Update: Introduction, ‘Design & Specifications,’ and ‘Production’ sections updated and ‘Price’ section added.
Following the EV3 in 2024, Kia plans to release a smaller electric SUV that, as we earlier speculated, will be called EV2. The Kia EV2 will roughly be the size of the Hyundai Venue that’s sold in the U.S., as well as a few other emerging markets, as per a report ET News published on September 13, 2023.
Design
Kia has confirmed that the EV2 will feature a European design, and even though it will be a budget model, it should look quite bold and high-tech. The EV2, which will be smaller than the EV3, will be “very important” for the company’s European operations, President and CEO Ho-sung Song said on October 12, 2023.
Kia started planning the EV2 in 2022 and will finalize the design and specifications by the end of 2023, as per the ET News report. The regional publication says that the company will build a prototype vehicle in 2024. We think Kia could release a teaser of the EV2 at the CEO Investor Day in early 2024, and start road trials in S.Korea and Europe in late 2024.
Dimensions
The Kia EV2 (codename: Kia QV) will measure 4,000 mm in length, as ET News stated in a different version of that article on Naver on September 15, 2023. Thus, it will be 40 mm shorter than the Hyundai Venue sold in the U.S. Despite the shorter length, its wheelbase will be 35 mm longer and measure 2,555 mm, as per the report. We think Kia’s European customers will see the EV2 as the successor to the Soul EV and also an electric alternative to the Stonic, both of which we don’t get in the U.S.
Platform
Kia will access Hyundai Motor Group (HMG)’s upcoming eS dedicated EV platform for some components of the EV2, as per the report. However, this seems unusual since eS is meant for Purpose Built Vehicles and not for passenger cars. HMG is working on a new dedicated EV platform for passenger vehicles, called ‘eM,’ which it sees spawning the first model in 2025.
Grades & Price
Kia will reportedly offer the EV2 in a standard-range variant consisting of lithium iron phosphate battery cells and a long-range variant with a battery made of nickel cobalt manganese cells. It is expected to price the electric small SUV in Europe from around EUR 30,000, so we understand why it needs the low-cost LFP cells in at least one configuration.
The prices of the Kia EV3 will start below USD 35,000, Song said, although he was referring to the global pricing and wasn’t referring to the car’s U.S. launch.
Production
Production of the Kia EV2 electric SUV will take place at the company’s factory in Žilina, Slovakia. The Slovakian facility, which has an annual production capacity is 350,000 units, is currently home to the Ceed family (Ceed, Ceed Sportwagon, ProCeed, XCeed) and the Euro-spec Sportage. Kia plans to manufacture 80,000 units of the EV2 electric small SUV there, as per the report.
Release Date & Rivals
The Kia EV2 will be launched in Europe in the fourth quarter of 2025 (October-December 2025), as per ET News’ report on Naver. We don’t think the potential Kia EV2 will be sold in the U.S., as the size and specifications may not be suitable for the needs of the American EV buyer.
Small crossover/SUV models aren’t popular in the U.S. For example, Hyundai sold just 27,094 units of the Venue in 2022, just 15% of Tucson’s sales (175,307 units) the same year. However, prospects for Kia’s small SUV is much brighter in the old continent. In Europe, with 141,471 units registered, the Peugeot 2008 ranked 13th on the region’s best-selling cars, as per French publication L’argus. The Kia EV2 will compete with the likes of Peugeot e-2008 and the upcoming VW ID.2 SUV.
TopElectricSUV says
The Kia EV2 promises to offer one of the roomiest and most functional interiors in its class, coupled with a commendable range suitable for city driving. All of these features are expected to come at a price point that delivers excellent value for money.
Kia EV2 FAQs
What is the Kia EV2 release date?
The Kia EV2 is expected to be launched in Europe in Q4 2025 (October-December 2025).
Which models will be Kia EV2 rivals?
The Kia EV2 will compete with the Jeep Avenger, Peugeot e-2008, and VW ID.2 SUV.
What will be the Kia EV2 price?
The Kia EV2 could be priced from around EUR 30,000.
Featured Image Source: Generic crossover SUV render, generated with AI, unrelated to the EV2.
With a Master’s Degree in Business Management & Administration, I’ve been working as an International Automotive News Editor since 2014, and have gained a wealth of knowledge and insight into hybrid and electric vehicles.
