The EV2 is now rolling off the production line at Kia’s plant in Slovakia ahead of customer deliveries starting next month. Kia opened EV2 orders last week at lower prices than expected.
Kia begins EV2 production in Europe
After opening orders in Germany last week, Kia announced on Thursday that the EV2 is now rolling off the production line at its Žilina, Slovakia, facility.
“The start of production for the EV2 continues to verify our technical capabilities and flexibility in Europe,” Soohang Chang, President and CEO at Kia Europe, said during the event.
The EV2 joins the EV4 as the second fully electric vehicle to be built at Kia Slovakia. Chang added that by adding the new electric SUV, “the output of our Slovakian factory will better support Kia’s electrification strategy in Europe.
The EV2 starts at €26,600 ($30,500), less than the expected €30,000 ($35,000). In Germany, Kia is offering leases as low as €239 ($275) per month.
It’s available in four variations: Light, Air, Earth, and GT-Line. Buyers can choose from two battery pack options: 42.2 kWh and 61 kWh, which Kia expects will provide up to 317 km (197 miles) and 453 km (281 miles) of WLTP range.
It’s based on the same E-GMP platform that underpins Hyundai’s IONIQ series and Kia’s other EVs, but it uses a 400V architecture like the EV3 rather than an 800V one to cut costs.
Kia said the EV2 can still recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a 118 kW DC fast charger. For comparison, the EV6, with an 800V system, can charge from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes using a 350 kW DC fast charger.
Inside, the entry-level electric SUV features two versions of Kia’s latest ccNC infotainment system. The setup is the same as Kia’s latest vehicles, with dual 12.3″ driver-cluster and infotainment screens, alongside a 5″ climate-control display.
However, the EV2 comes with a new “Lite” version as standard, which offers the same display setup and most of the functions, but cuts out the built-in navigation.
Kia said you can still access it via apps like Google Maps, which connect your smartphone to the vehicle’s infotainment system for navigation and other functions.
The EV2 is even smaller than the Volkswagen ID.3 at just over 4,000 mm (160″) long, but thanks to its flexible interior and flat floor design, it offers “segment-leading” rear passenger legroom and up to 403 litres of cargo capacity.
The lowest-priced EV2 Light uses a 42.2 kWh battery and 108 kW (146 hp) front-mounted electric motor, delivering up to 317 km (197 miles) of range.
The standard-range (42.2 kWh) battery variant is now in production in Slovakia, Kia said, with the extended-range (61 kWh) battery and the sporty GT-Line version joining it in June 2026.
Kia’s top EV2 GT-Line trim starts at €36,890 ($42,600). It’s available exclusively with the larger 61 kWh battery and a 99.5 kW (135 hp) front motor, providing up to 256 miles (413 km) of range.
Electrek’s Take
Since launching the EV3 in late 2024, the compact electric SUV has become one of the top-selling EVs in Europe and several overseas markets.
At a lower price, the EV2 will go head-to-head with Chinese EV brands like BYD and SAIC’s MG, as well as upcoming entry-level vehicles like the Volkswagen ID. Polo.
Kia now offers an electric model in nearly every segment in Europe with the EV2, EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, and EV9. After a record sales year in Europe and the UK in 2025, Kia aims to build on the momentum with a full lineup of electric vehicles.
Unfortunately, those in the US won’t get to see most of them. Thanks to the Trump administration policy changes, Kia has already announced it’s delaying several US-bound EVs indefinitely that were set to arrive in 2026.
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