Kia's latest addition to its lineup of affordable electric vehicle sedans is the sleek EV4. The model has a sporty and low profile, dubbed a "new type of EV sedan," as seen in the first look at the EV.
As per Electrek, Kia unveiled the EV4 at its inaugural EV Day in October. The EV4 will be released next year, and costs will start at about $35,000. Kia's new electric car will have minimal competition in its native market, except for the Hyundai IONIQ 6 and Tesla Model 3.
The new inexpensive EV lineup consists of the EV3, EV4, and EV5. These will complement Kia's diverse inventory, which currently includes the EV6 and EV9. Kia introduced the EV5 in November, a tiny electric SUV with roughly $20,000 (149,800 yuan) beginning costs in China.
The dimensions of the EV5 are believed to be 4,615 mm long, 1,875 mm broad, and 1,715 mm high. The EV5 will compete with Tesla's Model Y, which begins at roughly $34,000 (249,900 yuan) in the region. The EV4's design, with headlamps that reach the edge of the hood, represents Kia's ambition to push the boundaries and hasten the EV Revolution.
The EV4 will likely include Kia's next-generation ccNC infotainment system with twin 12.3" displays. Kia's EV4 sports a simple style that helps drivers focus and prevent distractions. The EV4 has retained much of the concept's clean form. One of the first things seen is Kia's new headlamp design, shown in the concept.
Customers will also notice that the grille has an opening, and most sensors are comparable to the car displayed in October. The roofline extends back from the side, emphasizing the vehicle's athletic appearance.
BYD as a Leader of Affordable EVs
Kia's EV4 is the latest model, proving affordable EVs are rising in the industry. Most notably, BYD, China's biggest EV manufacturer, recently made news for its strong sales results in May, which were boosted by a major price reduction.
The firm almost set a new sales record, demonstrating its rising supremacy in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector. BYD's aggressive price approach has made their EVs very competitive in the market. The Seagull EV Honor Edition, priced at $9,700 (69,800 yuan), is among the most affordable EVs.
This model, known as the Dolphin Mini in other countries, is gaining ground in foreign markets like Brazil and, shortly, Europe. It is scheduled to start at roughly 20,000 euros ($21,500), undercutting local competitors.
Ford Joins the Affordable EV Race
By this, Jim Farley, CEO of automaker Ford, has announced that the company intends to manufacture and market more cheap electric vehicles, claiming that their next-generation EVs would be both lucrative and affordable.
Earlier this year, Farley said Ford was "secretly" creating a smaller EV design to accommodate less expensive vehicles. Ford is also postponing its bigger three-row electric SUV in favor of smaller EV versions.
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