Kia EV4 defies arctic cold: 390 km covered at -31°C during El Prix test in Norway
Kia EV4 "freezes" the competition in Norway: 390 km driven at -31°C and a strong debut on the Romanian market
In the world of electric cars, the cold is the great enemy of range. However, this year's winter test in Norway proved that Korean engineering has found the "recipe" to keep batteries warm even when the air becomes unbreathable. The Kia EV4 was one of the undisputed stars of the 2026 El Prix Winter Test Drive, achieving a performance that redefines expectations from an EV in extreme conditions.
Endurance record in the Arctic "Eve"
The El Prix event, organized by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF), is considered the “coming of age” for any new electric model. This year, the conditions were truly brutal, with temperatures ranging from -20 to -31 degrees Celsius.
In this context, the Kia EV4 Long Range (equipped with the 81.4 kWh battery and 19-inch wheels) managed to travel 390 kilometers on a single charge. Although the figure represents approximately 65% of the official WLTP range (594-625 km), the result is impressive for two reasons:
- Thermal efficiency: At -31°C, most electric cars lose up to 40-50% of their capacity. The EV4 managed to stay well above this average.
- Fast charging: Even "frozen", the car powered up from 10% to 80% in just 33 minutes, just 2 minutes longer than the officially declared time for optimal conditions.
Did you know? In this year's overall ranking, the Kia EV4 took an honorable 4th place, surpassing much more expensive models such as the BMW iX or Volvo ES9 in terms of distance traveled in extreme cold conditions.
Kia EV4 on the Romanian market: Prices and versions
If in Norway it fought the snow, in Romania, the Kia EV4 is fighting for supremacy in an increasingly crowded segment. The model is produced right next to us, in Slovakia (Žilina), which ensures reasonable delivery times for local customers.
On the domestic market, the EV4 is available in two body styles: Hatchback (for a sportier and more practical look) and Fastback (a sedan-like silhouette, elegant and aerodynamic).
Prices and Features (2026 Estimates)
| Version / Trim | Battery Capacity | Starting Price (incl. VAT) | WLTP Range |
| EV4 Hatchback Air | 58.3 kWh | ~€38,090 | 410 - 430 km |
| EV4 Hatchback Earth | 81.4 kWh | ~€45,500 | 590 - 625 km |
| EV4 Fastback GT-Line | 81.4 kWh | ~€50,980 | 630 - 633 km |
Prices can be significantly reduced through Rabla Plus programs, depending on the legislation in force at the time of purchase.
Competition and Top Positioning
The Kia EV4 does not have an easy mission. In Romania, it comes into direct collision with the "heavyweights" of the segment, but it comes with a technological advantage (optimized 400V/800V architecture) and a futuristic "Star Map" design.
Main rivals in Romania:
- Tesla Model 3: The benchmark in the sedan segment, with an unbeatable Supercharger infrastructure, but a more minimalist interior design (and perhaps too simplistic for some).
- Hyundai Ioniq 6: The platform "cousin", which offers similar efficiency, but a much more polarizing design.
- Volkswagen ID.3 / ID.4: German rivals that rely on a vast dealer network and classic ergonomics.
- Mazda 6e: The Japanese newcomer that promises a more involved driving experience.
In the top electric car sales in Romania for the beginning of 2026, Kia managed to climb into the top 5 brands, with the EV4 being the main growth engine alongside its bigger brother, the EV6. The success is mainly due to the 7-year or 150,000 km warranty, which provides essential psychological peace of mind for those making the switch to battery propulsion.
Kia EV4 – An electric “marathoner” ready for any season
The Kia EV4’s performance at the El Prix test in Norway is not just a number on a technical sheet, but a testament to the resilience that is changing the perception of electric mobility. In a world where “range anxiety” still dictates purchasing decisions, the ability to travel 390 km at -31°C transforms this model from a city car into a long-distance vehicle capable of facing harsh climatic realities.
For the Romanian market, the EV4 represents the missing piece of the puzzle: a balance between a "concept car" design, proven efficiency under thermal stress, and a price that, through subsidy programs, becomes extremely competitive compared to European rivals. Its local success confirms that Romanian drivers are no longer looking for just a "green" car, but one that is mature, safe, and adapted to the developing infrastructure.
In the end, the Kia EV4 not only "survived" the Arctic winters, but also demonstrated that the electric future is already here, being robust enough to turn the frost from an obstacle into a mere footnote.