Kia Set to Debut Compact EV2 at Brussels Motor Show, Expanding European Electric Lineup
Kia has officially announced that its smallest electric vehicle, the EV2, will premiere on January 9, 2024, at the Brussels Motor Show in Belgium. Slotted below the EV3 in Kia’s growing EV portfolio, the model enters a competitive segment brimming with new arrivals like the Renault 5 and Hyundai Inster.
Key Details:
- Positioning: The EV2 will be Kia’s most affordable electric offering, adopting a mini-SUV design akin to the EV3 but with a more compact footprint.
- Production: Manufacturing will begin in Slovakia, scaling up through 2026 to meet European demand.
- Platform: Built on Hyundai-Kia’s E-GMP architecture (front-wheel-drive version), shared with models like the EV5.
Design & Features
Teaser images hint that the production EV2 closely resembles its concept predecessor, retaining bold styling and SUV-inspired elements. However, the interior will depart from the concept’s futuristic aesthetic, instead mirroring the EV3’s practical cabin layout.
Battery & Performance
Two battery options are expected:
- A base LFP (lithium iron phosphate) pack for affordability.
- A long-range NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) variant for improved energy density.
While specs remain unconfirmed, capacities will likely sit between the Hyundai Inster’s 49 kWh pack and the EV3’s 58.3–81.4 kWh options. Despite shared underpinnings with the Inster, the EV2’s dedicated EV platform may deliver superior range and charging performance.
Market Focus & Pricing
Designed primarily for Europe, the EV2 could also launch in South Korea and other markets. However, U.S. availability is unlikely due to tariff barriers. Kia emphasizes the car’s role in “shaping the future of responsible mobility” regionally, targeting urban drivers with its compact size and versatility.
Pricing is estimated around €30,000 ($34,800), positioning it against the Renault 4 (similarly priced) and Inster. While the Kia may offer better range and cabin space, reviewers note that French rivals like the Renault 5 boast more engaging driving dynamics.
What’s Next?
Kia’s Brussels showcase will also include high-performance GT variants of the EV3, EV4, and EV5. While no EV2 GT has been confirmed, its absence in the lineup leaves room for a future sporty iteration.
The EV2’s arrival underscores Kia’s push to dominate the affordable EV space, though its success may hinge on balancing cost, range, and driving appeal in a fiercely competitive market.
