Kia is ushering in a new era of digital convenience with the launch of its all-new EV4, the brand’s first electric hatchback designed specifically for Europe. With city-friendly proportions, cross-continental capabilities, and a forward-thinking electric platform, the EV4 brings electrified mobility to a broader audience – and now, it also leads Kia’s digital transformation by becoming the first model to integrate Google Points of Interest (POIs) directly into the navigation system.
This seamless integration with Google’s extensive location database marks a significant upgrade to the connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). For EV4 drivers, this means smarter routing, enhanced destination search capabilities, and a more intuitive digital experience overall. By leveraging real-time, user-generated information from Google’s ecosystem, the EV4’s infotainment system now offers live insights into millions of destinations – from restaurants and museums to charging stations and retail outlets.
“A POI can be any establishment with a name and location recognised by Google, and is marked with a pin on the map,” explained Pablo Martinez Masip, Vice President of Product & Marketing at Kia Europe. “Offering extensive details about places through Google POIs enables customers to make informed decisions ahead of each journey and to adjust once they are on the road. Places close, opening hours change, more parking is made available – giving our customers all of this information and more on the in-car screen adds an exciting new level to navigation and the driving experience.”
From the very first EV4 rolling off the production line, Google POIs will be a built-in feature. For other Kia models equipped with the latest ccNC platform, this innovation will roll out as a free over-the-air software update this summer, extending the functionality to more of Kia’s connected fleet.
With this enhancement, users can not only find destinations more easily, but also benefit from richer contextual data such as live business hours, entrance fees, peak traffic times, photos, menus, customer reviews, and accessibility information. These live updates – driven by Google users around the globe – ensure that drivers receive accurate and timely content without lifting a finger.
The move reflects Kia’s ongoing commitment to making high-tech features more accessible and useful in everyday driving scenarios. Whether navigating the vibrant streets of Berlin, winding through alpine passes, or parking up near a busy London café, the EV4 empowers drivers with more knowledge, more flexibility, and ultimately, more confidence.
As Kia continues to elevate the digital experience across its electrified lineup, the EV4 sets a strong precedent – one where navigation is not just about getting from A to B, but about enriching the journey in between.
