Before a car ever hits the road, it must pass a series of extreme tests. For the new Kia EV4, this meant a grueling evaluation campaign. The car went far beyond the typical daily drive. It endured everything from icy roads to racetracks. This intense Kia EV4 durability testing proves the new model is built to last. It is a car that you can trust for years to come.
Testing the EV4’s Limits
Kia put the EV4’s battery to the ultimate test. It underwent a 10,000-kilometer endurance run. The venue was Germany’s legendary Nürburgring circuit. The car ran at 90-95% of its maximum performance. This simulated a lifetime of extreme, high-stress use in a short amount of time. Adding to the punishment, engineers subjected the car to repeated fast-charging sessions. This happened between laps to put the battery under even more strain.
The Power of a Proven Battery
The EV4’s fourth-generation battery system proved its worth. It features advanced thermal management. This keeps the battery’s temperature stable even under heavy load. The optimized coolant distribution helps with this. After all the Nürburgring punishment, the battery’s State-of-Health was 95%. This shows a very low level of degradation. These impressive results give you confidence in the car’s long-term efficiency. Kia guarantees the battery will retain at least 70% of its capacity after 160,000 kilometers.
From Track to Real-World Roads
The testing did not stop at the Nürburgring. Kia also performed a 110,000-kilometer durability test. This took place on European public roads. It simulated real-world conditions. This included varied road surfaces and climates. This part of the test program proved the car’s resilience. It performed well in both the simulated track scenarios and everyday driving. The combined testing program exceeded 120,000 kilometers. This shows Kia is committed to delivering a dependable EV.
Safety Through Intensive Development
The EV4’s comprehensive ADAS suite also underwent extensive testing. It was evaluated in a range of high-speed and complex scenarios. This happened on the test track for safety reasons. Juan Jose Filgueira Guimerans, a Senior ADAS Validation Engineer, said the EV4 is not just safe. He says it will also make customers’ lives easier. Systems like Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) were fine-tuned. The testing ensures the car complies with European safety regulations.
Insights from the Engineers
The development engineers aimed to remove as much resistance from driving as possible. Celina Geller, an ADAS Engineer, says features like Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) were refined. It now adjusts intelligently to bends in the road. This reduces the need for constant input from the driver. Kia also updates its safety offerings based on customer feedback. For example, engineers developed a more responsive NSCC tailored to regional driving preferences.
The EV4’s structure is also optimized for safety. Its design includes a multi-load path in the front. This protects the battery and passengers during a collision. The roof can withstand over five times the car’s total weight. A multi-rib structure in the rocker panel provides enhanced side protection. These structural elements were tested to make sure they perform as intended.
Summary
The Kia EV4 endured a comprehensive testing program to prove its durability and safety. The campaign included a 10,000 km Nürburgring endurance run and a 110,000 km road durability test. The car’s fourth-generation battery showed minimal degradation. Engineers fine-tuned the ADAS and structural safety features to comply with European regulations. This rigorous development ensures the EV4 provides a reliable and safe driving experience.
Disclaimer: Features and specifications are subject to change and may vary depending on the market and specific trim level. Always refer to the official manufacturer’s documentation for the most accurate information.
Source: Kia
