AUTO

Kawasaki Makes A Splash In The PTV Segment

March 19, 2025

Kawasaki debuted the NAV 4e at its launch event, showcasing its electric powertrain, factory accessories, and street-legal design.
The NAV 4e is a street-legal electric PTV with a top speed of 19 mph and no built-in golf club storage.
The LE and LIMITED models use lithium-ion batteries with a 40-mile range, while the base model relies on lead-acid batteries with 17.5 miles of range.
Factory accessories include windshields, LED lighting, and a golf bag carrier, while a backup camera costs extra.

“That’s a nice golf cart!” said a kid walking with his parents across the La Quinta Resort parking lot, ogling the brand new Kawasaki electric vehicle (EV) I was driving.

Kawasaki just launched their first Personal Transportation Vehicle, or PTV, called the NAV 4e. And they swear it’s not a golf cart. They even launched it alongside a website: notagolfcart.com. The name stands for Neighborhood Activity Vehicle, while “4e” signals its four-passenger capacity and, naturally, its electric powertrain.

Kawasaki NAV 4e Launch Event - group — _{The fleet of NAV 4e Limited models. This top trim level also includes brush guards.}

What’s the difference between the NAV and a golf cart? They are subtle, but significant. Whereas golf carts top out around 14 mph and are designed mainly for golf courses, the NAV has a top speed of 19 mph, so it doesn’t need to be registered and can drive legally on streets with up to a 25 mph speed limit. The NAV also has no way to carry golf clubs without an accessory rack.

This isn’t the first 4-wheel vehicle for Kawasaki. They’ve been making ICE-powered UTVs and SxSs (side-by-side sport vehicles) for years. But this isn’t a repurposed SxS with an electric drivetrain. They started with a blank sheet of paper and designed it from the ground up as an entirely new platform. They did use their knowledge gained from making SxSs and UTVs for the suspension, etc.

Kawasaki NAV 4e Launch Event - notagolfcart.com — _{notagolfcart.com}

I had the chance to attend the launch, and it was a lot of fun! I spent some time looking at the full specs before I arrived at the event to take in everything. The specs just simply don’t explain the fun that these things offer.

Who Is The Target Audience For The NAV?

I asked what their target market was, and they said it’s aimed squarely at YAFs. The next question is, what is a YAF? It’s a young, affluent family. Possibly two parents, two kids, living in a neighborhood where they can use the NAV for short trips that don’t require the use of a car. Time will tell if this is the intended buyer.

For example, when Honda launched the Element, their target market was first-time buyers, their actual main market turned out to be seniors!

Kawasaki NAV 4e Launch Event - cover accessory — _{Kawasaki NAV 4e utility vehicle with enclosed weather protection parked on a lawn.}

Model Options & Powertrain

The NAV 4e comes in three variants:

NAV 4e: Standard model with six lead-acid batteries (up to 17.5-mile range)
NAV 4e LE: Upgraded with lithium-ion batteries (up to 40-mile range)
NAV 4e LIMITED: Premium model with lithium-ion batteries plus enhanced features including a 7” TFT display, audio system, and extra luxury touches.

The standard model uses six lead-acid batteries. They’re less expensive, but also significantly heavier at 378 lbs combined. That extra couple hundred lbs keeps your range to a claimed 17.5 miles, and takes 10 hours to fully charge.

Kawasaki NAV 4e Launch Event - Inventus battery

Both the LE and Limited models are powered by lithium-ion batteries from Inventus, specifically designed for the NAV. They use 21700 cells and come packed with safety features, including a built-in battery heater that keeps things running smoothly even in brutal cold, down to -32°F. The total battery system tips the scales at just 84 lbs, yet delivers a claimed 40-mile range with an 11-hour charge time.

Now, look at that range-to-charge ratio. One extra hour of charging gets you more than twice the range. Unless you are on a tight budget, upgrading to the LE version is a no-brainer for many riders.

Kawasaki NAV 4e Launch Event - batteries — _{The batteries are located under the front seat for easy access. The charge port is located near the pedals.}

Another plus? No maintenance. The lithium-ion pack is covered by a 46,000-mile warranty and does not require upkeep. Compare that to lead-acid batteries, which need regular checks, like making sure the water levels are correct. And it is clear why many riders are making the switch.

Slow Charging, But Do You Really Need More?

Charging is currently limited to 110V AC. There’s no quicker option available. But with a 40-mile range on the top two models, do you really need faster charging? If enough riders want it, Kawasaki might consider an upgrade.

The NAV packs a rear-mounted AC motor delivering 4kW, peaking at 10.7kW, for smooth acceleration up to 19 mph. No seatbelts, but the power delivery is mapped for a gentle curve.

Kawasaki NAV 4e Launch Event - electric motor — _{Regardless of the model, this same 4kW motor drives the rear axles.}

The integrated motor and transmission send power to the rear wheels through three modes—forward, neutral, and reverse—while security features include a vehicle-specific key and a one-key ignition that also locks the glove box.

Unlike many golf carts, where one key fits all, meaning your Club Car key can likely start another Club Car, the NAV comes with a unique key for added security.

Chassis, Suspension & Design

Built on a durable steel ladder-frame inspired by Kawasaki’s side-by-side designs, the NAV 4e offers a long wheelbase, 7.3-inch of ground clearance, and an impressive 12.8-ft turning radius for superior stability and maneuverability. Standard features include a roof (with a flip-down windshield on the LIMITED model), independent MacPherson strut front suspension, a rear swing axle with leaf springs, and 160mm drum brakes. Off-road-ready 14-inch wheels wrapped in 23-inch tires offer enough ground clearance to easily climb over most curbs.

