With a targeted starting price of around $30k, the Kia EV2 will serve as the new entry point in the automaker’s electric lineup
October 12, 2023 at 06:28
This story includes a speculative illustration of the Kia EV2 created by Thanos Pappas for CarScoops that is neither related to nor endorsed by Kia
Kia made headlines today by previewing the EV3 sub-compact SUV and EV4 sedan, alongside the detailed specs of the EV5 compact SUV. However, the Korean automaker’s EV Day event had one more surprise announcement about an even smaller electric offering, the Kia EV2, that is expected in 2026 with a focus on European markets.
Kia didn’t give away any information about the bodystyle of the EV2, which could be either a small crossover or a traditional supermini hatchback replacing the discontinued Kia Rio. The model will certainly have a smaller footprint than the EV3, serving as the new entry point in Kia’s electric lineup. Interestingly, the automaker only spoke about “future offerings tailored for the popular B- and C-segments”, meaning that a Picanto-replacing EV1 should not be expected in the near future.
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Our speculative rendering for the Kia EV2 combines styling cues from the EV3 and EV4 in a smaller body with the sharp surfacing introduced by the EV9 flagship as part of Kia’s “Opposites United” styling language.
More: Kia EV3 Concept Is A ‘Baby’ EV9, While EV4 Sedan Eyes Tesla Model 3
Rendering: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops
Speaking to Autocar, Kia CEO Ho-Sung Song described the EV2 as a “very unique and important model for the European market”, adding that producing affordable EVs is “very important” for the brand. During the Kia EV Day, the automaker announced a price range between $30,000 and $80,000 for its expanded EV lineup. It is safe to assume that the EV2 will be the cheapest one, starting at around $30,000. This estimate makes it more expensive than its upcoming rivals, namely the VW ID.2, Renault 5, and Citroen e-C3, since they all target a sub-€25,000 ($26,500) price tag.
Chances are that the Kia EV2 will ride on a shorter version of the tried-and-tested E-GMP underpinnings, using the more affordable 400V system found in the EV3, EV4, and EV5 rather than the 800V of the EV6 and EV9. The platform is compatible with single and dual electric motors, but the latter sounds like an overkill for such a small vehicle. In that context, the base 58 kWh battery pack would be large enough to provide the EV2 with decent range figures for urban use.
Kia has confirmed that all of the members of the EV range will receive the GT treatment, so it is safe to assume that a hot version of the EV2 is already under development. This one could rival the upcoming Alpine A290 and VW ID.2 GTI, participating in the hot hatch war of the electric era.
Production of the Kia EV2 will take place in Slovakia, next to another electric model that could be the EV3 or EV4. The first models are expected to roll out of the production line in 2025, ahead of the first deliveries in 2026. Kia wants to sell 1 million EVs per year by 2026, hoping that the new additions to the range will increase this number to a targeted 1.6 million annual sales by 2030.