Kia EV2: Another Compact Electric SUV for Europe’s Narrow Streets
The South Korean automaker Kia has decided that their electric SUV lineup was missing one more piece, finally pulling the covers off the new EV2. This four-meter-long B-segment vehicle is designed to be the brand’s new entry-level model, aimed at charming European city dwellers with its compact dimensions. While Kia’s marketing department speaks of a "giant leap toward affordability," the car is more of a logical expansion of their growing EV series—targeting those who found the EV6 or EV9 just a bit too colossal.
Visually, the EV2 follows the angular design language currently popular among Japanese and Korean manufacturers, where vertical lights and robust wheel arches are used to create the illusion of something larger than a standard small car. Inside, Kia has implemented a so-called "picnic basket" concept. In our language, this translates to heavy use of textiles and a surplus of screens. The dashboard boasts no fewer than three displays, including a dedicated panel for climate control; apparently, physical buttons have become a luxury commodity that entry-level models can no longer afford. Regarding space, Kia does promise some flexibility, offering sliding rear seats that allow the trunk to expand to 403 liters—provided that rear passengers are willing to sacrifice their legroom.
On the technical front, two battery options are on the table: a budget-friendly 42.2 kWh version and a more capable 61 kWh variant. While the former promises a range of up to 317 kilometers on paper, the larger battery should theoretically last for 448 kilometers, though real-world figures will only be confirmed after official testing. Interestingly, in addition to DC fast charging, the car supports up to 22 kW AC charging—a welcome move given the current state of Europe’s public charging infrastructure. Production at the Žilina plant will begin in two phases: the cheaper base model will roll off the line as early as February, while those waiting for the larger battery and the sportier GT-Line will have to remain patient until summer.
