Kia offered a “first glimpse” at the EV2 ahead of its big debut on January 9. The EV2 is set to be Kia’s smallest and most affordable EV to date. Here’s what we know so far.
The EV2 is Kia’s new entry-level EV
Several automakers are gearing up to introduce lower-priced compact electric cars over the next few months to fend off incoming Chinese brands like BYD and MG.
Kia confirmed last month that its new entry-level model, the EV2, will make its official debut at the upcoming Brussels Motor Show on January 9, 2026
According to Kia Europe president and CEO, Marc Hedrich, “with the EV2, we reaffirm our commitment to make electric mobility truly accessible to a broader audience.”
We got our first look at it last February after Kia unveiled the Concept EV2 during the brand’s 2025 EV Day event. Since then, the compact electric car has been spotted testing a few times in Europe and South Korea with a nearly identical design to the concept.
After previewing the production version covered in a drape last month, Kia is offering a so-called “first glimpse” before the EV’s big debut. Like Kia’s other concepts, the EV2 looks about the same in production form.
The EV2 is Kia’s smallest EV to date, but the company says it won’t feel like it in the cabin. Kia designed the interior around the idea of “a picnic in the city” with flexible seating and smart storage options to free up space.
Like Kia’s larger electric SUVs, such as the EV5 and three-row EV9, the smaller EV2 has a more upright, SUV-like design that you’d expect from a compact car.
We will learn official specs and prices closer to launch, but the EV2 is expected to be around 4,000 mm (157″) long, given the EV3 is 4,300 mm (169.3″) long. It will likely be closer in size to the Hyundai Inster.
With EV3 prices starting at about €36,000 ($42,000) in Europe, you can expect the EV2 to be slightly cheaper at around €30,000 ($35,000).
The EV2 will be based on the same E-GMP platform as Hyundai’s IONIQ series and Kia’s EV lineup, offering similar battery pack options to the EV3. The EV3 is offered in Europe with 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery options, delivering WLTP ranges of 410 km (255 miles) and 560 km (348 miles), respectively.
Kia will begin building the EV2 at its Zilina, Slovakia, plant shortly after its debut at the Brussels Motor Show, ramping up production throughout the year.
After the EV3 quickly became one of the top-selling EVs in the UK and overall Europe in its first full sales year, will the EV2 top it? Let us know your thoughts below.
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