Following the success of the EV3, Kia is set to introduce another new vehicle that is expected to make waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market. The all-new EV2, a compact electric SUV, will be launched in Europe in January 2026. It will emphasize practicality with a smaller, more affordable design than the existing EV3.
The EV2 reflects Kia’s strategy of making electric vehicles accessible to everyone. With its smaller body size and efficient driving performance, the EV2 is expected to be a perfect fit for European cities’ tight spaces and traffic conditions.
Produced in Slovakia with a Focus on Cost-Effectiveness
Kia plans to produce the EV2 at its Zilina plant in Slovakia, with full-scale mass production set to begin later this year. The goal is to manufacture around 100,000 units annually, representing about 20% of Kia’s total EV sales. This model is designed to be highly competitive in terms of pricing, with expected prices in Europe ranging from £17,000 to £25,000 (approximately $21,416 to $31,494). This places the EV2 in direct competition with popular models like the BYD Dolphin, Peugeot e-2008, and Renault Captur E-Tech.
The EV2 will borrow design cues from Kia’s EV3 and EV5 models. Its body length is 3,962 mm (156.0 inches), 304 mm (12.0 inches) shorter than that of the EV3. The EV2 will offer two battery options: a 42 kWh model and a larger 62 kWh version. According to the WLTP standard, its maximum driving range is up to 430 km (267 miles), making it suitable for everyday city commutes.
A Possible Launch in South Korea: “The Market Is Open”
Although the EV2 was initially developed for the European market, Kia has not ruled out the possibility of launching it in South Korea. A company representative mentioned that while the EV2 is currently planned as a European-only model, this could change depending on market conditions. If the EV2 does make its way to South Korea, the price is expected to be around $13,000, positioning it as a highly competitive option in the subcompact and compact electric SUV market.
Kia’s Growing EV Lineup and Future Prospects
As part of Kia’s broader strategy to expand its electric vehicle lineup, the EV2 will join the upcoming EV3, EV4, and EV5 models. Kia’s aggressive approach to EV production and its focus on cost-effective, efficient vehicles have garnered significant attention in global markets, especially in Europe. All eyes are now on how the EV2 and other future models will perform in an increasingly competitive EV landscape.
