► EV2 set to be the smallest electric Kia yet
► Low pricing and bold design expected
► Prototypes now seen testing ahead of 2026 launch
Kia will introduce a new EV2 compact electric crossover in 2026 as the next stage in its EV line-up, and spyshots of the new model have now been seen for the first time.
Set to benefit from Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design language, the EV2 is expected to look like a shrunken EV3, with hatchback dimensions in a trendier SUV-like bodystyle.
The EV2 will be the electric equivalent to the ageing Kia Stonic, and will be produced at Kia’s factory in Slovakia to avoid having to pay tariffs for EVs made outside of Europe. Production of Kia’s EV4 and EV5 electric cars, both due in 2025, will also take place at the facility, which currently manufactures the Ceed and popular Sportage.
Though the EV2 is still wearing heavy camouflage in the spyshots, it clearly shows a compact and boxy car with a large glass area and small overhangs. Expect bold styling, interesting textures and sustainable materials in use if it’s to follow the path set by the Kia EV6 and EV9.
Speaking at the launch of the new Kia EV3 electric crossover, Marc Hedrich, president and chief executive of Kia Europe, told CAR Magazine the EV2 could ‘play the role of a B-segment hatch’, such as the now-discontinued Kia Rio.
“We started our EV journey from the top with EV6 and EV9. We now have the EV3 and next year we have the EV4 and EV5. One [the EV2] is missing. It will come.
“For the moment we have Stonic and we have Picanto [as more compact cars]. We will have EV2 soon. You will see when you see the dimensions that the EV2 could play the role of a B-segment car.’
By the time the EV2 arrives in 2026 it will face a whole range of rivals, including the new Skoda Epiq, Renault 4 and Volkswagen ID.2.
Kia is pushing its electric car strategy hard but says that it has ‘no intention’ of stopping producing ICE cars in the existing climate.
Hedrich said: ‘‘We will become a full EV mobility provider, but that’s long-term. We know the road to EV is bumpy, so we have enough financial resources to keep developing ICE, to keep developing hybrid, mild-hybrid, diesel (in some cases), plug-in hybrid and EV cars.
“For the moment, because of CO2 legislation, we have a big date in 2025 and we will have an EV product avalanche.
“But we will, of course, develop new ICE cars and we have no intention at all to stop selling ICE cars at this stage.”