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The Kia EV2 offers the best of Kia in its most compact electric car yet
The Kia EV2 is a new fully electric B-segment SUV that represents the entry point into the brand’s European electric portfolio. As Kia’s most compact electric vehicle to date, it expands the company’s EV line-up into one of Europe’s highest-volume segments.
Designed, engineered, produced, and sold in Europe, the EV2 combines bold design, everyday versatility, upper-segment technology, and comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), as well as confident driving performance. The model has been developed to serve as a household’s primary vehicle.
“The EV2 is a pillar in Kia’s long-term European electrification strategy,” said Sjoerd Knipping, Chief Operating Officer at Kia Europe. “By packaging advanced EV technology into a B-segment SUV produced in Europe, we are expanding access to electric mobility at scale. The EV2 is our second EV to be manufactured locally and reinforces our commitment to responsible mobility solutions for Europe”
Bold EV design and genuine EV experience
The EV2 embodies Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. Its upright proportions, inspired by larger Kia EV models, reinforce its confident SUV stance. Vertical daytime running lights and the latest Star-map Signature Lighting establish a clear family resemblance to the wider EV range. Its pronounced shoulder line and robust wheel arches emphasise structural strength. The EV2 is available with a 42.2kWh standard-range battery or a 61.0kWh long-range battery. Anticipated all-electric range is up to 317km for the standard-range version and up to 453km for the long-range version (long-range AER WLTP pending).
Both battery options operate on a 400V architecture. Under optimal conditions, DC fast charging from 10-to-80% takes 29 minutes for the standard-range version and around 30 minutes for the long-range model. For the first time in a Kia model at launch, the EV2 supports both 11kW and 22kW AC charging. As AC infrastructure remains the most prevalent across Europe, this provides customers with flexibility for home and public charging.
“The EV2 proves that a smaller EV does not necessarily mean compromise,” said Pablo Martínez Masip, Vice President Product, Brand & Customer Experience at Kia Europe. “Our B-segment, electric SUV delivers charging capabilities, connectivity, and ADAS functionality typically associated with higher segments. With both 11kW and 22kW AC charging, integrated EV Route Planner, and OTA updates, the EV2 reflects how customers expect their cars to function as part of an entire digital ecosystem.”
Contributing to the everyday-abilities is the new sliding and reclining seat system that maximises usability in the four-seater variant. Rear legroom is extended and with the seats slid forward the boot capacity is increased to over 400 litres. Together with its upright design it delivers space comparable with C-segment models.
Advanced technology in a subcompact SUV
The EV2 offers Kia’s latest triple-screen connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system, integrating a 12.3-inch driver cluster, 12.3-inch central touchscreen, and 5.3-inch climate control display. It also introduces ccNC Lite, which mirrors the layout and core functionality of ccNC at a lower price point. Both systems support over-the-air (OTA) updates and Kia Upgrades*.
When it comes to safety and driving assistance, the EV2 offers a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) typically found in higher segments. Available systems include Highway Driving Assist 2, Front Collision Avoidance Assist 2.0, Smart Cruise Control 2, Remote Smart Parking Assist Entry, Blind-spot View Monitor, and Surround View Monitor.
The EV2 is the first Kia model to feature an In-Cabin Monitoring Unit (ICMU). Integrated into the rear-view mirror, the system analyses driver attentiveness and occupant positioning in real time to support enhanced safety functions aligned with the latest Euro NCAP protocols to minimise injury in the event of airbag deployment. The system can also execute the ‘Minimum Risk Manoeuvre’ if the driver does not respond, reducing the speed and emitting warnings to alert road users. The ICMU operates without storing personal data and is designed to enhance safety performance.
A recent Kia App update introduced 3D vehicle visualisation, initially available on the EV9 and now rolled out across all EV models, including the EV2. The feature brings Kia EV models to life and allows customers to view their exact vehicle configuration digitally, including exterior colour and seat layout. The update strengthens the connection between the vehicle and the app experience. This enhancement deepens the integration between the vehicle and the app, delivering a more immersive ownership experience.
Confident driving dynamics
Driving dynamics were a primary development focus, with ride and handling calibration tuned specifically for European roads. Suspension and damping were tuned to balance front-to-rear axle responses. The result is controlled body movements and predictable body behaviour during sudden steering inputs.
Steering calibration prioritises smooth response and linear feedback. During lane changes and dynamic manoeuvres, the EV2 maintains consistent body control and stability. Winter validation in Sweden confirmed stable performance on snow and ice. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) calibration and dedicated Snow Mode contribute to neutral handling in low- and high-speed manoeuvres.
“For the EV2, our objective was not to maximise one single dynamic attribute but to deliver balanced behaviour across varied European conditions that inspire confidence,” said Alexandre Papapetropoulos, Director Product and Pricing at Kia Europe. “From chassis tuning to steering calibration, every element was tuned to deliver predictable driving. Even in the snow and ice of winter, the EV2 demonstrates control and stability.”
Sound experience, engineered
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) targets were defined by Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre to reflect European driving conditions and customer expectations.
To reduce high-speed road noise, engineers included measures such as dedicated carpets, wheelhouse absorbers, and Hankook or Michelin tyres, which were selected for reduced tonal noise and improved ride refinement. Acoustic laminated door glass** and windscreen reduce wind intrusion at motorway speeds. Additional sound package components, including the dash inner, the frunk, the absorber, and the underbody cover, mitigate high-frequency tonal noise from electric powertrain components. Sound design elements were also calibrated to enhance safety without compromising comfort. In the EV2, pedestrian warning sounds and speed limit alerts are tuned to remain perceptible without being obtrusive.
The EV2 also introduces Bold Motion Symphony in Europe, a new sound identity developed to deliver a consistent and futuristic sound experience across Kia models. Bold Motion Symphony aligns sound design with vehicle movement and Kia’s overall brand identity. It introduces 20 newly developed sounds, including welcome and farewell tones, as well as an updated Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System and chime functions.
European production
Production of the EV2 has commenced in Žilina (Slovakia) following line modernisation completed in 2025. The 42.2kWh standard-range battery version is currently in production, with the 61.0kWh long-range and ‘GT-Line’ variants scheduled from June 2026. UK pricing and specifications will be announced in due course.
