The Kia EV2 electric car, the Korean’s smallest yet, is currently undergoing testing before an official launch later this year.
It follows hot on the heels of the EV5, and the EV3 that’s soon to be released here. Described as a high-riding hatchback, it looks to be another crossover style of vehicle, a scaled down EV5 or 3 if you like. Kia hopes to sell it in the UK for around £23k.
It appears at this stage that the EV2 is destined for European markets only. Oh, and the UK. It will be manufactured in Kia’s Slovakia plant.
The company may show off its styling with the reveal of a near production-ready concept soon, ahead of the final design unveiling at the end of the year.
Unlike rivals such as R5 and Mini Cooper, both featuring modern retro styling, this will be more upright. It will also be bigger than its Hyundai Inster EV relative, at round 4m in length, and with a 2555mm wheelbase. The expected retail price is likely to be similar to that of Inster.
Expect the same Kia family face as seen on the others in the range, featuring vertical DRLs and standalone headlights. The tall body should liberate oodles of cabin space, with a familiar dash layout and infotainment options to EV3.
The EV2 will likely be available only in single-motor form. It will ride on the same dedicated E-GMP electric car platform as the EV3. While it won’t feature 800V technology for ultrafast charging (10 to 80 per cent in 30min optimum), it is likely to offer a slightly larger battery size than its rivals. So range of at least 400km is expected.
Kia has trademarked the model designations EV1 through to EV9. The small newcomer will be the sixth in the Kia EV range to go into production. It follows the EV6, EV9, EV5 and EV3, with the EV4 due for reveal soon. Elsewhere, a PV5 van and MPV should debut in the near future.
