Kia Begins Production of EV2 Compact Electric SUV in Slovakia

Kia has officially commenced series production of its all-electric EV2 compact Sport Utility Vehicle at its European manufacturing hub in Žilina, Slovakia, starting in late March 2026. This introduction marks a significant step in Kia's regional electrification strategy, focusing on delivering an accessible B-segment electric vehicle to broaden the adoption of electric mobility.

The EV2 is the second battery electric vehicle to be assembled locally by the manufacturer in Europe, following the introduction of the EV4 in August 2025. The Žilina facility, operational since 2004, underwent a substantial modernization program throughout 2025, which included an investment exceeding €200 million to integrate advanced robotics and enhance production flexibility. This overhaul allows the plant to manufacture Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) concurrently with traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid models, a capability Soohang Chang, President and CEO of Kia Europe, noted as confirmation of the company's technical capacity.

In 2025, the complex employed approximately 3,700 people and manufactured around 300,000 vehicles and 470,000 engines, representing 9.3% of Kia's worldwide vehicle output and serving 73 export nations. As Kia Slovakia approaches its twentieth anniversary of European manufacturing in December 2026, this mixed-powertrain output underscores a strategic operational pivot.

The EV2, which debuted at the Brussels Motor Show in January 2026, is constructed on the dedicated E-GMP platform utilizing a 400V architecture. Initial output centers on the 42.2 kWh Standard Range battery pack, which projects an anticipated WLTP range of up to 317 kilometers (197 miles). Sales for the entry-level EV2 Light trim, configured as a four-seater to maintain affordability, began in Germany mid-March with a starting price of €26,600, positioning it to compete directly in the high-volume B-SUV segment.

To enhance market appeal, Kia is implementing a dual-battery strategy, with the 61.0 kWh Long Range pack scheduled for production commencement in June 2026, anticipated to deliver an electric range extending up to 453 kilometers (281 miles). The vehicle supports DC fast charging, capable of replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 29 to 30 minutes, and is the first Kia model at launch to feature dual AC charging capability at 11 kW and 22 kW. The vehicle incorporates the latest connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) and an In-Cabin Monitoring Unit (ICMU).

Sjoerd Knipping, Kia Europe’s Chief Operating Officer, described the EV2 as a fundamental component of the company's long-term European electrification plan, emphasizing the scaled expansion of access to advanced electric technology. Furthermore, the Žilina site is reinforcing its sustainability commitment with a new photovoltaic power plant, set to begin operation in the second quarter of 2026, projected to supply up to 1.5% of the facility's annual electricity needs through renewable sources. The simultaneous production of the EV4, EV2, XCeed, and Sportage models validates the strategic investments made to support this regional transition toward electric mobility.