Why Kia’s EV2 and EV4 Hatch Won’t Be Coming to Australia – Tynan Kia Sutherland Explains

As Australia’s electric vehicle (EV) market continues to grow, many drivers are eager to explore the latest from Kia’s electric lineup. But not all new EVs will make it Down Under. Kia has officially ruled out the EV2 compact SUV and the EV4 hatchback for the Australian market – and the reason comes down to cost.

At Tynan Kia Sutherland, we’re here to help you stay up to date with what’s coming – and what’s not – so you can make informed decisions about your next electric vehicle.

🚫 Why the EV2 and EV4 Hatch Are Off the Table

Despite being the smallest in Kia’s EV range, the Kia EV2 would cost nearly $60,000 drive-away if imported to Australia – making it more expensive than both the EV3 SUV (from $48,990) and the EV5 (from $56,770).

That’s a tough sell, especially when value-conscious buyers could opt for a Tesla Model 3 or MG 4, both offering more space or longer range for a similar or lower price.

According to Kia Australia’s Head of Product, Roland Rivero, “Customers don’t put all those equations into it – they just look at face value. What’s the RRP and what’s the drive-away price? And why is an EV2 dearer than an EV3?”

🌍 The Cost of Europe-Made EVs

The high price tag isn’t just about the car itself – it’s about logistics. Both the EV2 and EV4 hatch are built in Slovakia, and transporting them to Australia is a costly and complex process. Vehicles must travel by train to a German port, then ship via Singapore – often arriving on Australia’s west coast before making it to the east.

That’s a far cry from the streamlined supply chain Kia enjoys from South Korea, where most of its Australian-bound models are manufactured, including the upcoming EV4 sedan.

“It’s at least double the cost to ship from Europe compared to Korea,” Rivero noted, highlighting why Kia prefers Korean production for Australian models.

🚗 What About the EV4 Sedan?

Unlike its hatchback sibling, the EV4 sedan is built in South Korea, making it viable for the Australian market. It’s expected to land in local showrooms by the end of 2025, with a driving range of up to 630km – significantly more than the hatchback’s 590km.

At Tynan Kia Sutherland, we anticipate strong interest in the EV4 sedan as part of Kia’s push to expand its long-range electric vehicle offerings.

📊 Pricing Strategy Matters

Kia’s strategy in Australia has long favoured price parity between sedan and hatchback variants – as seen with previous Cerato and K4 models. Bringing in a European-built EV4 hatch at a significantly higher price would disrupt this approach and confuse buyers.

If the EV4 sedan lands around the $50,000 mark, analysts estimate the hatchback could exceed $70,000 drive-away – again, a tough position in a market filled with more affordable options.

🌏 Focused on What Works for Australia

Kia’s decision to focus on Korean-built electric vehicles for Australia ensures competitive pricing, consistent supply, and logical model positioning across its range.

At Tynan Kia Sutherland, we’re excited about what’s on the horizon – from the upcoming EV4 sedan to the newly revealed EV3 SUV and EV5. These models offer exceptional range, value, and tech for everyday Australian drivers.

🔌 Stay Charged with Tynan Kia Sutherland

Looking to join the electric revolution? Visit Tynan Kia Sutherland to test drive the latest Kia EVs, explore current offers, and chat with our knowledgeable team about what’s coming next.

While the EV2 and EV4 hatch won’t be making it here, Kia’s electric future in Australia is still looking bright – and Tynan Kia Sutherland is here to help you every step of the way.

Ensure you search the Tynan stock through our link here.

Credit: Drive.com.au