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Kia EV2 uncovered as brand’s smallest EV with 278-mile range

  • 9 January 2026
  • 0
  • Natalie Middleton

Kia has debuted its EV2 electric crossover at the Brussels Motor Show, revealed as the brand’s smallest and most affordable EV. The all-electric B-segment SUV, which was previewed

Kia EV2 uncovered as brand’s smallest EV with 278-mile range

Kia has debuted its EV2 electric crossover at the Brussels Motor Show, revealed as the brand’s smallest and most affordable EV.

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The all-electric B-segment SUV, which was previewed by the Concept EV2 last year, arrives in showrooms this summer and delivers a new rival to the Ford Puma Gen-E and Renault 4.

Expected to cost less than £25,000, it delivers a new, affordable EV choice to help more drivers go electric. It also expands Kia’s EV line-up into the compact crossover sector; the carmaker has also hinted that an entry-level EV1 could be on the way in the future, succeeding the Picanto city car.

Debuted at Kia’s stand at Brussels alongside the sporty and dynamic ‘GT’ versions of the EV3, the EV4 Hatchback and the EV5, it also marks latest technology debuts for the Korean carmaker that include advancements in charging, connectivity and safety.

Based on the same e-GMP platform as the other electric Kia models, the EV2 teams up compact dimensions with a versatile design that means it’s still able to pack in generous space with up to 403 litres of cargo capacity. Drivers can also specify either a five-seat configuration or a four-seat layout with independent sliding and reclining rear seats. As such, Kia says it’s able to serve as the primary car for European households, enabling the EV shift for more drivers.

Designed, developed and produced in Europe, the EV2 features Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, featuring a chunky design with styling cues that echo the brand’s larger EVs to emphasise its “confident SUV stance and character”. These include vertical daytime running lights at the front, Kia’s signature Star Map Light Signature, a pronounced shoulder line and robust wheelarches.

Two battery options will be available: a 42.2kWh standard-range battery and a 61.0kWh long-range pack. Official WLTP range awaits homologation but the standard range version is expected to offer 196 miles (317km) while the long-range  version gets 278 miles (448km). These are best in class, according to Kia.

Both models feature a 400V architecture and deliver rapid DC fast charging. Charging speeds are yet to be confirmed but the standard-range model is able to recharge in around 29 minutes, while the long-range versions take around 30 minutes.

For the first time in a Kia model at launch, the EV2 supports both 11kW and 22kW AC charging, reflecting the “predominance of AC charging infrastructure across Europe and offering greater flexibility for home and public charging”.

The EV2 will also offer an integrated EV Route Planner linked to Kia Charge, Plug & Charge functionality for seamless charging without cards or apps, and bidirectional charging via V2L (vehicle-to-load) and V2G (vehicle-to-grid), but this is dependent on the market and V2G is not yet confirmed for the UK.

The cabin is designed for an “open, calming” feel and inspired by a ‘Picnic Box’ concept that “blends logic and emotion through fabric-rich materials and intuitive design” and also includes eco-friendly features.

The EV2 features Kia’s latest triple-screen Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC) infotainment system. This combines a 12.3-inch driver cluster, 5.3-inch climate control screen and 12.3-inch central touchscreen display.

As Kia’s most compact EV to date, the EV2 also introduces a new ccNC Lite infotainment system. This replicates the display layout and core features as the CCNC system in other models but is available at a lower price point. Both systems support OTA (over-the-air) updates and Kia Upgrades.

In terms of safety tech, Kia promises “upper-segment technology” for its new entry model. Standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems include highway driving assist 2, front collision avoidance assist 2.0, smart cruise control 2, blind-spot view monitor, surround view monitor and the brand’s latest parking assistance technologies. Remote Smart Parking Assist Entry allows the vehicle to be manoeuvred from outside using the smart key; said to be unique in the segment.

A raft of digital features include full Kia App integration, Digital Key using NFC, Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband technology, OTA updates and Features on Demand. An eight-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system is available as an option.

The EV2 is the second fully electric model to be produced at Kia’s Žilina facility in Slovakia, following the EV4, and starts production in February with the standard-range model, followed by long-range and ‘GT-line’ variants from June 2026.

UK line-ups, pricing and specifications will be announced in the coming weeks.