Kia Unveils EV2: The Compact and Accessible Electric Crossover for the European Market

Kia has officially pulled the covers off its most compact and budget-friendly electric vehicle yet: the EV2 crossover. The global debut took place on January 9, 2026, at the Brussels Motor Show. This fully electric vehicle, positioned firmly in the B-segment, has been specifically engineered with the European consumer in mind. Its primary mission is to serve as a new entry point into Kia's growing electric portfolio, thereby making electric mobility a more attainable prospect for a wider audience.

Manufacturing operations for the EV2 are scheduled to commence at Kia's facility in Zilina, Slovakia. This site will also be responsible for producing the EV4 model. While the final official pricing remains unconfirmed, industry analysts widely anticipate a starting price point hovering around the 30,000 euro mark. This positioning sets the EV2 up to compete directly against established and upcoming rivals, including the Renault 4/5, the Ford Puma Gen-E, the Skoda Epiq, and the Volkswagen ID. Cross. The base version, featuring a standard driving range, is slated to roll off the production line in February 2026. Following this, the extended-range variant and the sporty GT-Line trim are scheduled to begin manufacturing in June of the same year. European customers can expect the first deliveries to commence in the spring of 2026.

Technically speaking, the EV2 is built upon the robust 400-volt E-GMP architecture. Buyers will have a choice between two distinct battery packs. The standard option utilizes an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) unit with a capacity of 42.2 kWh, which is projected to deliver a WLTP-certified range of up to 317 kilometers. For those requiring greater distance, a larger NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) pack offering 61 kWh is available, targeting a maximum range of 448 kilometers. Both configurations support DC fast charging, enabling a replenishment from 10% to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. A notable feature for this entry-level Kia is its compatibility with both 11 kW and optional 22 kW AC charging, clearly demonstrating an alignment with existing European charging infrastructure standards. Furthermore, the EV2 is equipped with advanced bidirectional charging capabilities, supporting both Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functions.

The vehicle's physical dimensions underscore its compact crossover classification. It measures 4,060 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and stands 1,575 mm tall, supported by a wheelbase of 2,565 mm. Its exterior styling adheres to Kia's 'Opposites United' design philosophy, presenting a look that is both angular and assured, typical of modern SUVs. Inside, the cabin adopts a 'picnic box' concept, prioritizing simplicity and adaptability in the layout. The dashboard is dominated by a triple-display setup, comprising two 12.3-inch screens flanking a dedicated 5.3-inch touchscreen interface for climate control functions.

Practicality has been maximized through innovative seating arrangements. The rear seats can slide and recline, allowing for an expansion of rear legroom up to 958 mm when needed, or they can be folded to increase cargo capacity. The trunk space grows from a standard 362 liters (in the five-seater configuration) to 403 liters. Uniquely for this vehicle class, the EV2 incorporates a 15-liter front trunk, or 'frunk'. The base model offers flexibility in seating, capable of being configured as either a four-seater or a five-seater arrangement. The Zilina plant, which received a 108 million euro investment to prepare for the production of the EV2 and EV4, aims to achieve an annual output of approximately 180,000 electric vehicles by the year 2027.