Just days prior, Kia teased two new all-electric models that will be joining its “EV#” family. As per our assumption, the models that have just been revealed today at the Kia EV Day event are indeed the Kia Concept EV3 and EV4. This article will focus on the Cerato-sized Concept EV4, which together with the Concept EV3 and the larger EV5, will join the brand’s all-electric lineup in the future as the brand’s mass-market EVs.
Kia describes the Concept EV4’s design as a representative of the ‘Power to Progress’ pillar of its ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. This particular pillar is said to be the result of the skills, expertise, and creativity developed during the brand’s recent era of design-led transformation.
Kia says the Concept EV4 is designed unlike sedans of the present day. The brand has reimagined how a sporty sedan should look, giving the Concept EV4 striking design elements such as a wide stance, a low nose, an elongated and dynamic long-tail silhouette, and a technical roof spoiler. To go with its futuristic looks, its headlights are located vertically at the outer edges of the bonnet and front bumper.
Inside, the Kia Concept EV4, like many modern EVs, sports a minimalistic interior. It features simple yet stylish design elements that are said to prioritize the driver’s experience without obstructing their view.
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To achieve this, Kia designers have placed an air conditioning control panel that can be stored in the centre console when not in use. They have also applied pin-style air vents that offer the flexibility to change patterns.
In charge of controlling most of the car’s settings is the twin-screen setup. The setup also features a slimmed-down instrument panel that has been designed to deliver crucial driver information, while minimising distractions.
Aside from the essential equipment, the Kia Concept EV4 is fitted with a new ‘Mind Modes’ feature that can help adjust ambient lighting and animated ventilation patterns. One of the modes available is the ‘Perform’ mode, which Kia explains is designed to feed the driver with the information required to perform at their ‘optimum’ and get the most out of their day.
In contrast, there is also the ‘Serenity’ mode, which offers a range of digital graphics. This is done to create a more relaxed ambience for reflection and restoration, as explained by the company.
Sustainability has also been one of Kia’s main focuses when designing the Kia Concept EV4. The concept sedan is said to feature the brand’s 10 must-have sustainable items.
This includes bioplastic produced from biomass sources such as vegetable oils, corn extract, sawdust and sugarcane. Instead of leather, Kia utilised Bio Polyurethane (PU) for the Concept EV4’s upholstery.
Even the vehicle’s carpet is also made to be sustainable, as it is created from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Kia also offers the option of sourcing a proportion of this material from recycled fishing nets.
Currently, the Korean carmaker is building its electric future by actively expanding its global charging networks. In North America for instance, the Korean carmaker has announced its decision to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for their EVs starting from Q4 2024. This move will grant Kia customers in the region access to approximately 12,000 Tesla Superchargers.
In Europe, Kia has collaborated with four OEM groups to create its Ionity fast-charging network. A total of 2,800 fast-charging stations are being installed along key highways. Kia’s ultimate aim is to have a total of 7,000 operational stations by 2025, providing efficient charging options for the brand’s EV owners.
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