In one of the harshest real-world EV trials on the planet, the Kia EV4 quietly proved that efficiency isn’t just a luxury-brand party trick. During the El Prix Winter Test, Kia’s electric hatchback covered nearly 390 km (242 miles) in temperatures plunging to –31°C, finishing fourth overall out of 24 electric vehicles.
That matters because El Prix isn’t a lab test. Organized by the Norwegian Automobile Federation and Motor Magazine, it throws EVs into real winter punishment: icy mountain roads, highways, city traffic, and constant cold soak. Every car starts fully charged in Oslo and drives until it simply can’t go any farther.
The EV4’s result stands out even more when you look at its segment. With an official WLTP range of 594 km, it managed over 65% of its rated range—a strong showing that placed it in the upper tier of all participants. More impressively, it recharged from 10% to 80% in just 33 minutes, only two minutes slower than its official claim, despite the extreme cold.
Compared with similarly priced and sized EVs, the EV4 punched well above its weight. Larger and more expensive vehicles like the BMW iX and Volvo ES9 barely edged past or even fell behind it. Yes, flagships like the Lucid Motors Air Grand Touring dominated the test—but they operate in an entirely different price and performance universe.
Built in Europe at Kia’s Zilina plant, the EV4 represents a shift toward practical, cold-climate-ready EVs rather than headline-grabbing specs. Unfortunately, buyers in the US are likely to miss out due to ongoing tariff issues.
Final take: The EV4 didn’t win El Prix—but it didn’t need to. By outperforming most of the field in brutal conditions, it showed that mainstream EVs are finally learning how to survive winter without excuses.
