Kia recently offered a glimpse of its electrified future during the EV Day. At the event, the company introduced the EV3 sub-compact SUV and the sleek EV4 sedan, along with comprehensive details on the EV5 compact SUV. However, the Koreans had one more surprise in store, tailored specifically for European markets: the Kia EV2, an even smaller electric vehicle set to hit the roads in 2026.
The automaker didn’t give away information about the bodystyle of the EV2, which could either be 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.
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
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.
Note: The story includes a speculative illustration of the EV2 that is not related to or endorsed by Kia