Kia continues to push the boundaries of EV endurance with the Kia EV4, the company’s latest addition to its growing lineup of all-electric models. Engineered with durability and real-world performance in mind, the EV4 sets a new standard for compact electric vehicles through cutting-edge technology and rigorous testing protocols.
Designed for Endurance: The Power of Kia’s Fourth-Generation Battery System
At the heart of the EV4’s impressive endurance is Kia’s fourth-generation battery system. This advanced powertrain integrates enhanced thermal management and optimized coolant distribution across all battery cells, ensuring even temperature regulation even under high-stress or long-distance driving conditions. By keeping the battery within safe thermal limits, the system maximizes battery lifespan and preserves consistent performance over time.
This durability-focused engineering means the EV4 is more than just a city commuter—it’s a long-haul companion built for reliability.
Proven in Extreme Testing: Nürburgring and 110,000 Kilometres of Endurance Trials
Kia backed up the EV4’s durability claims with an exhaustive European road test spanning 110,000 kilometres, as well as a grueling 10,000-kilometre Nürburgring endurance campaign. The high-performance test simulated 90–95% of the EV4’s maximum output, including repeated hypercharging sessions between laps—conditions known to push EV batteries to their limits.
Despite these harsh conditions, the EV4 performed remarkably well, with engineers reporting a battery State-of-Health (SoH) of 95% post-testing. This validates Kia’s goal of delivering an EV that doesn’t just survive tough environments but thrives in them.

“To provide our customers a reliable, everyday EV, we had to validate the EV4’s durability both in real-world and extreme environments,” said Stephan Hoferer, Manager Durability Development at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center. “With the rigorous testing – from icy roads to racetracks, we’re confident the EV4 will deliver dependable performance well beyond everyday needs.”
Intelligent Energy Management: Regenerative Braking and Battery Longevity
In addition to its cutting-edge battery architecture, the Kia EV4 features regenerative braking technology that improves long-term efficiency by recovering up to 25% of energy during deceleration. This reduces battery strain and contributes to extended driving range, especially in urban and stop-and-go scenarios.
Thanks to this combination of hardware and software enhancements, Kia guarantees that the EV4 will retain at least 70% of its battery capacity after 160,000 kilometres or eight years of standard use—making it a dependable investment for drivers concerned about long-term EV ownership.
The Future of Everyday EVs Is Here
With the Kia EV4, the brand is demonstrating that EV durability and performance don’t need to be reserved for premium models. This all-electric compact vehicle offers the endurance, efficiency, and reliability that modern drivers demand—whether it’s navigating a daily commute or tackling a cross-country road trip.
Kia’s relentless focus on endurance testing and innovative engineering positions the EV4 as a top contender in the compact electric SUV segment, offering drivers a smarter, longer-lasting EV experience.