Kia’s upcoming EV2 hatch has been spied testing in Europe, ahead of its debut as a more affordable electric vehicle for the continent.
Set to rival the Volkswagen ID.2, the EV2 will be built in Slovakia from 2025, with European deliveries commencing in 2026.
It’s yet to be confirmed for Australia, where – if it’s sold here – it’ll be slugged with an extra five per cent import tariff.
Slated to start from under €30,000 (A$49,500), it’s set to be the cheapest electric vehicle (EV) to ride on the Hyundai Group’s E-GMP platform which also underpins the EV3, EV6 and EV9, allowing for single- and dual-motor applications.
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Though the spy photos don’t provide context to its size, the EV2 is expected to be similar to the Kia Soul, and share largely the same overall shape as the current model, albeit with the design language of the brand’s EV range.
This can be seen by the design of its headlights through the camouflage, while its bonnet will also sit far lower than pictured. Integrated roof rails lead back to what appears to be a tapered-off roofline and low-mounted tail lights.
Its machine-finished alloy wheels with black spokes are also reminiscent of other electric Kias, such as the Niro.
The EV2 is important to Kia in bringing the cost of EVs down, with Kia president Ho-sung Song telling Autocar September that it’s the next step in lowering prices of battery-powered models.
“Our next target is an EV model starting from €30,000 (A$49,500). This is what we’re preparing to offer customers,” said Mr Song.
“Still, we think we need sub-€25,000 (A$41,200) in our EV cars and maybe we can leverage around €20,000 (A$33,000). But that cannot happen in the next two years.”
In Australia, Kia’s least expensive EV currently on sale is the EV5, starting from $56,770 drive-away. It’s exclusively built in China for now.
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