ELECTRIVE — 2025-08-21
Automotive Industry
Kia has started series production of the EV4 hatchback at its European facility in Zilina, Slovakia. This is the brand’s first fully electric vehicle to be manufactured in Europe, following a €108 million upgrade of production lines at its sole European plant.
Kia AutoLand Slovakia, which opened in 2004, employs around 3,700 people, according to the carmaker, and operates with more than 600 robots across five production areas: press, body, paint, engine, and assembly. The facility has an annual capacity of 350,000 vehicles and 540,000 engines, producing more than five million units since its launch for export to 83 countries.
In 2024, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models accounted for 25 per cent of the plant’s total output.
The Zilina plant currently produces models such as the Kia XCeed and Sportage, in addition to the new EV4. As part of Kia’s sustainability measures, the factory runs entirely on renewable electricity and will add a photovoltaic power plant by the end of 2025 to generate around 1.5 per cent of its total energy demand.
With the launch of the EV4 in Slovakia, Kia is advancing its regional electrification strategy while maintaining flexibility to produce combustion and hybrid models for European markets.
“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.”
Designed specifically for Europe, the five-door EV4 is built on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). It is offered with two battery options: a 58.3-kWh standard pack and an 81.4-kWh extended-range variant. Kia hopes to sell some 160,000 units of the EV4 per year. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in September.
“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. “Through the expansion of our production capabilities, we are supporting our diverse European customer base even more.”
Only the 4.43-metre-long EV4 hatchback will carry the “Made in Europe” label, while the 30-centimetre longer fastback version will come from South Korea. The Golf-sized EV4 is expected to account for the lion’s share of European sales, since compact saloons remain a niche product in this segment. Pricing also plays a role: the standard EV4 starts at €37,590, making it almost €10,000 cheaper than the fastback.