Kawasaki NAV 4e Launch Event - suspension

Kawasaki NAV 4e Launch Event - wheel and tire

Inside, it has a clever fold-flat rear seat, creating a 31×40-inch cargo area with a 150-pound capacity, complete with molded indents designed to hold up to six 5-gallon buckets securely. Kawasaki’s Quick-Release (KQR) receivers make it easy to swap out accessories. No tools required.

Kawasaki NAV 4e Launch Event - rear seats up

Kawasaki NAV 4e Launch Event - rear seats down

Storage is not just limited to the cabin. The rear offers even more space, along with a standard 2-inch hitch receiver rated to tow up to 500 pounds (with a 150-pound tongue weight). Just keep in mind, hauling that much weight will take a toll on the range.

It is the small details that stand out. The roof, for example, is designed to channel rainwater forward through the A-pillars, directing it to the ground instead of dumping it straight onto the cabin. Smart.

Interior & Accessories

Inside, the cabin is designed with the driver in mind, featuring a D-shaped steering wheel, integrated controls, multiple USB outlets, and plenty of storage, including a lockable glove box.

Step up to the LIMITED model, and you get a 7-inch full-color touchscreen, premium audio with roof-mounted speakers, and refined two-tone leatherette seats. This model offers Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

At the launch event, they rolled out a couple of NAVs decked out with factory accessories, available, of course, at an extra cost. The list includes a flip-down polycarbonate windshield, soft enclosure, running boards, LED lighting kits, and versatile cargo management options. Even a golf bag carrier (but do not call it a golf cart). Oddly, even on the LIMITED, the backup camera is not standard. hat will run you an extra $90.

You can buy accessories when ordering your NAV or add them later when you realize you need them.

Kawasaki NAV 4e Launch Event - cup holders

There are cupholders aplenty. There are four up front and two in the rear, and each one is massive. Big enough to hold three 30-ounce Yetis at once. But if you have a smaller bottle? Good luck. My fancy Voss glass bottle bounced around like it was in a pinball machine.

Charging ports are everywhere. At least one USB-A per seat, and some even get USB-C. If your phone dies, that is on you.

Up front, the hood is removable, revealing a 22L frunk. But do not expect to fit much. My backpack full of journalist essentials had no chance.

First Impressions: A Clean and Simple Cockpit

Turn the key, and after a short pause, the system hums to life. A display above the steering column gives you the essentials. Speed and remaining battery charge. Without clutter. It is a clean, elegant setup.

The steering wheel follows the same philosophy. No unnecessary buttons. No scorecard holder. This is not a golf cart, and Kawasaki makes sure you know it.

Kawasaki NAV 4e Launch Event - interior, cup holders, steering wheel — _{Close-up of the Kawasaki NAV 4e Limited’s dashboard, pedals, and steering wheel.}

Pairing with Apple CarPlay? Could have been smoother. Steve Jobs would have lost his mind over the extra steps. But once connected, the four-speaker system delivers solid sound.

Kawasaki NAV 4e Launch Event test demo track — _{Kawasaki NAV 4e test course set up with cones in a parking lot.}

Driving Feel: Smooth, Precise, and a Little Quirky

To take off, just push the accelerator, and even if the parking brake is on, it releases automatically. Regenerative braking is strong. So strong you will rarely touch the actual brakes. That is a win for longevity. Those rear drum brake pads will probably outlive the vehicle.

Speaking of brakes, I asked Tomi Lutz, Kawasaki’s Product Manager for the 4-Wheel Vehicles, about the brake lights. Do they light up when using regen? Turns out, no. Some EVs do, which helps alert drivers behind you. I’ve written about other vehicles that use accelerators to actuate the brake lights and how helpful this is.

That said, in our test group, it was easy to sense when others were slowing down. Unless you are glued to your phone or mid-conversation with passengers while facing them (bad idea, by the way), rear-ending someone is unlikely.

Acceleration is gentle but steady, hitting the 19 mph top speed in a few seconds. Kawasaki even set up an autocross course. Cones, parking lot, the whole deal. We were discouraged from timing our runs (fun police), but the test showed off the impressively tight 12.8-foot turning radius.

At speed, the vehicle feels planted thanks to its low center of gravity. Sharp turns are another story. The steering rack is wide, which means you will be working to get from full left to full right. It takes effort, but the upside? Precision. You can squeeze through tight spaces with confidence.

Oh, and the turn signals don’t self-cancel, which made me chuckle. Of course they don’t self-cancel. Kawasaki is a motorcycle company, and if you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle, you know that their turn signals usually don’t self-cancel, either. No clicking sound to remind you, just a small indicator on the screen. Classic Kawasaki.

Pricing & Availability

Launching in March 2025:

NAV 4e (Vibrant Blue): MSRP $12,999
NAV 4e LE (Super Black): MSRP $15,999
NAV 4e LIMITED (Metallic Deep Red): MSRP $19,999

This is Kawasaki’s first foray into the PTV market, and it’s a solid entry. They have a great platform with plenty of room for improvement and innovation. The NAV 4e lineup delivers a well-rounded platform. It’s fun to drive, built to last, and equipped for both urban and light off-road adventures. It is sturdy enough to handle curbs, dirt paths, and everyday bumps without hesitation.

Kawasaki has packed these models with plenty of factory accessories, but that is just the beginning. With a growing demand for electric PTVs, expect to see third-party accessories flooding the market soon, giving owners even more ways to customize and improve their ride.

For anyone looking for an electric PTV with a balance of durability, capability, and future customization potential, the NAV 4e lineup is worth watching.