 hatchback is available with two battery packs: 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh, offering a WLTP range of up to 391 miles. It’s also equipped with new features, such as V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid).
Based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the EV4 hatchback measures 4,430 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,485 mm in height, roughly the same size as the Kia XCreed.
In the UK, the base EV4 Air Standard Range starts at £34,695 ($47,700), while the longer range model is priced from £37,695 ($51,700).
| Kia EV4 hatchback trim | Starting Price | Driving Range (WLTP) |
| Air Standard Range | £34,695 ($47,700) | 273 miles |
| Air Long Range | £37,695 ($51,700) | 388 miles |
| GT-Line | £39,395 ($54,000) | 362 miles |
| GT-Line S | £43,895 ($60,200) | 362 miles |
Kia also launched the EV4 Fastback, or sedan version, last month, starting at £40,895 ($55,000) with a WLTP driving range of up to 380 miles.
Unlike the hatchback, the Fastback variant will be made at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong EVO plant in South Korea.
The EV3 is already the UK’s top-selling EV through the first half of the year. Following the EV4 hatch and Fastback, Kia will introduce the EV5 in Europe later this year, followed by the entry-level EV2 in 2026.
Kia is also launching its first electric van, the PV5, which is quickly rolling out to new European markets this year. The PV5 will initially be launched in Passenger and Cargo variants, but Kia plans to introduce seven different body styles, including a light camper and an open bed model.
Author: Peter Johnson
Source: Electrek
Reviewed By: Editorial Team
