Key takeaways
- Kia unveiled the EV2, a compact B-segment electric SUV positioned as the entry point to its EV range, at the Brussels Motor Show on Jan. 9, 2026.
- Built in Slovakia for Europe, the EV2 offers two batteries: 42.2 kWh (standard) and 61.0 kWh (long range).
- Targeted WLTP ranges: up to 317 km (197 miles) for the standard and up to 448 km (278 miles) for the long-range version (certification pending).
- Both use a 400-volt architecture with rapid DC fast charging; indicative fast-charge times are 29 minutes (standard) and ~30 minutes (long range), with no stated SOC window.
- First Kia to launch supporting both 11 kW and 22 kW AC charging, broadening home/work/public charging flexibility.
- Production plan: standard-range from February 2026; long-range and GT-line from June 2026. Market launch timings to be confirmed.
- Pricing and many detailed specs remain undisclosed.
Charging and architecture details
The EV2’s 400-volt system aligns with mainstream EV architectures, aiming for cost and charging parity across variants. Kia’s DC fast-charge times suggest similar session lengths between battery sizes to minimize customer trade-offs, though the company did not specify start/end states of charge.
At launch, support for both 11 kW and 22 kW AC charging is a notable upgrade for European users. With three-phase 11 kW common at home/work and many public AC posts offering up to 22 kW, a 22 kW onboard charger can shorten AC sessions where DC fast charging isn’t available or convenient.
Positioning and strategy
As a B-segment SUV, the EV2 anchors the lower end of Kia’s electric lineup, targeting buyers seeking compact footprints, higher seating positions, and versatile cargo space. Localized production in Slovakia underscores a focus on European market needs and can streamline logistics and lead times.
Kia also showed GT versions of the EV3, EV4, and EV5 at Brussels, signaling a portfolio-wide performance emphasis, though further details were not provided for those models.
What remains to be announced
- Power output and drivetrain configuration
- Interior packaging and infotainment features
- Driver-assistance systems
- Final WLTP range certifications
- Market launch schedule by region and pricing
Overall, the EV2’s core proposition combines two battery choices, rapid DC fast charging on a 400-volt platform, expanded AC charging capability (11/22 kW), and European production to broaden accessibility and adoption in mainstream segments.
