Kia EV4
81.4 kWh Earth electric FWD automatic
Sustainability Rating: 5 stars
Our verdict:
The KIA EV4 scores well in the sustainability assessment. The powertrain is efficient and this manages to compensate for the higher environmental burden of the relatively large 81.4 kWh battery. The life-cycle calculations also benefit from vehicle production in Europe where the energy mix is clean compared to some other world regions.
- Scores poorly for tyre abrasion due to high vehicle mass and aggressive pedal tuning, but brake abrasion is minimised through extensive regenerative braking. Keeps production- and electricity-related emissions low.
- Delivers low electricity consumption across all tests thanks to an efficient powertrain and heating system. Achieves an impressive 13.9 kWh/100 km in the summer on-road test.
- Achieves an excellent GHG score through efficient operation, European production, and a relatively clean electricity mix. Limits lifecycle emissions to ca. 119 g CO2‑eq./km.
Driving Experience
Our comments:
The KIA EV4 electric’s Driving Experience ranges from adequate to good.
- The car shows good and adequate estimated real-world consumption values in different tests. With the relative large battery, the estimated driving ranges are all rated as good. Drivers can trust the consumption figures shown on the display but need to remember that, as with every other electric vehicle, the displayed figures do not reflect the energy amount charged from the grid, but only the energy the vehicle uses from its battery. The amount needed to charge it is naturally higher.
- The heating performance of the car in -7°C cold start conditions did not impress, as shorter heat-up times were expected for an EV. However, the rear footwell reached the target temperature relatively quickly, increasing comfort to the rear seat passengers. The EV4’s driving range can benefit well from preconditioning the car prior to a cold weather trip, while it is still plugged in. This way, an additional 135 km of range can be gained in urban trips. For a mixed trip, the figure is 76 km. The cabin thermal insulation is good, meaning that once heated up, the car retains the warmth well inside the cabin.
- The standard home AC charging receives an adequate rating just below the border to good and the fast DC charging performance is adequate. The vehicle impresses with its capability of bidirectional charging. It can deliver up to 3.6 kW to a connected external consumer through its plug-in vehicle-to-load mode and is prepared for vehicle-to-grid operation.
See datasheet for more details.