Kia has officially begun series production of its all-electric EV4 model at its manufacturing plant in Zilina, Slovakia. This marks a significant milestone as Kia's first fully electric vehicle to be produced in Europe, reinforcing the company's commitment to expanding its electric mobility offerings across the continent.
The EV4 is built on Hyundai Motor Group's advanced E-GMP platform, designed specifically for electric vehicles, known for its efficiency and performance. Customers can choose between two battery configurations: a 58.3 kWh standard option and a larger 81.4 kWh variant. The long-range version of the EV4 is expected to achieve an impressive driving range of up to 630 kilometers (approximately 391 miles) on a single charge, positioning it competitively within the European EV market.
The Zilina plant, operational since 2004, is a key component of Kia's European operations. It has an annual production capacity of 350,000 vehicles and 540,000 engines, supported by approximately 3,700 employees and over 600 robots. The facility currently also produces the Kia XCeed and Sportage models. Kia aims to sell 160,000 units of the EV4 globally each year, with half of these sales projected for Europe.
Kia's decision to localize EV production in Europe aligns with governmental support programs that increasingly consider the entire vehicle lifecycle. These initiatives aim to bolster domestic EV production and supply chains. The EV4's production in Zilina is a pivotal step for Kia's growth strategy in Europe, contributing to its broader environmental objectives. The plant itself is committed to sustainability, running entirely on renewable electricity and planning to integrate a photovoltaic power plant by the end of 2025 to further enhance its energy independence.