Kia Slovakia has started building the EV4 hatchback at its Žilina plant, marking a milestone for the Korean automaker’s European operations.
The five-door EV4 becomes Kia’s first electric vehicle designed specifically for European customers. It’s also the first all-electric Kia built on European soil.
The Slovakia facility underwent a €108 million upgrade to handle EV4 production alongside existing petrol and hybrid models like the XCeed and Sportage.
“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.”
European Launch This Autumn
The EV4 will reach dealerships this autumn as part of Kia’s expanding electric lineup. Built on the same E-GMP platform as the EV3 and upcoming EV5, it uses a 201bhp motor paired with two battery options.
Buyers can choose between a 58.3kWh battery or an 81.4kWh variant. The larger battery delivers up to 391 miles of range.
For the first time with any Kia EV, customers get two body style choices – but they’re built in different locations.
The European-made hatchback starts at £34,695. The fastback variant, assembled at Kia’s Gwangmyeong plant in Korea, costs £40,895 and comes only in GT-Line and GT-Line S trims with the bigger battery.
“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.
Expanding Electric Portfolio
Hedrich emphasized the significance of producing multiple powertrains at one facility.
“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.”
Kia’s electric ambitions extend well beyond the EV4. By late 2025, the company plans to offer six regular all-electric passenger vehicles spanning from the compact EV3 to the large EV9 SUV.
Two high-performance GT models will join that lineup.
The PV5 cargo and passenger vans should launch before year’s end, followed by the entry-level EV2 in 2026.
The Slovakia production milestone reflects Kia’s broader strategy of localizing EV manufacturing for key markets while maintaining its aggressive electric vehicle rollout timeline.
