At its 2025 EV Day in Tarragona, Spain, Kia Corp. this week unveiled new electric passenger car models—the production EV4 and Concept EV2—and a mid-sized Car Derived Van (CDV) called PV5 that’s the first production model for the brand’s dedicated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) global business strategy. We cover the passenger cars here, with the Concept EV2 arguably being the most significant model in Kia’s quest to fill out the lower end of its EV range to make electric vehicles accessible for everyone.

 

Concept EV2 previews production model

The Concept EV2 is a B-segment SUV that previews an upcoming production model designed “to enable users to experience urban spaces in new and more immersive ways.” It features advanced connected technology, a spacious multi-configurable interior, rear-hinged back doors, and what Kia says are features typically found in larger vehicle classes including vehicle-to-load charging and over-the-air updates.

“With the Concept EV2, we challenged ourselves to create a vehicle that defies expectations, offering innovative technology and practicality beyond its size,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President and CEO. “This concept previews Kia’s future vision to redefine the segment, bringing a new level of sophistication and usability to urban drivers. It’s a clear signal of our dedication to making electric vehicles truly accessible for everyone.”

The Concept EV2 is about 160 in (4060 mm) long, 71 in (1800 mm) wide, and 62 in (1570 mm) tall on a 101-in (2560-mm) wheelbase. Its design combines those city-friendly dimensions with an upright stance as well as rugged bumpers and lower graphic elements.

It is identifiable as part of the Kia EV family by its upright front “technical face” framed by vertical daytime running lights and Kia’s Star Map signature lighting features in an open lamp design without cover glass. Its rear section of the car features robust fenders as well as geometric glass area and wheel arch designs.

The Concept EV2 features a relatively spacious cabin with premium appeal and strong use of sustainable materials aimed at providing a comfortable space as a retreat from the stresses of city life. No central pillar and rear-hinged back doors deliver an expansive opening to the interior, improving accessibility for occupants to easily connect with the outdoors.

The second-row seats fold up against the rear interior bulkhead, allowing the front-row seats to slide back as far as possible. This creates an expansive area that users can take full advantage of when the vehicle is parked, relaxing in the seats, stretching out their legs, or even sitting on the vehicle’s flat floor to enjoy a meal. Pop-up sliding luggage dividers and straps help secure items of different sizes.

LED lighting on the front interior door panels provides a contrast between the front and rear spaces. Complementing this is the triangular-pattern lighting and a unique LED dashboard animation. The metal surface that runs along the lower portion of the dashboard is a standout design feature, its triangular design incorporating a wireless charger and a power outlet.

Triangular speakers in the doors are removable and portable. This enables users to place the speakers in different locations inside the vehicle or remove the speakers from the vehicle when the EV2 is parked at a charging station, for example.

Another unique feature enables occupants to display text messages through the vehicle’s windows to communicate with pedestrians and other road users.

The Kia EV2 is expected to launch in Europe and other regions in 2026.

 

Production EV4 sedan and hatchback

The EV4, Kia’s first all-electric four-door sedan and five-door (car) hatchback, is closer to market. With the two C-segment vehicles, Kia is aiming to introduce “a new typology for sedans and hatchbacks,” expanding choice in an EV market traditionally focused on CUVs and SUVs.

“Kia EV Day shows our vision for a sustainable future where electric mobility is accessible to all,” said Sung Song. “The EV4 embodies that vision perfectly as a statement of our commitment to innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and a connected driving experience that excites and inspires.”

Built on Kia’s 400-V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV4 combines a low nose and long tail silhouette with a wide stance. Key design details are a bold front end with Kia’s new EV Tiger Face, vertically oriented headlamps with Star Map lighting, and in the rear a two-piece spoiler and taillights that accentuate the car’s width.

A GT-line trim version features design elements for a more dynamic character with wing-shaped front and rear bumpers as well as triangular-motif 19-in wheels meant to enhance the vehicle’s futuristic, sporty feel. Base tires are 215/60R17.

EV4 dimensions for the sedan and hatch vary in length, at 4730 and 4430 mm (186.2 and 174.4 in), and height, at 1480 and 1485 mm (58.3 and 58.5 in), but they have the same 1860-mm (73.2-in) width and 2820-mm (111.0-in) wheelbase.

Both EV4 variants come in standard 58.3-kW·h or long-range 81.4-kW·h battery configurations. These supply a front-mounted 150-kW motor delivering 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 7.4 and 7.7 s, respectively, and a 170-km/h (106-mph) top speed. An 11-kW onboard charger accepts both single-phase and three-phase inputs, and a 10-80% charge can be accomplished in as little as 31 min.

