Kia has unveiled the EV2, a new electric crossover designed to compete directly with rivals like the Renault 4 and upcoming Volkswagen ID Cross. The vehicle stands out by aiming for a starting price under €30,000 (£25,000) while offering a range of up to 278 miles – currently the longest in its segment.
Positioning in Kia’s EV Lineup
The EV2 is the sixth model in Kia’s dedicated electric vehicle range, all built on the E-GMP platform. Production will begin at the Zilina factory in Slovakia, alongside the EV4, which could qualify it for UK electric car grants. This is strategically important because affordability is a key driver for EV adoption, especially in price-sensitive markets.
Pricing and Market Strategy
Kia is deliberately targeting the sub-€30,000 price point. Alex Papapetropolous, Kia’s product and pricing chief, confirmed their intention to undercut this figure for certain trims, stating that over 25% of the European market falls below this threshold. This move is critical, as a lower entry price broadens the EV’s appeal to a wider consumer base.
Design and Dimensions
The EV2 inherits design cues from Kia’s existing electric SUV lineup, featuring a revised ‘tiger face’ front end and a boxy shape optimized for interior space. With a length of 4060mm, it’s slightly smaller than the Renault 4 (4164 mm). The EV2 offers a wheelbase of 2565mm and a width of 1800mm.
Battery Options and Range
Kia will offer two battery sizes:
– Standard Range : 42.2kWh LFP battery for 196 miles of range, available from February.
– Long Range : 61.0kWh NMC battery for up to 278 miles, starting production in June.
This puts the EV2 ahead of the Renault 4, which has a maximum range of 254 miles.
Powertrain and Suspension
Standard Range models will use a 145bhp front-mounted motor, while Long Range versions will have a slightly smaller 134bhp motor. The EV2 will not offer all-wheel drive (AWD) due to platform constraints. Unlike other Kia EVs, it uses a torsion beam rear suspension instead of a multi-link setup, which is a cost-saving measure.
Charging and Interior Technology
The EV2 uses a 400V charging system (lower than the 800V systems in EV6 and EV9). Charging from 10-80% is expected to take around 30 minutes. It will be the first Kia model to offer both 11kW and 22kW AC charging options, suited for urban environments. Inside, the EV2 features a digital dashboard with three screens: a 12.3in instrument cluster, 5.3in climate controller, and a 12.3in central touchscreen. Kia has implemented a ‘lite’ version of its infotainment system to reduce costs while maintaining over-the-air update capabilities.
The Kia EV2 represents a significant step towards making electric vehicles more accessible to mainstream buyers. By prioritizing affordability, range, and practical features, Kia aims to disrupt the competitive crossover segment and accelerate EV adoption.
