A fastback version of Kia’s exciting new EV3 is on its way with design elements from the concept thrown in.
The upcoming Kia EV4 will be a sleek fastback variant of the funky EV3, expanding Kia’s electric vehicle lineup. Recently spotted testing on European roads, the EV4 has not yet been officially confirmed for the UK market. If it does make its way here, it will stand out as one of the few electric saloon or fastback models in the sub-Tesla Model 3 size range.
Although official details about the production EV4 are still limited, we can draw some conclusions based on the existing EV3 and the EV4 concept unveiled in 2023. The EV4 will use a simplified version of Kia’s E-GMP platform, which is also found in other Kia EVs. Unlike the higher-end EV6, the EV4 will feature a lower-spec 400V electrical system instead of the 800V system used in the EV6. This change will impact aspects such as charging speeds and overall range.
The EV4 is expected to offer two battery options similar to those in the EV3: a 58.3kWh or an 81.4kWh battery. The EV3’s range is 254 miles with the smaller battery and 374 miles with the larger one. The EV4 will likely have similar performance metrics. The batteries will power a single 204bhp front-mounted e-motor, with acceleration to 62mph in approximately 7.4 seconds for the smaller battery and 7.7 seconds for the larger one.
In terms of charging, both the EV3 and EV4 will support peak DC fast charging at 102kW for the smaller battery and 128kW for the larger. Both models are expected to achieve a 10-80% charge in about 30 minutes. Initially, they will support 11kW AC charging, with 22kW AC charging available in the future. Like other Kia and Hyundai models, the EV4 should offer vehicle-to-load functionality, allowing the car to power electrical appliances.
Design-wise, the EV4 will closely resemble the EV3 at the front, but it will feature a fastback profile from the B-pillar back, as previewed by the concept. This includes a distinctive C-pillar design that extends over the roof to create two small aerofoils.
The interior of the EV4 will likely mirror the EV3’s, featuring Kia’s triple-screen display, a minimalist design, and soft-touch materials across the doors and dashboard, with some variations in color and trim.