The EV4’s electric energy can be used beyond the vehicle inside and out, thanks 3.6-kVA vehicle-to-load and 10-kVA vehicle-to-grid functionality, whether being used to power electronic appliances on a camping trip or maintaining power to important domestic devices during a power outage.

A series of aerodynamic enhancements, including a full undercover, help to smooth airflow underneath the vehicle and achieve a low drag coefficient of just 0.23 Cd. This enables the sedan to deliver a class-leading target range of 430 km (267 mi) for the standard model and 630 km (391 mi) in the long-range trim, according to WLTP standards. The hatchback has a long-range projection of 590 km (367 mi).

The suspension features a front “EV-specialized” MacPherson strut design and rear multi-link coil-over setup. Combined with a first-in-class application of third-generation SFD3 frequency-responsive valve dampers and hydro G bushings, the EV4’s chassis is aimed at low noise/vibration and ride comfort. Enhanced FWD geometry and body strengthening in key locations improve cornering stability and dynamic response, with steering deflections from bumps reduced by up to 50%.

Highlights of the EV4 interior are the free-floating user interface, asymmetric one-spoke steering wheel, a rotating armrest, and a sliding table console. Intuitive-to-use physical buttons, dynamic welcome lighting, and ambient lighting further enhance the user experience. The sedan has the largest-in-class luggage space of 490 L (17.3 ft³), with the hatchback having 435 L (15.4 ft³).

Kia makes the grandiose claim that the EV4 offers one of the most comprehensive automotive entertainment experiences ever developed for a production vehicle. The in-car entertainment experience is delivered with a 30-in-wide display for its connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) incorporating 12.3-, 5.3-, and 12.3-in screens.

The Vehicle Smart TV solution is aimed at taking infotainment to the next level by offering entertainment options including YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, games, and karaoke. With support for a range of content formats such as a 21:9 aspect ratio for YouTube and Netflix, the system’s display can be fully used for an immersive experience. Kia aims for continuous enhancements and additions of content such as streaming services, games, and news through an app store.

Other user experience highlights are an AI Assistant that leverages machine learning to continuously improve voice recognition response accuracy. Kia’s smartphone-based Digital Key 2.02 provides users with simple access, engine start, and remote-control functions. Access can be shared with up to 15 devices, including an Apple Watch, via the app. A customizable i-Pedal 3.0 system provides levels of regenerative braking and works alongside the EV4’s adaptive smart regenerative braking.

Rest Mode uses the front-row relaxation seats and mood lamps to create a comforting atmosphere. Theatre Mode optimizes settings for the 30-in-wide display, interior mood lighting, and eight-speaker sound system (or optional eight-speaker Harmon/Kardon system) “to deliver an exceptional content viewing experience.”

In line with the rest of the Kia range, the EV4 offers Highway Driving Assist 2 includes enhanced ADAS functionality with driver attention warning, forward collision avoidance assist 2, lane following assist 2, intelligent speed limit assist, and remote parking assist entry to improve safety and convenience. A 12-in windshield head-up display enables drivers to keep their eyes on the road while monitoring information such as vehicle speed and navigation guidance.

Kia’s Direct Grip Detection System senses contact between the steering wheel and the driver’s hand area (fingers, one hand, both hands) to determine the driver’s level of vehicle control, allowing for easy deactivation of ADAS warnings with a touch on the steering wheel. The Driving Package F+ advanced driver-assistance system detects hazardous situations through a combination of cameras and radars, assisting the driver in safe driving and maneuvering.

With the EV4, Kia is aiming to achieve a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating with optional safety functions such as ADAS F+, five-star U.S. NCAP, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick. In a collision, the EV4’s structure is optimized with advanced passenger and battery safety designs, including a multi-load path applied to the front section of the battery area and safeguards to ensure protection during a rear-end collision. The EV4’s roof is capable of withstanding more than five times the vehicle’s total weight. A multi-rib structure in the rocker panel provides enhanced side protection for occupants.

Production will commence in mid-March at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong EVO Plant in Korea for the sedan model, and the second half of the year in Slovakia for the Europe-only hatchback. Production for North America and other regions is planned for later in the year.

The EV4 is scheduled to go on sale in Korea from March, with a European launch in the second half of the year. U.S. sales will follow.