- The Kia EV2 comes with two battery options: 42.2 kWh and 61.0 kWh.
- The WLTP cycle has a maximum distance of 278 miles (448 km).
- What claims to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 29 minutes.
The glory days of traditional auto shows are long gone, but that doesn’t mean automakers are completely ignoring the few remaining events. Kia has chosen the 2026 Brussels Motor Show to launch the latest entry point into its growing electric vehicle range. The EV2 becomes the brand’s sixth model based on the Bespoke Electric platform, and like its bigger siblings, the styling is daring, to say the least.
In a sea of swoopy crossovers, the Kia EV2 is refreshingly boxy and is offered in GT Line trim that adds slightly sharper styling from day one. The taillights, pushed into the lower corners of the body, are an exotic touch that recalls the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Up front, the split vertical headlights look like they were lifted straight from a concept car, helping the Electric Whirlpool to instantly stand out in a crowded segment.
While some exterior details make the EV2 look like it traveled back from the future, the interior hasn’t gone all sci-fi. There are still plenty of original buttons, providing quick access to climate settings and other frequently used functions. Kia has also fitted a physical roller for volume control and manual air vent adjustment, saving drivers from fumbling through the subs.
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At first glance, the dashboard only looks like two screens, but an additional display is hidden in plain sight. 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touch-screen 5.3-inch panel dedicated to climate control. Although it sits at the bottom of Kia’s electric lineup, the EV2 still packs plenty of goodies, including wireless smartphone charging, 100-watt USB-C ports, a Harman Kardon sound system, over-the-air updates, and even a PET mode.
In the back, buyers can choose a two- or three-seat configuration, along with a respectable amount of cargo space for such a small vehicle. Despite measuring just 159.8 inches (4,060 mm) in length, the EV2 can swallow up to 14.2 cubic feet (403 liters) behind the rear seats when they’re fully extended. This figure applies to the four-seat model, however, the five-seat version is limited to 12.7 cubic feet (362 liters). Up front, a small trunk adds another 0.5 cubic feet (15 liters), which is plenty for odds and ends.
What EV2: Technical Specifications
Riding on the e-GMP platform that underpins many of Hyundai and Kia’s electric vehicles, the EV2 is offered with two battery options. The base 42.2-KWH pack provides a WLTP range of up to 197 miles (317 km), while the larger 61-kWh battery stretches up to 278 miles (448 km) on a single charge.
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As expected, the range varies by wheel size. The regular EV2 comes with 16- or 18-inch alloys, while the flagship GT Line rolls on 19-inch wheels wrapped in 225/45 R19 tires. All versions are strictly front-wheel drive, but output varies by battery size. The standard range model produces 144 horsepower, enabling the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in 8.6 seconds, while the larger range models sacrifice 10 HP and need 9.5 seconds to reach the same mark. Both are electronically limited to 99 mph (159 km/h).
DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes 29 minutes with a small battery and 30 minutes with a large one. The EV2 ditches the 800-volt charging architecture of the EV6 and EV9, but that’s hardly surprising given its position in the lineup. With pricing expected to start below ¥30,000 (¥35,000), some compromises were inevitable, including a 400-volt system.
Charging works both ways: EV2 supports V2L (vehicle-to-vehicle) charging of electrical appliances such as toasters and other appliances. Its two-way charging capabilities also extend to V2G (vehicle-to-grid), allowing owners to feed energy back into the grid.
Kia will build the EV2 at its Elena factory in Slovakia, where the EV4 is also assembled. The standard range model enters production in the first quarter of the year, while the larger battery version arrives later in 2026. The GT Line is also coming later this year.
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Take Motor 1: The EV2 certainly has its charm, although some buyers may be put off by its unconventional exterior styling. If that’s not an issue, the technical specifications are respectable for an entry-level electric car. Its bespoke EV platform provides excellent packaging, making for an even more compact footprint.
Downside? There’s no dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version at launch, and the EV2 also ditches the multi-link rear suspension in favor of a simpler torsion beam setup to keep costs down.
Life won’t be easy for the EV2, as it has to battle the retro-themed Renault 4 and Volkswagen’s upcoming identity. The Polo Cross is just two of many competitors in a tough segment that also includes the Peugeot E-2008 and Ford Puma Gen E.
