The Kia EV4 has demonstrated strong range and charging performance in one of the world's most demanding electric vehicle tests: the El Prix Winter Test Drive, organised by the Norwegian Automotive Federation (NAF).
The tested EV4 long‑range model, equipped with an 81.4kWh battery and 19‑inch wheels, achieved a distance of 390 kilometres under brutal winter conditions. With a WLTP homologated range of 594 kilometres for this specific version*, the Kia EV4 achieved over 65% of its rated figure, placing it in the upper performance range of the participants and making it the best in its segment and price range.
In the coldest edition of the El Prix Winter Test Drive to date, with temperatures between -20°C and -31°C, the EV4 demonstrated the maturity of its Gen4 battery system. The achieved 390 kilometres from Norway’s capital, Oslo, to the scenic highlands, including city traffic, mountain roads and highways, confirms the vehicle’s suitability for everyday use even in the most adverse climatic conditions.
Held twice a year, in winter and in summer, the El Prix Test Drive compares all EV models on the Norwegian market under identical real-world driving and charging conditions to provide customers with reliable data on range and charging performance. The test conditions for this year's El Prix were historic: while previous tests rarely saw temperatures below -10°C, this year's extreme cold placed an enormous strain on all participants.
Focus on the Gen4 battery system and high SOH development
A key aspect of the EV4's performance is its Gen4 battery system. This system features advanced thermal management and optimised coolant distribution to ensure consistent performance even under extreme loads and cold temperatures. The reliability of Kia's battery technology was already validated last year through intensive high SOH (state of health) development programmes. In accelerated road simulations covering 110,000 kilometres and rigorous testing at the Nürburgring, including repeated hypercharging sessions between laps, engineers confirmed a SOH of 95%.
In addition to range, charging time plays a crucial role in long-distance capability in winter temperatures. The Kia EV4 charged from 10-to-80% in 33 minutes – only two minutes above the official figure and showing a flat reliable charging curve even in challenging conditions.
Kia has a tradition of strong performance when it comes to charging. The EV4's E-GMP 400V system is designed to enable efficient charging cycles even at low temperatures, which has already delivered top results in previous test series conducted by the brand.
Developed and produced in Europe
The Kia EV4 is the brand's first all-electric model to be produced in Europe, at the Žilina plant in Slovakia. The chassis was tuned by European engineers at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre (HMETC) in Rüsselsheim to ensure a perfect balance between comfort and precise handling on European roads, a decisive advantage on Norway's slippery and demanding test tracks.
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*Prices correct at time of writing (06.02.2026)
