Kia has officially announced that production of its highly anticipated electric, the Kia EV4 Hatchback, will take place at its core European manufacturing hub in Žilina, Slovakia, from August. This strategic decision marks a significant milestone, as the EV4 becomes the first electric vehicle Kia will both produce and sell exclusively in Europe.
Kia EV4: Designed for Europe, Built in Europe
The Kia EV4 Hatchback has been meticulously developed to reflect the preferences of the European market. Built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV4 will be offered in both a sleek sedan and a dynamic hatchbackversion. The hatchback variant, in particular, was designed with European consumers in mind, offering a sportier silhouette, compact dimensions, and enhanced city maneuverability.
With a powerful 81.4 kWh battery, the EV4 delivers an impressive 630 km (WLTP) range, placing it among the top contenders in its class. Thanks to ultra-fast charging technology, drivers can charge from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes, making the EV4 as practical as it is stylish.
Production Hub: Žilina Plant Reimagined for the EV Era
The Žilina Plant in Slovakia, operational since 2007, has played a pivotal role in Kia’s European growth, previously manufacturing popular models like the Kia Ceed and Sportage. With an annual production capacity of 300,000 units, the facility has recently undergone major upgrades to accommodate electric vehicle manufacturing, specifically tailored for the EV4.
This evolution positions the plant as a next-generation EV production hub in Europe. Kia’s investment into EV infrastructure signals a long-term commitment to regional production and sustainability.
Competitive Pricing and Sales Strategy
Kia plans to introduce the EV4 Hatchback at a competitive starting price of €35,990, strategically targeting the growing demand for affordable electric vehicles across Europe. With this aggressive price-to-performance strategy, the brand aims to disrupt the compact EV segment.
At the 2025 Kia EV Day, CEO Song Ho-sung announced a bold global sales target of 165,000 units for the EV4. Of these, approximately 80,000 units will be allocated to Europe, 50,000 to the U.S., and 25,000 to Korea, emphasizing the company’s intent to dominate key markets.
Strengthening the European EV Supply Chain
Kia’s local production efforts are further supported by the Hyundai Motor Group’s robust parts supply chain in Europe. Hyundai WIA currently operates a constant velocity joint (CVJ) factory near the Žilina facility, while Hyundai Mobis is building a new Power Electric (PE) system plant, expected to be completed in the second half of the year. These investments will ensure a streamlined, localized supply chain, enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Kia in Europe
The launch and localized production of the Kia EV4 represents more than just a new model—it’s a strategic leap into the future of European mobility. By aligning design, production, and supply chain efforts within Europe, Kia is well-positioned to become a leader in the continent’s competitive EV landscape.
