KIA takes a decisive step towards European electrification with the new EV2, a model that brings not only the plug but also a strong “made in Europe” identity. Designed, developed, produced, and marketed in the Old Continent, we drove it on a mixed route in and around Lisbon. The compactness of the model—it is the smallest electric car from the Korean manufacturer, a B-segment SUV—is combined with technical and packaging solutions dedicated to efficiency and habitability, without sacrificing a character that the company itself defines as a “pillar” of its electric mobility strategy in Europe.
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The new KIA EV2
The design of the EV2 partially breaks with the classic patterns of the segment: vertical proportions, a short tail, and a new light signature make it stand out in urban traffic and peri-urban areas. It’s not just aesthetics: the stylistic choices contribute to optimizing interior space and aerodynamics, providing a strong road presence despite the compact dimensions. The cabin, well-utilized, gives the impression of more breathing room compared to the external measurements, and the interior layout emphasizes comfort and practicality, two fundamental elements for a B-SUV designed for daily use.
Two battery sizes
Under the hood, KIA has focused on substance rather than effect. The new EV2 is offered with two battery sizes, a standard 42,2 kWh and a long-range version of 61,0 kWh. The indicated ranges are up to 317 km and up to 453 km respectively, values that make the car interesting for urban use and for extra-urban travel without too much charging anxiety. Both batteries work on a 400 V architecture: fast DC charging allows going from 10 to 80% in less than half an hour under optimal conditions for both versions. Important news for KIA: the new EV2 supports both 11 kW and 22 kW AC charging at launch, introducing greater flexibility for home and public charging.
Technology and safety
Regarding the powertrains, the standard version delivers up to 108 kW, while for the long-range, the exact power is still to be confirmed. Although the car’s setup favors a certain balance between energy efficiency and drivability rather than a frantic search for extreme performance. The technological equipment is modern and complete: the 12,3″ digital dashboard, the 12,3″ central touchscreen, and the 5,3″ climate control display offer a connected and intuitive environment, while the ADAS package, with solutions such as 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, places the EV2 at a good level of active safety.
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How it performs on the road
The road test confirmed a skillful tuning of the chassis. The setup is balanced and stable, with suspensions and shock absorbers calibrated to absorb bumps without compromising control. The driving experience is predictable and reassuring even in the presence of sudden steering inputs. And the steering itself provides a precision that facilitates direction changes and makes the car pleasant to drive in the city as well as on faster roads. The transmission, in terms of electric drivetrain management, does not disappoint, and the space on board remains adequate for all occupants, confirming the quality of the project for those looking for a truly usable compact electric car.
Production and prices
On the industrial front, production of the standard version of the EV2 began in Zilina, Slovakia, on 15 febbraio, while the long-range and the Light variant of the standard will follow on 15 giugno. The range consists of four trim levels: Light, Air, Earth, and GT-Line. The battery distribution is designed to offer clear options: Light and Air are available only with the 42,2 kWh battery, GT-Line only with the 61,0 kWh, while Earth allows a choice between the two capacities. The list prices start from 26.600 euro (23.960 euro on promotion) and go up to 40.850 euro.
