Kia has officially launched production of the EV4 in Europe, marking the first time the brand will build a fully electric model on the continent. The five-door hatchback is being assembled exclusively at Kia’s AutoLand Slovakia plant, following extensive upgrades to the facility’s production lines. This milestone represents a significant step forward in Kia’s regional electrification strategy.
Developed specifically for European customers, the EV4 sits on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), combining efficiency with dynamic performance. Buyers can choose between two battery configurations: a 58.3-kWh standard pack or an 81.4-kWh long-range option. The EV4 also incorporates advanced technologies such as Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). To enhance handling and reduce weight, the car features an aluminium bonnet, while customers can select from eight exterior colours, including an exclusive matte finish.
First revealed globally in February 2025, the EV4 embodies Kia’s award-winning ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy with bold, angular styling.
The Zilina facility, which has been central to Kia’s European operations since opening in 2004, spans two square kilometres and employs around 3,700 staff supported by more than 600 advanced robots. The plant can simultaneously produce multiple model variants across its press, body, paint, engine, and assembly divisions. Alongside the EV4, the factory builds models such as the XCeed and Sportage, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions that accounted for a quarter of its output in 2024.
With an annual production capacity of 350,000 vehicles and 540,000 engines, the site has produced over five million units to date, exporting to 83 countries and contributing around 11 per cent of Kia’s global output.
Kia has recently invested €108 million to modernise the facility with new technologies, including an EV battery conveyor on the chassis line. The company has also strengthened its focus on sustainability: since 2014, electricity use per vehicle has been cut by 11 per cent, water consumption by 28 per cent, and CO2 emissions by 13 per cent. Today, the Zilina plant runs entirely on renewable electricity and will add a photovoltaic power plant by year-end to generate about 1.5 per cent of its total energy needs.
“The start of EV4 production is a huge milestone for us. It demonstrates the technical capability and flexibility of our European operations,” said Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe. “From 20 August, Slovakia will build fully electric cars alongside models with hybrid and internal combustion powertrains. Through the expansion of our production capabilities, we are supporting our diverse European customer base even more.”
“We have been preparing for the EV4’s production launch for a long time,” said Tomáš Potoček, spokesperson for Kia Slovakia. “By combining advanced manufacturing technology with the dedication of our skilled workforce, we have successfully begun mass production of this model.”
Source: press-eu.kia.com