Planned Launch of Kia EV4 in the USA
The EV4 sedan was supposed to appear on the American market in early 2026. The manufacturer confirmed the availability of two battery options: 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh. The estimated starting price could have been around $30,000.
Initial Plans and Their Changes
The Kia EV4 was introduced at the New York International Auto Show in April, positioned as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3. Initially, the model promised to invigorate the segment of affordable electric vehicles, but this momentum stopped even before it went on sale.
According to the Korean automaker, the launch of the EV4 in the USA is postponed “until further notice.” This decision leaves potential buyers of affordable electric cars with fewer options in a market that is already shrinking.
Body Style Diversity for Different Markets
Kia developed both sedan and hatchback versions of the EV4 for different regions. The USA was to receive only the sedan, while Europe and other countries – both body types.
What seemed like a straightforward introduction faced market realities. America’s automotive landscape is significantly different from what it was in April when the EV4 was introduced, and even more so from when Kia first planned the export.
Kia’s full range of vehicles offers customers significant value and inspiring performance. However, due to changing market conditions for electric vehicles, the release of the future electric sedan EV4 will be postponed until further notice.
What Could Have Happened
The EV4 sedan was supposed to appear at local dealerships in the first quarter of 2026. Kia did not have time to announce local prices, but with the cancellation of the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles, the project’s economics likely ceased to be profitable.
Without this incentive, the EV4 would have faced serious difficulties in competing with more experienced rivals.
Technical Specifications and Potential
As in other regions, the American version of the EV4, built on the Kia E-GMP platform, was to have a 58.3 kWh battery and a 201 hp motor powering the front wheels. This configuration promised a range of about 235 miles (approximately 378 kilometers).
Higher up were the Wind and GT-Line models, both equipped with an 81.4 kWh battery capable of providing up to 330 miles (531 km) on a single charge. These figures placed the EV4 in close proximity to Tesla, at least, that was the plan before the pause.
The electric vehicle market continues to change dynamically, and Kia’s decision to postpone the EV4 launch may be part of a larger strategy to adapt to new conditions. Competition in the affordable electric car segment remains high, and changes in government support can significantly impact automakers’ plans. The future of the EV4 in the USA remains uncertain, but its technical specifications and potential suggest it could have been a serious player in the market under favorable circumstances.