Kia to Launch European-Focused EV2 in 2026
Kia has announced plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) lineup with the launch of the EV2, a European-focused electric car that will rival the Vauxhall Corsa Electric. The EV2 is set to be priced at around £25,000 and is expected to hit the market in 2026. This new model is part of Kia’s ambitious goal to sell 1.6 million EVs annually by 2030.
The EV2 will join Kia’s growing lineup of bespoke electric cars, which includes the EV3 small SUV, EV4 saloon, and EV5 family SUV. These models will be built on the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, which is known for its performance and efficiency. The production version of the EV3 is set to be released next year, followed by the EV5 in 2025 and the EV4 in 2026.
While specific details about the EV2 have not been disclosed, Kia CEO Ho-Sung Song has emphasized the importance of producing affordable EVs for the European market. The company aims to offer the EV2 at a starting price of $30,000 (£25,000), putting it in direct competition with popular electric vehicles like the Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Corsa Electric, and Mini Cooper Electric.
According to Song, the EV2 is a unique and important model for the European market. It is expected to be a compact B-segment car designed specifically for European consumers. While it may have some crossover design cues, given the popularity of SUVs, it will likely feature Kia’s signature ‘Tiger grille’ digital face and a combination of sharp lines and smooth surfaces in line with the brand’s design strategy.
Technical specifications for the EV2 have not been revealed yet. However, it will be built on the same E-GMP platform as the other bespoke EV models. This means it could potentially offer both single- and twin-motor powertrains, although a twin-motor setup is uncertain due to the packaging challenges of a smaller car. The EV2 will also use a new version of the E-GMP modular architecture that runs at 400V, allowing for cost savings. While it may not support ultra-fast charging, this is unlikely to be a major concern for family buyers who typically travel shorter distances.
One notable feature of the EV2 is the planned release of a hot GT version. Kia has previously stated its intention to offer a performance-led GT variant for every model in its EV lineup, and the EV2 will be no exception. This is in response to the popularity of performance cars among European buyers.
Production of the EV2 is scheduled to begin in 2025 at Kia’s factory in Slovakia, alongside another model in the brand’s EV range. It is likely to be either the EV3 or EV4, as Kia has expressed its focus on building small and medium-sized EVs in Europe. Deliveries of the EV2 are expected to start in 2026.
In conclusion, Kia’s expansion of its electric vehicle lineup with the launch of the EV2 demonstrates the brand’s commitment to providing affordable and practical electric cars for the European market. With its competitive pricing and European-focused design, the EV2 is poised to be a strong contender in the growing electric vehicle segment.