Kia’s electric hatchback exhibited remarkable performance in Norway, demonstrating that cold weather need not be associated with delayed charging or limited range.
During the 2026 El Prix Winter Test in Norway, Kia’s EV4 hatchback, which came fourth, drove almost 250 miles and recharged rapidly despite temperatures plunging far below freezing.
The annual EI Prix Winter Test is organized by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) and Motor Magazine and is widely considered the most demanding real-world evaluation of electric vehicles.
This test is conducted exclusively to showcase how EVs perform under the worst conditions, as cold temperatures expose weaknesses in range, efficiency, and charging speed.
This year’s event was the coldest on record. Temperatures dropped to –31°C (–23.8°F), pushing batteries, motors, and thermal systems to their limits. A total of 24 electric vehicles took part in the test.
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All vehicles began their journey with fully charged batteries in Oslo. They drove as far as possible without recharging, crossing highways, mountain passes, icy roads, city traffic, and snow-covered terrain.
Kia’s electric hatchback covered 242 miles (390 kilometers), came fourth in the race.
In its segment and price range, EV4 showed strong consistency in extreme cold. It maintained usable range and near-rated charging performance even in harsh winter conditions, the company said.
With an excellent charging capacity, it recharged from 10 percent to 80 percent in 33 minutes, only two minutes slower than its official rating. Fast charging often slows dramatically in freezing weather, making this result stand out.
According to officials, the tested vehicle was a European-spec Kia EV4 Earth model. It featured an 81.4 kilowatt-hour battery and 19-inch wheels. The car has an official WLTP driving range of 594 kilometers (369 miles).
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In the winter test, the EV4 achieved more than 65 percent of its WLTP-rated range. Kia said this placed the model in the upper performance range of all participating vehicles.
As per experts, retaining over 60 percent of the official range in extreme cold is considered a strong result. Battery efficiency typically drops sharply in sub-zero temperatures due to increased energy use for heating and reduced chemical activity inside the cells.
The Kia EV4 is the brand’s first electric vehicle produced in Europe. It is built at Kia’s Zilina plant in Slovakia. Alongside the hatchback, Kia also sells the EV4 Fastback, a sedan-style version, in Europe, the UK, South Korea, and other markets.
Despite its strong performance, the EV4 finished fourth overall in the El Prix rankings. The Lucid Air Grand Touring took first place, traveling 520 kilometers (323 miles). The Mercedes-Benz CLA came second with 421 kilometers, followed by the Audi A6 with 402 kilometers.
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Competing against larger, more expensive models and still delivering excellent efficiency, Kia’s results are notable given the vehicle’s size and price class.
For buyers in the United States, the EV4 remains out of reach. Kia has indefinitely delayed plans to introduce the EV4 sedan in the US. The hatchback was never expected to launch there, largely due to high import costs linked to US auto tariffs.
EV4’s performance in Norway eases one of the biggest concerns for potential EV buyers in colder regions. It proves that modern electric vehicles are becoming more resilient in extreme climates.
