Kia has officially introduced the EV2, its smallest and most affordable purpose-built electric vehicle so far, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to expand its presence in Europe’s rapidly growing electric vehicle market.
The new model made its debut at the Brussels Motor Show, entering the B-segment electric crossover category. Kia aims to position the EV2 as a strong competitor to models such as the Renault 4 and the forthcoming Volkswagen ID. Cross, while offering one of the most competitive driving ranges in its class.
The EV2 becomes the sixth model in Kia’s dedicated electric vehicle lineup built on the company’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Despite sharing the platform with larger models, the EV2 is the smallest and most cost-focused vehicle in the range. Production will take place at Kia’s manufacturing facility in Žilina, Slovakia, alongside the upcoming EV4. Local production is expected to help the model qualify for various national and regional electric vehicle incentives across European markets.
From the beginning of development, Kia targeted a starting price of around €30,000. While the company has not yet confirmed final pricing, Alex Papapetropoulos, Kia’s head of product and pricing, said the automaker aims to price certain versions below that level. The strategy reflects the importance of affordability in Europe, where more than a quarter of new-car sales fall below the €30,000 price bracket, making cost a key factor for expanding EV adoption.
In terms of design, the EV2 adopts styling cues from Kia’s larger electric SUVs. The front end features a modern interpretation of the brand’s signature “tiger nose” design, while the boxy body shape is intended to maximize interior space. Measuring 4,060 mm in length and 1,800 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2,565 mm, the EV2 sits squarely within the B-segment crossover category and is slightly shorter than the Renault 4.
Kia will offer the EV2 with two battery options. Production will begin in February with the Standard Range version, equipped with a 42.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery delivering an estimated range of about 300 km. A Long Range version will follow in June, featuring a 61.0 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery capable of reaching up to 445 km on a single charge.
This longer-range figure places the EV2 ahead of several competitors in the segment. For example, the Renault 4 offers roughly 45 km less maximum driving range, giving Kia’s new model a potential advantage among compact electric crossovers.
Both versions of the EV2 are powered by a front-mounted electric motor. The Standard Range model produces 145 horsepower, while the Long Range version delivers 134 horsepower. Kia will not offer an all-wheel-drive configuration for the EV2, as this version of the E-GMP platform uses a torsion-beam rear axle rather than the multi-link setup required for a rear-mounted motor.
Unlike Kia’s larger EV6 and EV9 models that use an 800-volt architecture, the EV2 adopts a 400-volt electrical system similar to the EV4. The company has not yet disclosed peak DC fast-charging speeds but says both battery options can charge from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes. Reflecting its focus on urban use, the EV2 will also become Kia’s first model to support both 11 kW and 22 kW AC charging, offering greater flexibility for home and city charging infrastructure.
Inside, the EV2 features Kia’s familiar triple-screen digital layout, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5.3-inch climate control display, and a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen. The system runs a simplified version of Kia’s software to reduce costs while still supporting over-the-air updates.
The interior will be available in both four-seat and five-seat configurations. The four-seat version includes two individually sliding rear seats that can fold and move forward, increasing cargo capacity to 403 liters. The five-seat configuration offers 362 liters of rear cargo space. Both variants also feature a small 15-liter front trunk designed to store charging cables. Wheel options range from 16 to 18 inches, while a sportier GT-Line trim adds distinctive styling details and larger 19-inch wheels.
For Kia, the EV2 represents an important step in expanding its electric vehicle portfolio into more affordable segments. By combining competitive range, modern technology, and a targeted price point below €30,000, the automaker is aiming to capture a growing portion of the European EV market.
If Kia succeeds in delivering on its pricing strategy, the EV2 could reshape competition in the compact electric crossover segment by setting new expectations for the balance between affordability, driving range, and everyday practicality. Although primarily designed for Europe, the model also signals how mainstream automakers are moving to make electric mobility accessible to a broader audience.
