Kia EV2 Coming In 2026 As A Euro-Focused Small EV

With a focused beginning value of round $30k, the Kia EV2 will function the brand new entry level within the automaker’s electrical lineup

This story features a speculative illustration of the Kia EV2 created by Thanos Pappas for CarScoops that’s neither associated to nor endorsed by Kia

Kia made headlines right this moment by previewing the EV3 sub-compact SUV and EV4 sedan, alongside the detailed specs of the EV5 compact SUV. Nevertheless, the Korean automaker’s EV Day occasion had yet one more shock announcement about a good smaller electrical providing, the Kia EV2, that’s anticipated in 2026 with a deal with European markets.

Kia didn’t give away any details about the bodystyle of the EV2, which might be both a small crossover or a conventional supermini hatchback changing the discontinued Kia Rio. The mannequin will definitely have a smaller footprint than the EV3, serving as the brand new entry level in Kia’s electrical lineup. Curiously, the automaker solely spoke about “future choices tailor-made for the favored B- and C-segments”, which means {that a} Picanto-replacing EV1 shouldn’t be anticipated within the close to future.

Our speculative rendering for the Kia EV2 combines styling cues from the EV3 and EV4 in a smaller physique with the sharp surfacing launched by the EV9 flagship as a part of Kia’s “Opposites United” styling language.

Extra: Kia EV3 Concept Is A ‘Baby’ EV9, While EV4 Sedan Eyes Tesla Model 3

Rendering: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

Talking to Autocar, Kia CEO Ho-Sung Track described the EV2 as a “very distinctive and vital mannequin for the European market”, including that producing inexpensive EVs is “crucial” for the model. Through the Kia EV Day, the automaker introduced a value vary between $30,000 and $80,000 for its expanded EV lineup. It’s secure to imagine that the EV2 would be the most cost-effective one, beginning at round $30,000. This estimate makes it costlier than its upcoming rivals, specifically the VW ID.2, Renault 5, and Citroen e-C3, since all of them goal a sub-€25,000 ($26,500) price ticket.

Likelihood is that the Kia EV2 will experience on a shorter model of the tried-and-tested E-GMP underpinnings, utilizing the extra inexpensive 400V system discovered within the EV3, EV4, and EV5 slightly than the 800V of the EV6 and EV9. The platform is appropriate with single and twin electrical motors, however the latter seems like an overkill for such a small car. In that context, the bottom 58 kWh battery pack can be massive sufficient to supply the EV2 with respectable vary figures for city use.

Kia has confirmed that all the members of the EV vary will receive the GT treatment, so it’s secure to imagine {that a} scorching model of the EV2 is already below improvement. This one may rival the upcoming Alpine A290 and VW ID.2 GTI, collaborating within the hot hatch struggle of the electrical period.

Manufacturing of the Kia EV2 will happen in Slovakia, subsequent to a different electrical mannequin that might be the EV3 or EV4. The primary fashions are anticipated to roll out of the manufacturing line in 2025, forward of the primary deliveries in 2026. Kia desires to promote 1 million EVs per 12 months by 2026, hoping that the brand new additions to the vary will enhance this quantity to a focused 1.6 million annual gross sales by 2030.