Kia recently put their new electric sedan, the EV4, through an intense torture test at the Nürburgring, covering a total of 68,000 miles. This included a grueling 6,200-mile battery torture test on the iconic track, where the car was pushed to its limits. Despite the extreme conditions, the EV4 refused to give up, showcasing its durability and reliability.
The purpose of this test was to evaluate how well the EV4’s battery would hold up under such strenuous conditions. The engineers ran the sedan at 90-95% power output throughout the test, subjecting the drivetrain components, suspension, and other mechanical parts to constant stress. Additionally, the car underwent “hypercharging” between runs, ensuring that the 400-volt battery was pushed to its limits.
What makes this test even more impressive is the fact that after the full 74,200 miles of testing, the EV4’s battery still retained an impressive 95% state of health. Kia estimates that the 6,200-mile Nürburgring test was equivalent to around 93,205 miles of normal driving conditions, demonstrating the battery’s resilience over the equivalent of 160,000 miles.
While battery degradation is a natural process over time, especially in Lithium Ion Phosphate packs, Kia’s results are still noteworthy. The EV4’s ability to withstand such extreme conditions bodes well for its longevity and reliability, reassuring potential buyers that EVs are built to last. Kia even guarantees that the EV4 will retain at least 70% of its battery capacity after 100,000 miles or eight years of ownership.
With an impressive range of up to 391 miles and an anticipated starting price of $39,000 in the U.S., the EV4 is set to be a game-changer in the electric vehicle market. Its robust battery performance under extreme testing conditions further solidifies its position as a top contender in the EV segment. This test not only showcases the EV4’s capabilities but also highlights Kia’s commitment to producing high-quality, long-lasting electric vehicles.