Kia tried to kill its EV4 car with 68,000-mile torture program but its battery just wouldn't die
Published on Jul 31, 2025 at 7:05 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Jul 31, 2025 at 7:05 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Kia has just tried to kill its EV4 car – and it physically could not do it.
The South Korean manufacturer has undertaken an extreme development schedule.
This torture test has involved a brutal, 68,000-mile trek across Europe.
And the highlight of this brutal development program was a punishing stint around the Nurburgring.
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Kia puts EV4 sedan through torturous test
As part of development for its upcoming EV4 sedan, Kia has been performing the ultimate stress test.
Instead of a wind tunnel or a dyno, Kia has sent the EV4 prototype on a brutal, 68,000-mile trek across Europe.
And the focal point of this long-running stress test has been a 6,200-mile slog around the Nurburgring.
You might be wondering why Kia would intentionally torture one of its own EV cars.
But the purpose behind the test is to to stress every thermal, mechanical, and electrical system in the car.
The results of the 6,200-mile test are almost impossible to believe with your own eyes.
Because the Kia EV4 battery still had 95 percent health by the end of the test.
What makes this result all the more impressive is the pressure the EV4 sedan was put under.
Kia engineers ran the EV4 sedan at 90-95 percent of its maximum power output for the entirety of the test.
Kia is now guaranteeing 70 percent battery capacity after 100,000 miles of use.
Kia’s endurance test could be ground-breaking
So, why is this test so important – and potentially groundbreaking?
One of the biggest concerns facing potential EV customers is endurance.
People are often concerned about the day-to-day realities of owning an EV.
The success of this test could prove crucial in swaying potential buyers who might be interested.
It proves that EVs could be genuine, durable alternatives to ICE-powered vehicles.
What makes the success even more fascinating is the stature of the brand itself.
Unlike other luxury EV brands such as Lucid or Tesla, Kia is not a flagship marque.
On the contrary, it is a brand that has always been aimed at the more accessible end of the car market.
The success of this test from Kia could make EV ownership very accessible to the average buyer.
And it could also place Kia as one of the top brands in the ever-competitive EV market.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
