EV2 celebrates world premiere: Kia targets the B-segment with new entry-level model

Kia has unveiled the EV2, a compact crossover that serves as the Korean manufacturer’s new entry-level model. Positioned below the EV3, it is set to become Kia’s most affordable electric vehicle to date—though the company has yet to announce specific pricing at its world premiere. What has been confirmed, however, is that the EV2 is built on the 400-volt variant of Kia’s E-GMP electric platform and measures 4.06 x 1.80 x 1.57 metres (with a wheelbase of 2.57 metres).

The electric compact car will be available with two battery options: a smaller 42.2 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 317 kilometres, or a larger 61 kWh battery, providing up to 448 kilometres (WLTP). While Kia has not yet disclosed the EV2’s DC charging power at launch, it has confirmed that the charging time from 10 to 80 per cent will be approximately 30 minutes for the larger battery and 29 minutes for the smaller one. For AC charging, the B-SUV supports the industry-standard 11 kW. For the first time, Kia is also offering an optional 22 kW AC charging capability at market launch. “This reflects the dominance of AC charging infrastructure in Europe and provides greater flexibility for charging at private and public stations,” Kia explained in the German press release. Charging from 10 to 100 per cent using AC power will take just 2 hours and 35 minutes (small battery) or a flat three hours (large battery) at 22 kW. At 11 kW, the charging times are 4 hours and 5 minutes and 5 hours and 35 minutes, respectively.

Important note: All figures are provisional and apply to the European market. Final specifications will be confirmed upon homologation ahead of the market launch. Kia has not yet specified the exact sales start date but has confirmed that production of the EV2 will begin in the first quarter of 2026, starting with the smaller battery variant. Later in the year, production will expand to include the larger battery version and GT-Line variants.

The EV2 will be available as either a five-seater or four-seater. The five-seater features a conventional rear bench, while the four-seater allows the two rear seats to be adjusted individually, including the reclining angle of the backrests. Boot space also varies: the five-seater offers 362 litres of luggage capacity, while the four-seater provides up to 403 litres.

In terms of design, the EV2 shares its DNA with the EV3 and EV9. The new compact model adopts Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, characterised by pronounced shoulder lines, robust wheel arches, and distinctive daytime running lights. Depending on the configuration, the EV2 rolls on 16- to 19-inch wheels. The colour palette includes solid, metallic, pearlescent, and matte finishes. The GT-Line stands out visually with exclusive 19-inch wheels and striking SUV design elements, such as front and rear bumpers and side blades in body colour, along with black triangular accents on the front and rear aprons.

Inside, the EV2 features an open cabin design with a dashboard that extends laterally into the door panels. The centrepiece of the cockpit is a panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch navigation screen, with a smaller 5.3-inch touchscreen for climate control in between. For infotainment, the EV2 is equipped with a new ‘Lite’ version of Kia’s in-house ‘Connected Car Navigation Cockpit’ (ccNC), which the manufacturer describes as cost-effective. This version retains the same display layout and many core functions of the full ccNC but omits hard-drive-based navigation. To clarify: route navigation remains possible, as smartphones can be wirelessly integrated via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Among the compact EV’s key features, Kia highlights a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, allowing external devices to be powered using the car’s 230-volt battery. Additionally, the EV2 is hardware-ready for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology, enabling it to feed power back into private or public grids. Kia also emphasises the car’s ‘connectivity and comfort features,’ including a digital car key, over-the-air updates, and Features on Demand (FOD)—premium services, functions, or performance upgrades available for an additional charge. An optional Harman/Kardon sound system with eight speakers is also available.

Regarding driver assistance systems, the EV2 offers ‘upper-segment technologies,’ according to Kia. Depending on the configuration, standard or optional features include a motorway assistant, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot assistant with monitor display, a 360-degree camera, and the latest parking assistance technologies. Additionally, the vehicle can be manoeuvred remotely from outside using the Smart Key via the ‘Remote Smart Parking Assist’ function.

“Every element of the EV2 has been developed with the European lifestyle in mind,” emphasised Sjoerd Knipping, COO of Kia Europe. “Its compact exterior dimensions, spacious interior, and advanced technologies make it easy to integrate into daily life. As an entry-level EV that offers features from higher segments, the EV2 enhances the appeal of electric driving.”

For Kia, the EV2 is a strategic new model to tap into the segment below the EV3. According to the Korean manufacturer, the B-segment is ‘the second-largest in the European automotive market,’ and the significance of electric vehicles in this category is expected to grow significantly by the end of the decade. Soohang Chang, President and CEO of Kia Europe, puts it this way: “With the Kia EV2, we are expanding the reach of Kia’s electric mobility to customers who want a compact car that still feels spacious, capable and emotionally rewarding. EV2 reflects our commitment to practical innovation — bringing advanced EV technology, thoughtful design and everyday usability into a model created for the way people live and move in cities around the world.”

As a sign of its commitment to Europe, Kia will produce the EV2 in Slovakia. Following the compact EV4, the B-SUV is the second fully electric model to roll off the production line at the Zilina plant. Production is scheduled to begin in February, with market launch dates to be announced later.

kianewscenter.com (English press release), press.kia.com (German press release)