The 2026 Kia EV4 made a putting look in U.S. specs on the New York Auto Present this week, showcasing its potential in a market the place sedans, particularly electrical ones, are dealing with challenges. This mannequin guarantees a powerful vary of as much as 330 miles, eye-catching design, and a value anticipated to be within the mid-$30,000 vary. Moreover, its compatibility with the North American Charging Normal (NACS) plug, just like Tesla’s, enhances its enchantment.
There is a private appreciation for seeing NACS plugs utilized in autos past Tesla. The comfort of accessing Tesla Superchargers can considerably simplify street journeys. Whereas exploring the EV4’s charging port on the present, I seen an necessary characteristic that improves the EV charging expertise.
Not like its bigger counterparts, the Kia EV6 and EV9, the EV4 opts for a simple charging flap as a substitute of a motorized door, harking back to conventional gas-powered automobiles. This sensible design selection is commendable.
In my expertise, powered charging doorways could be irritating. I personal an EV6, which has a motorized charging door that opens by way of a contact or button. I at all times discover myself hoping it will not malfunction. Though I have never confronted points with mine, issues linger about potential breakdowns or injury affecting the charging course of. Simplicity is crucial for one thing so essential, and whereas motorized doorways could seem “futuristic,” they complicate what needs to be a simple job.
All through my time within the automotive business and over 20 years of driving, I’ve not often heard complaints about conventional gasoline tank flaps. When issues are working nicely, there’s nothing to repair.
On-line communities are full of tales about charging door malfunctions. As an illustration, the Chevy Blazer EV, which has a powered charging port, has seen its share of issues. Apparently, the police model of the Blazer incorporates a guide charging door, suggesting that reliability in important features is prioritized.
It is price noting that not all electrical autos include powered charging doorways; some lower-cost fashions, such because the Hyundai Kona Electrical and Kia Niro EV, have normal flaps. The guide charging strategy ought to prolong throughout all EVs, probably changing into an business normal. It is sensible to simplify the charging course of, and on the very least, automobiles ought to have a guide backup possibility in case of failure.
Some producers argue that motorized doorways add a premium contact to their fashions. Nevertheless, many enticing autos, similar to Polestars, handle simply positive with out them, relying as a substitute on typical gasoline cap-style doorways. Sadly, the brand new Polestar 4 chooses a motorized door, which I do not imagine enhances the automobile.
My damaging expertise with a powered charging door occurred with a Rivian R1T, a powerful automobile general. Its charging door turned caught in a half-open place after a mechanical failure in a automotive wash. Admittedly, a part of the issue stemmed from my failure to search out the automobile’s Automobile Wash mode, which retains the door locked throughout cleansing. Nonetheless, one should surprise why such a characteristic is important. Why shouldn’t each automotive have a easy entry door for its charging port?
As electrical autos develop into extra mainstream, the automotive business ought to transfer away from pointless issues like powered charging doorways. Although such options aren’t dealbreakers, the Kia EV4 seems to be heading in the right direction with its simple design.
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