Kia EV2 crushes official range estimate by 105% in the real world, ranking #1 in its class

It may be Kia’s smallest electric vehicle, but the EV2 is a “big” deal. Kia’s electric SUV beat its official range estimate by 105% in a recent real-world test, outperforming all others in its class.

Kia EV2 beats its WLTP range rating in real-world test

Kia opened orders for the EV2 in Europe, the UK, and a few other regions in April, its smallest, most affordable EV positioned below the popular EV3.

Measuring just over 4,000 mm (160″) in length, the EV2 is even smaller than the Volkswagen ID.3 and Chevy Bolt EV, but Kia’s compact electric SUV is expected to be a big hit for the brand.

During the Summer El Prix EV test, held by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) and Motor Magazine, the Kia EV2 standard range model with a 42.2 kWh battery drove 325 km (201 miles) on a single charge, beating its WLTP range rating of 308 km (191 miles) by 105%.

Kia said the EV2 ranked “first among all compact and mid-size electric vehicles tested, confirming its class-leading real-world efficiency.”

A long-range EV2 GT-Line prototype was also tested, achieving 428 km (265 miles), or 102% of its expected WLTP combined range figure.

With an average energy consumption of 12.4 kWh/100 km, the Kia EV2 outperformed most of the vehicles tested.

“By exceeding 105% of its WLTP range, EV2 clearly demonstrates outstanding efficiency and reliability, Pablo Matinez Masip, Kia Europe’s vice president of product, marketing, and customer experience, said.

Masip added that “These independent results confirm that EV2 is designed around real customer needs – delivering dependable everyday usability while giving drivers the confidence to travel further.”

The El Prix is held twice a year, in winter and summer, to test electric vehicles under real-world driving and charging conditions.

BMW’s new iX3 took first overall in the recent summer test, held on June 3, driving 781 km (485 miles) on a single charge. The Lucid Air still holds the crown, achieving a record 832 km (517 miles) during last year’s Summer El Prix.

The Kia EV2 is on sale, starting at about €26,600 ($30,500) in Europe and £24,245 ($32,500) on the road in the UK.

It’s available in four trims: Light, Air, GT-Line, and GT-Line S. Kia offers two battery pack options: 42.2 kWh and 61 kWh, providing WLTP ranges of up to 317 km (197 miles) and 453 km (281 miles), respectively.

While those in the US won’t see the EV2, Kia is gearing up to launch the EV3 SUV by the end of 2026.

The Kia EV3 will be available in the US in Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT, offering up to 320 miles of range. Kia will reveal prices soon, but the EV3 is expected to start at around $35,000 or less.