At a time when the electric car market is straining under unmet promises, Kia is pushing the price boundary with the EV2. At €26,690 for the base version, it is not the cheapest EV on the market, but for an electric SUV, it’s priced lower than expected. Ordinary households can afford this, at least if they rightsize their ambitions regarding range.
There are budget electric cars which sit lower in the market than the EV2 (Dacia Spring, BYD Dolphin Surf, Citroën ë-C3, but to name a few). However, Kia tackles the competition with the higher profile and tried-and-tested E-GMP architecture from the EV3 and EV4, and a quality level from a higher segment.
Two batteries, one ambition
Driving that price down is a 42.2 kWh battery with an LFP chemistry. The larger, more expensive 61 kWh model uses an NMC pack.
The first unit develops 108 kW (147 hp) with an expected WLTP range of 308 to 317 kilometers; the 61 kWh version produces 100 kW (136 hp) and extends that range to 413 to 453 kilometers. However, these claims are still subject to formal homologation.
Both variants share a 400-volt architecture and, for the first time on any Kia model at launch, support AC charging at 11 kW and 22 kW.
The latter is available through an optional onboard charger pack at €1,200. At 22 kW, the smaller battery charges from 10 to 100% in about 2.5 hours; the larger pack takes 3 hours. DC rapid charging takes both variants from 10 to 80% in roughly half an hour.
What does the money get you?
The entry-level Essential (€26,690, 42.2 kWh only) includes LED headlamps, a triple-screen cockpit (12.3-inch instrument cluster, 12.3-inch touchscreen, and 5.3-inch climate display), smart keyless entry, and a comprehensive ADAS suite covering adaptive cruise control, lane-following assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring.
The Business trim (from €29,490) adds three rear seats, dual-zone climate control, alloy wheels, roof rails, and battery pre-conditioning. Business Plus (from €32,990) goes further with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, a Harman Kardon sound system, a heat pump, and full satellite navigation.
The GT Line (€37,390, 61 kWh only) trades heat pump and navigation for sharper styling: 19-inch alloys, vegan leather, flush door handles, and privacy glass.
Taking over control
The EV2 measures 4,060 mm in length on a 2,565 mm wheelbase. Trunk space runs to 362 liters in five-seat form, rising to 403 liters with the optional sliding rear bench and 1,201 liters with the seats folded.
A 15-liter frunk adds a little useful extra storage up front, for the charging cables, for example. The 0-100 kph sprint takes 8.5 seconds at best for the 42.2 kWh variant and 9.5 seconds for the 61 kWh; top speed is 161 kph for both.
The EV2 is also the first Kia fitted with an In-Cabin Monitoring Unit. This mirror-integrated camera assesses driver alertness in real time and can initiate a controlled deceleration if the driver becomes incapacitated. Kia states that no personal data is stored.
Production is underway at Kia’s plant in Žilina, Slovakia. The 61 kWh Long Range versions and GT Line follow later, from June 2026.
