Kia Unveils Affordable, Compact EV: The EV2
Kia has launched its most affordable electric vehicle to date, the new Kia EV2. This B-segment electric crossover is set to be a significant player in the European market, with an expected starting price of around $35,000 (€30,000). The car will go on sale next month and is positioned as the cheapest new EV from the Korean automaker.
The EV2 is based on the E-GMP platform, which also powers models like the EV3 and EV4. It features two battery options, making it a versatile choice for different driving needs. The Standard Range model comes with a 42.2-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering an estimated WLTP range of 197 miles (317 kilometers). The Long Range version includes a larger 61-kWh battery, providing up to 278 miles (448 km) of range.
One of the standout features of the EV2 is its ability to charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. This fast-charging capability makes it ideal for drivers who need a quick top-up during their daily commutes or longer trips. Additionally, the EV2 can send power back to the grid, offering an innovative way for owners to manage their energy consumption.
The EV2 is equipped with both 11 kW and 22 kW AC charging capabilities, which is uncommon in its segment. This feature highlights Kia's understanding of the European market, where many EV owners have home chargers that can deliver 22 kW. By including this hardware from the start, Kia ensures that the EV2 is well-suited for the typical charging habits of its target audience.
Charging times vary depending on the battery size. A full charge on a 22 kW charger takes approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes for the Standard Range model. For the Long Range version, the time increases to about 3 hours. These charging times are competitive within the segment and offer convenience for daily use.
The EV2 is designed to compete with other similarly priced electric vehicles in Europe, such as the Renault 4, Ford Puma Gen-E, and the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Polo Cross. This competition is expected to drive innovation and improve the overall quality of electric vehicles available to consumers.
With its affordable price point and advanced features, the EV2 represents a significant step forward for Kia in the electric vehicle market. It offers a practical and efficient solution for drivers looking to transition to electric mobility without breaking the bank.
DC fast charging is also baked in, but Kia didn’t say what the maximum power input is. It did say, however, that the standard-range version needs 29 minutes to go from 10% to 80%, while the long-range model takes about 30 minutes. Not bad, considering this is more of a city car, and not a long-distance cruiser.
Thanks to the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, the EV2 can power appliances, courtesy of the vehicle-to-load feature, and it can also send power from its battery back to the grid, courtesy of the vehicle-to-grid functionality.
The Kia EV2’s wheelbase measures 100.9 inches (2,565 millimeters), which is almost identical to the Hyundai Inster EV. However, it’s worth noting that the two cars are unrelated, with the Inster based on a platform that was originally designed for combustion engines and later adapted for an electric powertrain. The EV2 is longer and wider than the Inster, with a length of 159.9 in (4,060 mm) and a width of 70.8 in (1,800 mm).
Inside, Kia’s affordable electric crossover can be had with a conventional five-seat layout or a four-seat configuration with independent sliding and reclining rear seats. Hyundai Motor Group’s latest ccNC Lite infotainment system runs on a 12.3-inch central touchscreen display, which is joined by a separate 5.3-inch climate control screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Kia said that the Lite version of the group’s infotainment system mirrors the same display layout and core features of the ccNC system, including over-the-air software updates, but it’s cheaper to make. That said, OTA map updates for the navigation system are not available.
A 0.5 cubic feet (15-liter) front trunk is standard, and the four-seater version offers 14.2 cu ft (403 l) of cargo room in the trunk. The five-seater’s trunk is a tad smaller, at 12.7 cu ft (362 l).
As for the outside, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as always. Kia made good use of its “Opposites United” design philosophy, which means vertical daytime running lights and a boxy overall shape. For such a small car, the automaker is offering wheel options that go as big as 19 inches, but the cheaper versions come with 16-inchers.
There’s also a comprehensive list of standard safety systems, including Highway Driving Assist 2, Smart Cruise Control 2, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist 2. The EV2 also comes with digital key functionality that works with NFC, Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies.
The Kia EV2 will be built at the automaker’s Zilina factory in Slovakia, alongside the EV4. The standard-range model will start rolling off the assembly line in February, followed by the long-range and GT-line versions in June.
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