New Kia EV4 electric hatchback is about to go into mass production

Kia’s latest electric car will be based on the existing E-GMP platform and will be launched in 2025

Kia has removed some of the bulky cladding and camouflage from its latest EV4 prototype, giving us the perfect opportunity to see the car’s production-spec body in person. As we’ve long suspected, it looks extremely similar to the concept launched last year.

Often, concept cars are launched with crazy, over-the-top designs that are severely diluted on the road. That’s not the way Kia does things, at least not in recent years. The Kia EV9, for example, shares much of its eye-catching design with the concept car that previewed it, like the smaller EV3 and EV5 SUVs. The same goes for EV4.

Read: Kia EV4 Hatch drops more camo in pursuit of MG4

The prototype’s front end is located at the “Ring”, with a black lower grille and a striking set of vertical headlights that include bold LED daytime running lights. From the side, the electric car looks almost identical to the concept, even sporting the same black and silver wheels designed in a triangular shape. The road-going hatchback appears to have a slightly higher roofline than the concept, resulting in slightly higher side windows.

The Kia concept’s look continues into the rear fascia, with a large spoiler extending from the roof. Interestingly, Kia is preparing sedan and hatchback versions of the EV4, but only showed a sedan concept. This means the hatchback prototype has a much higher rear fascia than the concept car. Additionally, it appears to feature a pair of custom taillights, unlike the sedan version.

Underneath all the sharp sheetmetal, the Kia EV4 is likely to ride on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform – the same underpinnings as the EV3, EV6 and EV9 – rather than the 400-volt N3 eK platform used by the EV5. The EV4 is expected to offer the same battery configuration as the EV3, with 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh options, as well as an entry-level version powered by a single electric motor pumping out 201 horsepower. There’s also a more powerful dual-motor all-wheel-drive version for those who need extra power.

EV4 is part of a bigger plan

Kia has been aggressively expanding its electric vehicle lineup, with the EV4 a key component of its larger strategy. Under the company’s updated “Plan S,” Kia plans to launch 15 all-electric models and six new hybrid models by 2027, solidifying its position as a global electric vehicle contender. The program covers everything from affordable city vehicles to high-performance SUVs. Positioned in the middle of the range, the EV4 will provide an easier entry point into Kia’s electrified future and play a key role in the brand’s goal of selling 1.6 million environmentally friendly vehicles annually by 2030.

SH professionals