Kia’s cheaper EV2 has been spotted in the wild for the first time

An even smaller and cheaper electric SUV from Kia is on the way. Ahead of its official debut, Kia’s cheaper EV2 has been officially spotted in field testing for the first time.

Kia caused a stir on the internet last October when it unveiled a new line of affordable electric vehicles during its first annual EV Day.

The event focused on Kia’s new “EVs for all” strategy and introduced three new electric models. Kia’s EV5 compact SUV made its official debut, while two new concepts, the EV3 and EV4, were unveiled.

Kia’s new models are part of the wide range of electric vehicles with prices ranging from $30,000 to $80,000. The smaller next-generation electric vehicles, such as the EV3, EV4 and EV5, cost between $35,000 and $50,000.

Although no concept was shown, Kia announced that a smaller, cheaper EV2 electric SUV was also in the works.

In conversation with Autocar Last October, Kia CEO Ho-Sung Song confirmed that the EV2 would launch in Europe in 2026 with a target price of around $30,000 (£25,000). In Korea, starting prices could be around $15,000 (KRW 20 million).

Kia’s cheaper EV2 hits the road for testing

The EV2 was recently spotted in the wild for the first time. The new pictures from Namcha Cafe Give us a closer look at what we can expect from the new compact electric SUV.

Despite the camouflage, Kia’s new design elements can be seen in the EV9 and EV3 flagship models, such as the new “Star Map” LED lighting.

Like its other next-generation electric vehicles, the EV2 is expected to be based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which offers a range of over 300 miles (480 km) and fast charging (10% to 80%) in around 30 minutes .

Inside, the smaller electric SUV is expected to feature Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system. The system features two 12.3-inch infotainment and driver displays and will be further improved with OTA updates.

Kia will build EV2 models in Slovakia, the heart of Europe, where the company wants to quickly increase its market share.

Ahead of its debut, Kia’s lower-priced electric models are already being introduced to global markets. After launching the EV5 in China last November, starting at around $20,000 (149,800 yuan), Kia’s affordable electric SUV is already achieving great success.

Kia sold nearly 22,500 vehicles in August, its best month of the year and the third consecutive year to surpass the 20,000 mark. The EV5 will start at $56,770 in Australia, where it will arrive in dealers this month.

Features of the Kia EV3	reach	Starting price	Starting price after incentives
standard	217 miles (350 km)	$30,700 (KRW 42.08 million)	$29,200 (KRW 39.95 million)
Earth	Standard: 217 miles (350 km) Long range: 311 miles (501 km)	US$33,400 (KRW 45.71 million)	N/A
GT Line	Standard: 217 miles (350 km) Long range: 311 miles (501 km)	US$34,100 (KRW 46.66 million)	N/A
Long range	501km	US$34,100 (KRW 46.66 million)	$32,200 (KRW 44.15)

The EV3 will also be launched in global markets. In its home market, the EV3 costs just over $30,000 (KRW 42.08 million). Abroad, in markets like Europe, it starts at around $40,000 (36,000 euros).

Kia is expected to officially unveil the EV4, an “all-new type of electric sedan,” later this year. The EV4 will launch next year and prices are expected to be between $35,000 and $40,000. Ahead of its debut, the EV4 was caught testing in the Alps this week (see video here).

Source: TheKoreanCarBlog, Namcha Café