The Kia EV2 has been revealed in concept form as a smaller, likely more affordable electric SUV for the Korean brand, but don’t count on it coming here.
“Kia Australia is keen to expand our product portfolio with as many EVs as possible, if they are appropriate for our local market,” said a company spokesperson.
“We would like to offer EV2 however, production out of Slovakia does present some hurdles when it comes to logistics and cost, so it is highly unlikely.”
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Revealed at the company’s EV Day in Barcelona, the EV2 previews a production vehicle that will go on sale in Europe and “other regions” in 2026.
While Kia hasn’t published dimensions, it’s calling it a B-segment SUV. That will make it an electric alternative to the 4140mm-long Stonic.
Kia does reference it as being its smallest EV yet, though it’s unclear if it is counting the Ray EV it sells in its home market which measures just 3595mm long.
The company doesn’t specify what platform the EV2 uses.
The Concept EV2 looks largely production-ready, though certain elements like the rear-hinged rear doors, the lack of a B-pillar, and some of the colour choices and interior materials used appear more concept car fantasy.
Some aspects of its exterior design, like its bulging fenders and low-mounted tail light clusters, resemble the Kia Syros offered in India.
However, there’s a less boxy look overall, and some other design elements tie it neatly in with larger electric SUVs like the EV3, EV5 and EV9.
Open the doors and there’s a dramatic cabin that should nevertheless make the transition to production vehicle relatively unscathed.
As we’ve seen with other concepts like the EV4, the production versions typically feature the same layout but gain a few buttons and switch to more conservative colour and trim choices.
Like most recent Kia products, there’s a digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen situated in one assembly.
There are some clever new features, though. The bases of the rear seats fold up, allowing you to slide back the front-row seats even further if you’re relaxing in the car.
Kia even says there’s room for you to sit on the vehicle’s flat floor to enjoy a meal, if that’s your thing.
Message lighting allows occupants to display text messages through the vehicle’s windows – nothing rude, please!
Finally, there are triangular speakers mounted in the door trim that are removable and portable.
This allows you to place them in different locations inside the vehicle or even remove them “to enhance enjoyment when the EV2 is parked – at a charging station, for example”. Don’t be that person blasting music at a charging station, please…
Kia hasn’t released any battery or powertrain details, though it has confirmed the Concept EV2 features vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability like its larger EVs. This allows you to use the vehicle’s battery to charge external appliances.
While we appear set to miss out on the production EV2, the larger EV3 will launch here this year as an electric alternative to the Seltos.
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