Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, and auto giants are striving to expand their market share in this sector. Kia, along with its announcements, rolled off the production line of its first European-produced electric vehicle at its Slovakian factory on Tuesday. This marks a major initiative that includes new electric SUVs, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles.

Kia launches its first electric hatchback with the EV4

With this move, the auto giant has taken a step toward bringing back hatchbacks. The Kia EV4 is both the brand’s first electric hatchback and the first electric vehicle produced in Europe. This will allow Kia to further its dominance on European roads and strive to grow its market share.

“The start of production is a huge milestone for us,” Kia Europe CEO Marc Hedrich said on Tuesday. “From August 20th, Slovakia will produce fully electric vehicles, in addition to hybrid and internal combustion engine models.”

The facility already accounts for approximately 1% of Kia’s total global production. Kia has invested €108 million in the facility for electric vehicle production, including a new battery conveyor.

Regarding the production vehicle’s specifications, the EV4 hatchback is available with two different battery options: 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh. These options offer a range of up to 629 kilometers according to WLTP. It also offers new features such as V2L (Vehicle-to-Device Charging) and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid Charging).

Based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the EV4 hatchback has approximately the same dimensions as the Kia Xceed: 4,430 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,485 mm high.

In the UK, the entry-level EV4 Air Standard Range model starts at £34,695 (approximately $47,700), while the longer-range model starts at £37,695 (approximately $51,700).

So, what are your thoughts on this? Share your thoughts in the comments.