by Kia debuts its entry-level EV at the Brussels Auto Show. Biggest of two battery options gives 278-mile range. EV2 debuted alongside GT versions of EV3, 4 and 5.
Kia’s New Affordable Electric SUV
The world of electric SUVs is becoming increasingly saturated, but Kia believes it has found the perfect niche. Meet the EV2 — a new compact B-segment electric SUV that aims to be your first electric car, a family car, and an everyday means of transport all at once. It is compact, practical, packed with technology, and, with an estimated price of £26k/€30k, is supposed to be relatively affordable.
Kia positions the EV2 as its most accessible electric car to date. It sits below the brand’s larger EV3 and EV5 SUVs but borrows their design language, technology, and appeal. Think of it as a powerful short clip created from your favorite long video. The EV2 debuted at this week’s Brussels Auto Show alongside sporty GT versions of the EV3, EV4, and EV5.
Design and Dimensions
A length of about 4.1 meters (160 inches) makes it ideal for the city. The design is expressive and confident, with vertical light signatures, robust wheel arches, and a stance that looks both adventurous and cute. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 19 inches, and there’s even a GT Line version if you want your small SUV to have a more aggressive character. Hopefully, a full-fledged GT version is also in the works.
Up to 278 Miles of Range
Two battery options are offered, each with different power outputs. The version with a 42.2 kWh battery, paired with a 145 hp motor, which will go on sale this spring, promises up to 197 miles (317 km) of range for drivers who rarely leave the city.
Later, alongside the GT-Line versions, a 61.0 kWh battery pack will appear, providing up to 278 miles (448 km) of range and adding flexibility if you plan longer trips. Kia has not disclosed the power output of the EV2 with the larger battery, but both models have a single motor driving the front wheels.
Charging time at DC fast chargers is about 30 minutes. However, like the EV3, EV4, and EV5, the EV2 runs on slower 400-volt electrical systems, not the lightning-fast 800-volt components used in the more expensive EV6 and EV9. But it supports 11 kW and 22 kW AC charging and offers V2L and V2G features, allowing you to power devices or even feed energy back into the grid.
Space on Par with the Renault 4
The stated wheelbase of the EV2 is 2565 mm (101 inches), which is 59 mm (2.3 inches) shorter than the Renault 4’s, but Kia promises that the interior space will not disappoint. Buyers can choose between four- and five-seat configurations, and thanks to seat adjustment, legroom can be increased or the trunk expanded depending on needs.
With the seats moved forward, the luggage capacity reaches up to 403 liters in the slightly more spacious four-seat version, not far from the 420 liters in the Renault 4. Additionally, there is a convenient small front trunk (frunk) with a 15-liter volume for cables, which the Renault 4 cannot offer.
Big-Car Technology
The technology is also surprisingly serious for a so-called entry-level electric car. You get a triple-screen layout with a digital instrument cluster, a climate control display, and a central touchscreen, just like in more expensive Kia cars. But in reality, this is a new, cheaper “light” version of the ccNC infotainment system, designed for the company’s more affordable vehicles.
Over-the-air updates, digital keys, and app integration are all part of the offering, as are remote parking, surround-view cameras, and a long list of driver assistance systems typically available in more expensive cars.
Market Prospects
Produced in Europe for Europe, the EV2, assembled in Slovakia, is set to become another big hit for Kia. If the company gets the pricing right, this launch could become one of the most important electric launches in the coming years, as a small, smart, and truly affordable car sounds very relevant in current conditions.
The emergence of the EV2 demonstrates Kia’s clear strategy for democratizing electromobility. The company is not just reducing size and power but is also trying to preserve the key advantages of larger models: practicality, modern technology, and sufficient range. The success of this model could significantly impact the small electric SUV market, forcing competitors to reconsider their offerings in the B-segment. European production is particularly important, as it can ensure better availability and loyalty from local buyers.
