Kia begins European production of EV4 hatchback
Kia has begun production of the EV4 hatchback at its Slovakia plant ahead of the car’s imminent European launch.
The five-door version of the EV4 is the Korean brand’s first electric model designed exclusively for the European market. It is also the marque’s first all-electric model to be built in Europe.
The Žilina factory in Slovakia, which also produces the XCeed and Sportage, has undergone a €108 million upgrade to accommodate the new EV4 alongside petrol and hybrid models.
“We have been preparing for the EV4’s production launch for a long time,” said Tomáš Potoček, spokesperson for Kia Slovakia. “By combining advanced manufacturing technology with the dedication of our skilled workforce, we have successfully begun mass production of this model.”
The EV4 is due to arrive in dealerships this autumn and is the latest in a wave of new electric vehicles coming from Kia. Based on the same E-GMP platform as the EV3 and upcoming EV5, it is available with the same 201bhp motor as the EV3 and two battery options – a 58.3kWh unit or 81.4kWh variant – offering a range of up to 391 miles.
For the first time in an EV, Kia is offering the EV4 in two body styles. The European-built hatchback, priced from £34,695, sits alongside the £40,895 EV4 fastback. The fastback is built at the Gwangmyeong plant in Korea and comes exclusively in higher-grade GT-Line and GT-Line S trims with the larger battery.
“The start of EV4 production is a huge milestone for us. It demonstrates the technical capability and flexibility of our European operations,” said Marc Hedrich, president and CEO of Kia Europe.
“From 20 August, Slovakia will build fully electric cars alongside models with hybrid and internal combustion powertrains. Through the expansion of our production capabilities, we are supporting our diverse European customer base even more.”
By the end of 2025, Kia will offer six regular all-electric passenger cars ranging from the EV3 to the EV9, plus two high-performance GT models. It is also expected to launch the PV5 cargo and passenger vans before the end of the year. Next year the EV2 should arrive as the firm’s entry-level model.
