Kia EV2 Debuts with Clever Seating, Impressive Range, and Numerous Options

Meet Kia‘s smallest and cheapest EV yet. We say ‘yet’ because it’s called the EV2, suggesting that the South Korean automaker is leaving room for another, smaller vehicle to be introduced somewhere down the line, but we digress. The EV2 is a B-segment, or subcompact, electric crossover, and it’ll be available in a choice of five trims when it goes on sale later this year, including a sportily styled GT-Line variant. More importantly than its variety is Kia’s claim that the EV2 will deliver best-in-class ranges on the WLTP cycle of up to 317 and 448 kilometers, or 197 and 278 miles, from its two battery options, 42.2 kWh and 61.0 kWh. Charging shouldn’t be terrible, either, with both 11kW and 22kW AC charging supported. The 400-volt architecture also supports DC fast charging, with the smaller battery capable of being replenished in as little as 29 minutes and the bigger battery taking a full half-hour.

EV2 Miniaturizes Kia’s Design Language

Like the EV6 and EV9, the EV2 is styled with Kia’s “Opposites United” styling philosophy, so it gets boomerang-shaped LED headlights with vertical daytime running lights, which Kia calls the Star Map Light Signature. Like those other EVs, it also wears squared wheel arch moldings and boasts a shoulder line with angular steps down into those fenders. Within the wheelhouses of the EV2 will be rims ranging in size from 16 to 19 inches, and the GT-Line variant will add to the chic design with body-colored accents and glossy elements on the bumper and lower front grille. And even though this is a small crossover, numerous paint finishes will be offered, including solid, metallic, pearl, and matte.

Kia EV2 trims:

• EV2 Air: 16″ alloy wheels, 6-speaker sound system, roof rails, dual-zone climate control
• EV2 First Edition: 18″ wheels, privacy glass, ambient lighting, Harman Kardon Premium sound system, Highway Driving Assist 2.0
• EV2 GT-Line: 19″ wheels, three-spoke GT-Line steering wheel, metal pedals, driver lumbar support, wireless smartphone charging
• EV2 GT-Line S: TBA
• EV2 Black Edition: TBA (presumably, several gloss black accents and wheels)

Kia EV2 Gets a Cheerful Interior

There’s a charming “Hello” message with a smiley face on the top of the driver’s door cards, and inside the door handles is another message: “Have a nice day.” In a small car like this, it adds a certain appeal, but based on the images, the low-cost construction doesn’t mean a vast differentiation from current, larger Kia EVs. Fabric upholstery and cladding give a premium feel, as does a wraparound dashboard, within which sits Kia’s newest triple-screen ccNC infotainment system. This includes a 12.3-inch driver display, a 5.3-inch climate control screen, and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen for media. Kia also touts the use of eco-friendly materials in this cabin, but most buyers will be more interested in practicality. A sliding and reclining rear seat system (in four-seat configuration; a standard five-seater bench setup is also available) allows rear legroom to switch from 885 to a segment-leading 958 millimeters.

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That’s almost 38 inches, and the EV2’s cargo carrying capacity is impressive for its size, too, with 14.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats plus another 0.52 cubes in the frunk. Unfortunately, we have to admire the EV2 from afar as it’s built in Europe for Europeans. Standard-range models enter production in February, with long-range and GT-Line models following from June. Expect pricing to start around €30,000, or roughly $35,000.