Kia’s EV4 Survives 6,200 Miles of Nürburgring Abuse with 95% Battery Health

Kia Tried to Destroy the EV4—But the Battery Wouldn't Quit

In one of the most rigorous EV test campaigns to date, Kia subjected its upcoming EV4 compact sedan and hatchback to a punishing 68,000-mile (110,000 km) durability program across Europe. The highlight? A grueling 6,200 miles (10,000 km) of continuous driving on the Nürburgring Nordschleife—a notorious endurance circuit that has exposed weaknesses in many vehicles.

But instead of failing, the EV4 delivered a stunning result: its battery still retained 95% state of health, even after intense track sessions and repeated hypercharging.

The Nürburgring: Not for Lap Times, But for Survival

Unlike performance EVs chasing records, the EV4 ran lap after lap at 90–95% of its maximum output. The goal was simple—see what breaks. Engineers followed up each cycle with rapid charging sessions that generate high thermal stress, pushing the battery to its limits.

And this was only a fraction of the full test program, which also included icy mountain roads, highway cruising, and real-world driving across diverse European terrains.

Battery Resilience That Surpasses Expectations

After tens of thousands of hard-driven miles, the EV4’s battery showed just 5% degradation, a figure that would impress even under mild usage. In light of this, Kia now guarantees 70% battery capacity after 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 8 years—a benchmark rooted in real-world abuse, not lab projections.

A Message to EV Shoppers: This Car Is Built to Last

The EV4 isn’t a luxury flagship or a performance icon. It’s a compact electric car designed for everyday drivers—and Kia is clearly positioning it as a durability-first EV. In a segment where battery longevity remains a key concern, the EV4’s real-world stress testing delivers a clear message: this car is engineered for long-term ownership.

EV4 Specs: Power, Range, and Charging Support

The EV4 will also support NACS in the U.S., offering seamless access to Tesla's Supercharger network, improving real-world charging convenience significantly.

Why the EV4 Battery Performs So Well

Kia credits the battery’s resilience to its fourth-generation battery system, enhanced by a redesigned thermal management setup. The system ensures even heat distribution across cells—critical for stability during both high-performance driving and fast charging.

Regenerative braking helps too, recovering up to 25% of energy during deceleration and reducing battery load in stop-and-go conditions.

Built for More Than the Commute

Most EV buyers won’t drive their car around the Nürburgring—but knowing the EV4 survived it provides peace of mind. Kia’s testing proves that this compact EV isn’t just built for range specs and showroom appeal. It’s built to last.

In a world of spec-sheet inflation, the Kia EV4 may become one of the most durable and practical electric vehicles in its class—offering confidence to those ready to transition to EV ownership.