Kia has officially started production of the EV2 at its Slovakian facility in Žilina, marking the company’s second fully electric model assembled in Europe after the EV4. This milestone reinforces Kia’s regional electrification strategy and highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible, sustainable mobility for European customers.
The EV2, a B-segment SUV, will be manufactured at the Kia Slovakia plant following a comprehensive modernization program completed in 2025. The upgrades included advanced robotics, revamped production lines, and enhanced integration of electric vehicle assembly processes. These improvements allow the plant to handle multiple powertrain types simultaneously, including electric, hybrid, and traditional internal combustion vehicles.
“The start of production for the EV2 continues to verify our technical capabilities and flexibility in Europe,” said Soohang Chang, President and CEO at Kia Europe. “When the EV4 went into production last August, we demonstrated our ability to produce fully electric models alongside conventional powertrains. With the addition of the EV2, our Slovakian factory can now more effectively support Kia’s expanding electrification strategy in Europe.”
Tomáš Potoček, spokesperson for Kia Slovakia, emphasized the plant’s readiness: “We had already established the processes for local EV manufacturing during the EV4 launch. With our skilled workforce and hundreds of robots supported by advanced technologies, the EV2 is rolling off the assembly line seamlessly.”
The EV2 brings Kia’s expertise to the B-SUV segment, aiming to make electric mobility more approachable for everyday drivers. The vehicle will be offered with two battery options: a 42.2-kWh standard-range battery providing an estimated 317 kilometers, and a 61.0-kWh long-range battery expected to deliver up to 453 kilometers on a single charge (WLTP pending). Flexible charging options include 400V DC fast charging, 11 kW AC charging, and 22 kW AC charging, supporting both urban commuting and longer trips. Connected services, such as EV route planning, Plug & Charge functionality, and bidirectional charging, further simplify the ownership experience.
Designed for modern European lifestyles, the EV2 balances compact size with interior practicality. The vehicle offers generous legroom, sliding and reclining rear seats, and up to 403 liters of cargo space. Advanced technology is also a highlight, with triple-screen display options, Over-the-Air updates, and a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that exceed expectations for the segment.
Kia Slovakia, founded in 2004 to serve key European markets, spans almost two square kilometers and employs approximately 3,700 people. The facility operates with more than 600 advanced robots across five main production areas: press, body, paint, engine, and assembly. In 2025, the plant produced around 300,000 vehicles and approximately 470,000 engines, including the XCeed, Sportage, and EV4, exporting to 73 countries and accounting for 9.3 percent of Kia’s global output.
The company has also integrated sustainability initiatives into its operations. A photovoltaic power plant is expected to begin generating renewable electricity for the facility starting in the second quarter of 2026, covering up to 1.5 percent of the plant’s annual electricity needs.
The 42.2-kWh standard-range battery version of the EV2 is already in production, while the 61.0-kWh long-range battery and the EV2 GT-Line will begin production in June 2026. Kia Slovakia will celebrate twenty years of European production in December, marking two decades of manufacturing and innovation in the region.
With the launch of the EV2, Kia continues to expand its footprint in Europe’s electric vehicle market, providing drivers with practical, technologically advanced, and environmentally friendly mobility solutions while strengthening the company’s broader electrification strategy.
