What's new
The Kia EV2 is the brand's most compact electric model and enters the European B-SUV segment, an important part of the market for battery-powered cars. It brings features associated with the EV6, EV9, EV3 and EV4 into a more accessible segment. The car will be built in Europe at Kia's plant in Žilina, Slovakia.
Soohang Chang, President and CEO of Kia Europe, says the EV2 is intended to make electric mobility available to a wider group of customers. He describes Kia's smallest electric model as combining bold styling with solutions for charging, connectivity and safety. Production in Slovakia is presented as a sign of the company's European commitment and of the car's fit with regional driver needs.
The body follows Kia's “Opposites United” design philosophy. Vertical details inspired by larger electric Kia models define the SUV profile. With a length of about 4 metres, the EV2 is intended to combine city-friendly dimensions with SUV proportions.
Exterior details include vertical daytime running lights, Kia's Star Map lighting signature, a clear side line and muscular wheel arches. Wheel sizes will range from 16 to 19 inches, while the paint palette will include pearl and matte finishes. The GT-Line version adds painted details, bumper elements and a lower grille section finished in high gloss.
Specifications and technology
Dimensions, cabin and displays
The cabin is laid out as an open space with fabric-covered elements and materials intended to raise the perceived quality. The dashboard has been designed to improve the feeling of room and comfort. Sjoerd Knipping, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Europe, says every detail of the EV2 has been prepared with European lifestyles in mind.
The EV2 receives Kia's latest multimedia system with three integrated displays. The layout consists of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 5.3-inch touch display for climate controls and a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen. Kia's smallest electric model also introduces a Lite version of the multimedia system, retaining the same display arrangement and key functions at a lower price.
- 12.3-inch instrument cluster.
- 5.3-inch touch display for climate control.
- 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen.
- OTA updates and access to Kia Upgrades services.
The wheelbase measures 2,565 mm, and the cabin can be configured in several ways. Kia will offer a five-seat layout with a rear bench and a four-seat layout with independently sliding rear seats. The rear seats can slide and their backrests can be reclined, improving day-to-day usability.
Rear legroom can be increased from 885 mm to 958 mm. With the rear seats moved fully forward, luggage capacity is 403 litres, and there is a 15-litre frunk under the front cover. Headroom from the seat cushion to the roof lining is 973 mm in the standard rear-seat position, 968 mm with the seats moved fully back and 955 mm with the backrests fully reclined.
Batteries, charging and driver assistance
The Kia EV2 will be available with two battery packs. The standard battery has a capacity of 42.2 kWh, while the long-range version stores 61.0 kWh. The expected WLTP range is up to 317 km for the smaller battery and up to 448 km for the larger one.
Both versions use a 400 V electrical system and support DC fast charging. Charging from 10 to 80 percent takes 29 minutes with the 42.2 kWh battery and 30 minutes with the 61.0 kWh pack. For the first time in a Kia model from launch, AC charging at both 11 kW and 22 kW is supported.
The equipment includes route planning linked with Kia Charge and Plug & Charge, allowing charging without cards or apps. The car also supports bidirectional charging through V2L and V2G, so it can power external devices or return energy to the grid. The driver-assistance package includes systems usually associated with larger Kia models.
- Highway Driving Assist 2.
- Front Collision Avoidance Assist 2.0.
- Smart Cruise Control 2.
- Blind-spot View Monitor.
- Surround View Monitor.
- The latest parking assistance systems.
- Remote Smart Parking Assist Entry, enabling manoeuvring from outside the car using the key.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Length | about 4 m |
| Wheelbase | 2,565 mm |
| Battery | 42.2 kWh or 61.0 kWh |
| WLTP range | up to 317 km or up to 448 km |
| Charging 10-80% | 29 min or 30 min |
| Luggage capacity | 403 l |
| Frunk | 15 l |
Markets, prices and availability
The market launch date will be confirmed closer to the start of sales, so no exact showroom debut has been announced. Production timing has been given, however, and it will begin in stages at Kia's Žilina plant. The version with the standard battery enters production in February 2026, while the larger-battery version and GT-Line follow from June 2026.
The EV2 will be the second electric Kia model built in Žilina after the EV4. Local production is intended to reduce long-distance transport from the factory to dealers and support jobs across the European supply chain. The car has been developed for Europe and for the B-SUV class, described as the second-largest segment of the automotive market in the region.
Prices, the exact market launch date, power output, torque, acceleration and top speed have not yet been announced. What is confirmed is a range with two battery capacities, a GT-Line version and cabin layouts for four or five occupants. The interior and exterior will use ten sustainable materials, including BTX-free body paint, bio-based plastics, bio-polyurethane seat trim, and carpets and felts made from material sourced from recovered fishing nets.
Verdict
The Kia EV2 combines a compact B-SUV body with a flexible cabin, two battery choices and DC charging from 10 to 80 percent in about half an hour. Its strongest factual case is the mix of up to 448 km WLTP range, 403 litres of luggage space, European production and charging functions including V2L and V2G.