A compact electric car with a 58-kWh battery and a 150 kW powertrain—sounds like the first version of the VW ID.3. But we’re talking about the Kia EV4, which aims to make an impact in the European compact class with very similar specs. This time, however, it’s not the top variant under review, but the absolute base model.
Author: electrive.com
Kia EV4 base model test: What the €37,590 version has to offer
A compact electric car with a 58-kWh battery and a 150 kW powertrain—sounds like the first version of the VW ID.3. But we’re talking about the Kia EV4, which aims to make an impact in the European compact class with very similar specs. This time, however, it’s not the top variant under review, but the absolute base model.
FH Dortmund researches EV powertrains exceeding 1,000 volts
In the ODYSSEV project, various universities and industry partners, including Dortmund University of Applied Sciences, the University of Bremen, and supplier ZF Friedrichshafen, are researching new high-voltage drivetrain systems well above 800 volts. Such solutions could significantly improve charging performance. Read more…
China grants automotive manufacturers some flexibility in EU tariff agreements
China’s Ministry of Commerce is giving electric car manufacturers affected by the EU’s special tariffs more flexibility in negotiating individual tariff agreements with the European Commission. This makes further deals like Cupra’s more likely. Read more…
BYD becomes sponsor of Manchester City FC
Chinese EV manufacturer BYD aims to further increase its visibility in Europe through a prestigious new sponsorship deal. BYD has become the official automotive partner of Manchester City, involving branding, charging points, and vehicles. Read more…
French state invests in Imerys lithium project
The French state is investing 50 million euros in a planned lithium mining project in the central French department of Allier. The funds will support, among other things, a feasibility study initiated by Imerys, which is expected to be completed next year. Read more…
FAW Group to launch Hongqi brand in three ASEAN markets this year
Chinese conglomerate FAW Group on Friday announced plans to launch its Hongqi brand in Thailand. The company also plans to enter Singapore and Malaysia later this year. Read more…
Stagecoach breaks ground on Hull’s new electric bus depot
Stagecoach East Midlands has begun construction on its new Foster Street Depot in Hull city centre. The depot is set to host an initial fleet of 42 electric buses. Read more…
Bavarian startup unveils eVTOL aircraft ‘Romeo’
Following the spectacular failures of flying taxi startups Lilium and Volocopter, it is clear: hope for an electric vertical takeoff aircraft from Germany dies last. The Bavarian startup ERC System has now completed its first public test flight with its ‘Romeo’ prototype. Read more…
Connected Kerb takes over Trojan Energy
UK-based charge point operator Connected Kerb has announced the acquisition of Trojan Energy’s ‘Flat & Flush’ on-street charging technology and network. The sale was implemented immediately. Read more…
Zeekr re-enters Indonesia, confirms local assembly
Chinese automaker Zeekr has announced plans to relaunch its vehicles in Indonesia at the 2026 Indonesia International Motor Show. The company plans to offer two models initially: the 7X and the 009. Read more…
Repower revolution: How KleanDrive plans to electrify Britain’s buses one subframe at a time
As cities tighten zero-emission mandates and operators balance capex against climate targets, repowering may become a bridge technology with unexpected longevity. If Joe Tighe, CEO and co-founder of the British company KleanDrive is right, modular electrification could evolve from a retrofit niche to mainstream drivetrain strategy – one subframe at a time. We caught up with him to talk about why repowering diesel buses simply makes sense. Read more…
Toyota sells more battery-electric cars in China than VW
Volkswagen Group and Toyota are among the world’s largest automakers. Both companies have struggled with electric vehicles in China so far. Now, it is clear: In 2025, the Japanese sold more EVs in China than VW for the first time – albeit at a low level. Read more…
Austrian company Brantner electrifies its refuse collection fleet
The Austrian waste management company Brantner Green Solutions has replaced 13 combustion-engine trucks with electric trucks from Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The family-owned business, based in Krems an der Donau, now operates what it claims is the largest electric truck fleet in Austria’s waste management sector. Read more…
Endesa analyses smart charging on Menorca
Spanish energy supplier Endesa is turning the Balearic island of Menorca into a European testing ground for the contribution of electric vehicles to grid flexibility as part of an ongoing EU project. A large-scale pilot project has been launched. Read more…
USA: California, Washington and Wisconsin lead US zero-emission truck adoption
CALSTART’s latest ZET report shows uneven progress in zero-emission truck adoption across the United States, with California, Washington and Wisconsin leading the way despite an overall market slowdown. Medium-duty trucks are gaining momentum, while heavy-duty deployment remains constrained by costs and infrastructure. A new normalised score highlights where policy and incentives are accelerating uptake relative to market size. Read more…
USA: California, Washington and Wisconsin lead US zero-emission truck adoption
CALSTART’s latest ZET report shows uneven progress in zero-emission truck adoption across the United States, with California, Washington and Wisconsin leading the way despite an overall market slowdown. Medium-duty trucks are gaining momentum, while heavy-duty deployment remains constrained by costs and infrastructure. A new normalised score highlights where policy and incentives are accelerating uptake relative to market size. Read more…
Toll and Asahi roll out electric heavy trucks in Perth
Toll Group and Asahi Beverages have introduced five battery-electric Volvo FE rigid trucks for metropolitan deliveries in Perth. The vehicles operate from Asahi’s Forrestfield Distribution Centre and are supported by newly installed on-site DC charging infrastructure. Read more…
Stellantis likely to withdraw From battery joint venture with Samsung SDI
Stellantis appears to be accelerating its exit from electromobility with another measure: The automotive group also plans to withdraw from its battery joint venture, StarPlus Energy, with Samsung SDI, which is set to begin production of cells for EV batteries soon. Read more…
Renault apparently set to acquire Flexis in full
Renault is reportedly preparing to fully acquire Flexis, the joint venture it founded in 2024 with the Volvo Group and logistics company CMA CGM to produce highly connected electric vans. The shareholders apparently made this decision after significant disagreements arose among them. Read more…
