Move over, overpriced imports — a new contender has rolled off the line in Žilina, Slovakia, setting the European electric car scene abuzz. The fully electric Kia EV4, making history on August 21, 2025, isn’t just another compact hatchback. It’s a game-changer, with a price tag that may shock the competition and a distinctly European origin. Buckle up: the EV4 is about to electrify the continent in more ways than one.
Electric Roots, European Routes
Let’s start with a little history-in-the-making. Until now, every electric Kia made its way to Europe from Asia. But with the launch of the EV4 right here in Europe, Kia signals more than a new model; it’s a seismic shift in the brand’s direction—and a declaration that it’s here to stay. Think of the EV4 as the electric sibling to the venerable Kia Ceed, a longtime fixture of European roads. For many, seeing the Ceed get an electric “little brother” is almost poetic. It marks Kia’s irreversible leap toward an all-electric future—one where driving electric isn’t just an option, but the new norm.
Performance Meets Pragmatism
The EV4 isn’t content to simply cruise behind the competition. Built on Kia’s trusted e-GMP platform and tailored for the European driver, it offers a truly eye-catching range of over 600 kilometers on a single charge, thanks to its robust 81.4 kWh battery. That’s enough to make some rivals sweat, targeting heavyweights like the Volkswagen ID.3, Renault Mégane E-Tech, and MG4.
Yet here’s what will really raise eyebrows: the entry price starts at just under €39,000. The EV4 pairs ambition with accessibility, making it clear that Kia wants performance and affordability to ride shotgun together. Forget the days when electric cars were the reserve of the elite—with the EV4, more drivers can plug in and power up.
Built in Europe, For Europe
What sets the EV4 apart isn’t just its electric heart or its wallet-friendly price. The fact that it’s built entirely on European soil opens the door to a sleeker, more streamlined experience for buyers. Some real perks include:
- Shorter delivery times — no more waiting for ships from distant shores.
- Smoother logistics, tailored for the continent’s unique demands.
- A model designed to slot seamlessly into local regulations and subsidy schemes.
Žilina’s factory has been the beating heart of Kia’s European ambitions since 2004. To prep for the EV4’s arrival, Kia invested over 100 million euros, modernizing lines for electric powertrains and implementing innovations in automation and sustainability. The plant now runs entirely on green energy and has reduced both its electricity and water consumption significantly. Even CO₂ emissions per car have fallen, showing that Kia’s transition to electric is about more than just the vehicles—it’s about responsible manufacturing, too.
A Local Solution to Global Competition
Launching the EV4 in Europe is more than a business move. It’s a bold signal: Kia is ready to face off with both established European titans and fast-rising newcomers from China, right here on home turf. For consumers, this means more than getting a high-performing, efficient electric hatchback at a tempting price. It delivers confidence—the car is quite literally made closer to home, a factor more important than ever as sustainability and local production shape buyers’ decisions.
The EV4 turns the page for Kia, as Europe stands ready to “try on” this electric offering like a brand-new jacket. With standout range, an accessible sticker price, and a proud “Made in Europe” label, the EV4 isn’t just another new model. It’s a promise: Kia’s future, like its production, is firmly rooted in Europe.
Curious to learn more? Check out the model page for all the nitty-gritty details or sign up for the Vaneman EV Experience in Abcoude to see the EV4 up close—before your neighbors do.
Iveta is an aspiring journalist with a passion for storytelling and a deep love for coffee. Always curious and creative, she dreams of sharing stories that inspire, inform, and connect people around the world
