Kia EV2 debuts overseas

The Kia EV2 has officially debuted in Europe, with the Korean brand’s smallest electric SUV unveiled at this week’s Brussels motor show. Production of the pint-sized electric vehicle (EV) will begin in Slovakia next month, and although it’s yet to be confirmed for local shores, Kia Australia says it is under study.

The 2026 Kia EV2 has been officially unveiled overseas, with production for the miniature electric SUV set to begin in Europe next month in standard-range guise, while long-range and GT-Line versions will be built from mid-year. 

A choice of two battery packs will be offered, including a 42.2kWh unit good for a claimed 317km driving range and a larger 61kWh battery pack thought to offer around 448km (WLTP pending).

Inside, the Kia EV2 will come with 'eco-friendly' materials and a triple screen set-up, comprising dual 12.3-inch screens that sit either side of a 5.3-inch climate-specific screen.

The EV2 will be capable of over-the-air (OTA) updates, as well as vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality.

A range of trim grades are set to include the entry-level Air model, equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, LED headlights, dual climate control and a six-speaker sound system, while the ‘First Edition’ nabs larger 18s, tinted windows, ambient interior lighting and a premium Harmon Kardon sound system.

The GT-Line and GT-Line S meantime add 19-inch alloy wheels, metal pedals, a three-spoke GT-Line steering wheel, lumbar support for the driver and wireless phone charging.

A Black Edition is also expected to be offered, featuring much of the same equipment as GT-Line variants, no doubt with a slew of black exterior elements to toughen it up.

Every variant will feature Kia’s full suite of active safety and driver assist aids.

Kia lists cargo capacity as a decent 403 litres and says the rear seats slide and recline. 

Measuring up at 4060mm long and 1800mm wide on a 2565mm wheelbase, the EV2 measures up slightly larger than the Hyundai Inster electric car, and would slot below the EV3 if it was to sell Down Under.

For reference, the EV3 is priced from $47,600 (plus on-road costs) in its most affordable Air standard range guise.

In a statement issued to carsales, a spokesperson for Kia Australia said: “We have our hand up for all new Kia EV product and the EV2 is no different, but it’s still understudy for Australia.”

The EV2 has so far been ruled out for Australia, however, the switch to a Slovakian manufacturing plant in Zilina late last year opened for the door for the little SUV, making it at least theoretically available for a local launch.

In August, Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith told carsales the brand “needs” models like the EV2 (and Picanto-sized EV1) as part of its global ‘Kia Plan S’ strategy.

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