Friday, October 31, 2025
By Kamal Swami
Global Launch Of Kia EV4 Delayed For an Indefinite Period
Kia’s ambitious project to extend its electric line-up has suffered a roadblock, with the Korean carmaker postponing the launch of electric sedan EV4 in the U.S market for an indefinite period. After the two successive launches of the EV6 crossover and EV9 SUV in 2022 and 2024, respectively, Kia was all set to launch the EV3 sedan and EV4 SUV in the market.
According to a spokesperson of Kia, “as market conditions for EVs have changed, the release of the upcoming EV4 electric sedan will be delayed until further notice.” The EV4, initially unveiled in February 2025, made its U.S. debut at the New York Auto Show earlier this year. During the same event, Kia announced its plans to begin sales in the first quarter of 2026. The sedan was expected to serve as Kia’s entry-level electric offering in the American market.
However, the recent trade policy announced by the administration of U.S President Trump, imposing increased tariffs on imported vehicles and the removal of federal EV tax credits, has created a challenging environment for EV imports. As the EV4 is being assembled in South Korea, these developments appear to have heavily influenced Kia’s decision. The EV4 was supposed to be launched in two configurations, both featuring a single front-mounted motor generating 201 horsepower. The base Light trim was to be equipped with a 58-kWh battery with an estimated 235-mile range, while the Wind and GT-Line variants would use an 81-kWh pack, offering up to 330 miles in the Wind version. Prices were expected to start at around $39,000.
While Kia has not officially announced the cancellation of the EV4 for the U.S., the indefinite delay will discourage potential buyers. The model now joins a growing list of electric vehicles—such as the Volkswagen ID.7—that have been postponed or cancelled in recent months. The announcement also raises questions about the future of Kia’s EV3, a subcompact SUV that has been available in international markets for nearly a year and was expected to launch in the U.S. in 2026. When asked for an update, a Kia spokesperson said that there is “nothing to report on the EV3 right now.”
For now, it remains uncertain when—or if—Kia’s smaller, more affordable EVs will make their way to American showrooms.
