Kawasaki Launches Its First 4-Wheel Electric Vehicle, and It Is Not What We Expected

Kawasaki is no stranger to producing all forms of internal combustion engines, powering anything from tiny 50cc dirt bikes for kids to massive 20-cylinder diesel marine engines larger than a bus. The NAV 4e is a distinct departure, solely powered by lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries.

Kawasaki labels the NAV 4e as a “PTV,” or personal transportation vehicle. It retains the look of a Kawasaki UTV but has two rows of rather luxurious-looking seats and no cargo bed. It is meant to be a mobility vehicle that runs errands or acts as a primary form of transport within a neighborhood.

This isn’t the usual recreational trail riding, hunting, or ranch-working vehicle Kawasaki is known for, and it appoints the PTV accordingly.

Kawasaki 2025 NAV 4e: Models

Kawasaki offers three versions of the NAV 4e:

• NAV 4e: The basic model, has lead-acid batteries.
• NAV 4e LE: This limited edition version has lithium-ion batteries instead of lead-acid.
• NAV 4e Limited: This flagship model has lithium-ion batteries, 7-inch full-color TFT instruments, an audio system, a brush-guard front bumper, a flip-down windshield, premium seats and steering wheels, and floor lighting.

All versions of the 2025 Kawasaki NAV 4e have the following common features:

• Premium lifted style
• 14” wheels with 23” off-road-style tires
• Kawasaki front-end styling, similar to UTVs
• Roomy, comfort-first, roomy interior layout compared to UTVs
• Elegant and comfortable seats compared to UTVs
• Fold-flat rear seat

MSRP ranges from $12,999 to $19,999.

The Electric Drivetrain

The most significant departure for Kawasaki on the NAV 4e is the electric-only drivetrain. This is new ground for one of the most popular UTV and side-by-side (SxS) brands on the planet.

All NAV 4es use a simple induction electric motor rated at 4 kW that drives only the rear wheels. Kawasaki claims the motor’s maximum power output is 10.7 kW and delivers smooth acceleration with plenty of torque at any rpm. The stated maximum speed is 19 mph.

A fixed-gear transmission routes the electric motor’s power to the rear wheels; the drive modes are forward, neutral, and reverse.

The two 3.2 kWh lithium-ion batteries power the LE and Limited models, and Kawasaki claims a 40-mile range. The standard NAV 4e has six lead-acid batteries that deliver a stated 17.5-mile range.

Both types of batteries charge through a standard household electrical outlet. Kawasaki claims a 10-hour charge time for the standard lead-acid batteries and 11 hours for lithium-ion. All batteries are housed under the front seats, spread out horizontally to enhance vehicle stability.

Like many electric vehicles, the NAV 4e employs regenerative braking. Deceleration energy is recycled back into the battery bank, which extends range. This function automatically tapers down when the batteries approach full charge.

A vehicle-specific key (this is not always the case with UTVs) operates both the ignition and the glove box lock.

2025 Kawasaki NAV 4e Chassis

Kawasaki exercised its extensive experience in manufacturing side-by-side and UTV chassis on the NAV 4e chassis.

Square steel tubing in a “ladder” configuration is said to blend durability, stability, and ride comfort. The long wheelbase allows for more legroom, but the NAV 4e still retains a turning radius of 12.8 feet. The NAV 4e has 7.3 inches of ground clearance.

An elevated seating position promises good visibility for all passengers while running boards make getting in and out of the lifted vehicle easier.

The rear seat folds down to create a flat 31″ x 40″ cargo area that can handle 150 pounds. This area has slots to mate with Kawasaki’s KQR quick-release accessory mounts. The area can be converted into a cargo basket with the brand’s cargo barriers. Embossed grooves help keep 5-gallon buckets from sliding.

The Kawasaki NAV 4e also has a 6-gallon storage compartment under the front and a 3-gallon area at the back, each rated to 10 pounds. Other storage options are a 0.5-gallon compartment on the left side of the interior, a 1-gallon center compartment, and a 1.6-gallon lockable glove box with a USB charging port. Limited editions have a storage net on the back of the front seats.

All versions have a flip-down hard-coated polycarbonate windshield. Depending on the conditions, it can be fully deployed or folded in half. Each model also has a full-coverage roof that channels rainwater down the A-pillars and out through the wheel wells. A 2-inch hitch receiver accommodates various accessories and can tow 500 pounds.

Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, Tires, and Styling

The Kawaski NAV 4e borrows tried-and-true suspension and braking from the brand’s numerous combustion-engine SxS and UTVs. Wheels and tires give the PTV a definitive off-road look.

Front-end chassis control comes via independent MacPherson struts, while rear control duties fall on a conventional swing axle with shocks and leaf springs. The rear brakes, which is also the parking brake, are 160mm drums.

Its 14-inch wheels combined with 23-inch off-road style tires deliver traction and, with the lift, aesthetics that match Kawasaki’s gas-powered UTVs and SxSs. The front grille, brush guard, and high fenders further reinforce Kawasaki’s off-road heritage.

Finally, aggressively styled six-chamber headlights (three high-beam, two low-beam, and one turn signal element) grace the front, while LED brake/turn signal lights reside at the back of the NAV 4e.

Final Thoughts: Kawasaki’s First 4-Wheel Electric Vehicle

The Kawasaki NAV 4e certainly reads like a significant departure from the brand’s other four-wheel offerings. It’s not a ranch workhorse, hunting companion, or dune-shredding toy. It seems like a quiet, clean, efficient, and maintenance-free way to shuttle people and light cargo short distances. But who is this for?

It’s funny, but the first thing that came to mind was “Monster Golf Cart.” It would definitely be a head-turner on the links. I can see it as a stylish employee mover inside huge warehouses or office complexes. It would make a fitting people mover at the race tracks or football stadiums. Finally, it would be the boss airport “urgent passenger” mover.

But, I have hard time imagining who in the GearJunkie sphere would want one. “Lake lifers” did come to mind, as did residential communities like mine where seeing someone drive a UTV around the neighborhood is accepted (or horses and riding lawnmowers).

Anyhow, kudos to one of the largest combustion-engine motorcycle, UTV, and SxS manufacturers for stepping out of the box or into the future.

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