Kia's electric hatchback, the EV4, has demonstrated its capabilities in the El Prix Winter Test, driving almost 250 miles and recharging in under 30 minutes. The test, held by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) and Motor Magazine, pushes electric vehicles to their limits in freezing temperatures.
8°F), the EV4 outlasted all but three of the 24 electric vehicles that took part. Kia's electric hatchback drove 242 miles, which the company said was the best in its segment and price range.
It also recharged from 10% to 80% in 33 minutes, just two minutes more than its official rating. 4 kWh battery and 19″ wheels.
With an official WLTP range of 594 km (369 miles), the EV4 achieved over 65% of its rating, placing it in "the upper performance range" of participants, Kia said. The EV4 is Kia's first electric vehicle, produced in Europe at the Zilina plant in Slovakia.
While Kia's electric hatch took fourth place in the El Prix, other vehicles performed better, with the Lucid Air Grand Touring ranking first and covering 520 km (323 miles). For those in the US, Kia has already indefinitely delayed the EV4 sedan, and the hatchback was never expected to go on sale due to the Trump administration's auto tariffs.
The test highlights the capabilities of electric vehicles in extreme cold temperatures, making them an attractive option for drivers who need a reliable vehicle in harsh winter conditions.
The El Prix Winter Test is a rigorous evaluation of electric vehicles' performance in extreme cold temperatures, and Kia's EV4 has shown its potential as a reliable and efficient option. However, the test also highlights the challenges that electric vehicles face in such conditions, and manufacturers must continue to work on improving their vehicles' capabilities.
