Among the top concerns for potential electric vehicle (EV) buyers, the battery takes center stage, and for good reason: it accounts for a significant portion of the vehicle’s value, costing between $8,000 and $15,000 on average—a detail we previously shared in an exclusive report on replacement costs from various manufacturers.
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Kia has taken an intriguing step by subjecting its new Kia EV4 to a battery stress-test over an extended distance on a track.
110,000 Kilometers and Rapid Charging
The trial included a durability test covering 110,000 kilometers on European roads and a 10,000-kilometer stint on the Nürburgring, aimed at simulating 90 to 95% of the vehicle’s maximum performance
Additionally, on the Nürburgring, repeated sessions of rapid charging put extra stress on the battery system. However, according to the manufacturer, the EV4 managed to maintain impressive performance throughout the tests.
To offer our customers a reliable EV for everyday use, it was necessary to validate the durability of the EV4 under both real-world conditions and extreme environments
, stated Stephan Hoferer, Head of Development and Endurance Testing at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center. Following these rigorous tests—from icy roads to the racetrack, we are confident that the EV4 will deliver reliable performance that will perfectly meet our customers’ daily expectations.
Minimal Battery Degradation
Engineers measured the battery’s state of health (SOH) at 95% after 10,000 kilometers of track testing and 110,000 kilometers of road testing.
The entire endurance testing program by Kia thus confirms that the EV4 is a reliable and durable EV, catering to customers seeking a vehicle suitable for long-term use.
Kia celebrated these excellent results.
Kia also believes that the regenerative braking system helps enhance long-term efficiency by reducing stress on the battery and recovering up to 25% of energy during deceleration phases. Thanks to its robust design and smart energy management system, the EV4 is guaranteed to retain at least 70% of its battery capacity after 160,000 kilometers driven or eight years of use.
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