Kia Introduces Most Affordable Electric Vehicle With Unexpected Low Prices
April 10, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Kia has opened orders for its new EV2 compact electric SUV in several European markets, with first customer deliveries expected next month and competitive pricing starting at €26,600 in Germany and £22,245 in the UK.
The EV2 offers two battery options: 42.2 kWh and 61 kWh, delivering up to 197 miles and 281 miles of WLTP range, respectively, and can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using an 118 kW DC fast charger.
Despite being built on a 400V architecture, the EV2 provides segment-leading rear passenger legroom and up to 403 litres of cargo capacity in a compact 4,000 mm body, making it a strong contender in the sub-£25,000 EV market.
While the EV2 is currently available for order in Europe, Canadian drivers will have to wait for pricing and availability details, though the EV3 is still planned for a US launch later this year.
Canadian EV buyers can benefit from provincial rebates and federal incentives like the iZEV program, which may significantly reduce the final purchase price once the EV2 becomes available in Canada.
Kia EV2 Now Available for Order in Europe, Offering Competitive Pricing and Range
Kia has opened orders for its new **EV2**, a compact electric SUV, across multiple European markets. Following the successful launch in Germany last month, the EV2 is now available to order in the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland, with the first customer deliveries expected to begin next month. The EV2 is priced more affordably than anticipated, making it a strong contender in the competitive electric vehicle market.
In Germany, the EV2 starts at **€26,600**, which is lower than the anticipated **€30,000**. Kia is also offering attractive lease options, with rates as low as **€239** per month. In the UK, the base **EV2 “Air” long edition** is available to order from **£22,245**. When including on-the-road (OTR) fees, the starting price is **£26,995**, benefitting from a **£3,750 Reservation Savings bonus** offered by Kia.
The **EV2 First Edition** model has become the first trim eligible for the UK Government’s **£1,500 Electric Car Grant (ECG)**. Despite the inclusion of this grant, the EV2 remains slightly below the expected **£25,000** price point. Kia highlights that the EV2 “offers one of the longest ranges on a single charge of all EVs under £25,000.”
The EV2 is available in four stylish variations: **Light, Air, Earth,** and **GT-Line**. Buyers can choose from two battery pack options: **42.2 kWh** and **61 kWh**, which Kia expects will deliver up to **197 miles (317 km)** and **281 miles (453 km)** of WLTP range, respectively. For comparison, BYD’s most affordable EV, the **Dolphin Surf**, starts at **£18,675** but offers only **137 miles** of WLTP range. The larger “Boost” model of the Dolphin Surf starts at **£21,975** with a WLTP range of up to **200 miles**.
The EV2 is built on the same **E-GMP platform** that underpins Hyundai’s IONIQ series and Kia’s other EVs. However, unlike the EV3, it uses a **400V architecture** instead of an 800V one, which helps reduce costs. Despite this, the EV2 can still recharge from **10% to 80% in about 30 minutes** using a **118 kW DC fast charger**. For context, the EV6, with an 800V system, can charge from **10% to 80% in about 18 minutes** using a **350 kW DC fast charger**.
Inside, the EV2 features Kia’s latest **ccNC infotainment system** in two versions. The standard **“Lite” version** offers dual **12.3”** driver-cluster and infotainment screens, along with a **5”** climate-control display, but excludes built-in navigation. However, users can still access navigation via apps like **Google Maps**, which connect their smartphone to the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Measuring just over **4,000 mm** in length, the EV2 is even smaller than the **Volkswagen ID.3**. Despite its compact size, it boasts “segment-leading” rear passenger legroom and up to **403 litres** of cargo capacity, thanks to its flexible interior and flat floor design.
The **EV2 with the smaller 42.2 kWh battery** is equipped with a **108 kW (146 hp)** front-mounted electric motor, delivering up to **197 miles (317 km)** of range. Production of the standard-range (42.2 kWh) battery variant is already underway in Slovakia. The extended-range (61 kWh) battery and the sporty **GT-Line version** will join it in June 2026. The larger **61 kWh battery** variant uses a “slightly detuned” **99.5 kW (135 hp)** front motor to maximise efficiency, providing up to **256 miles (413 km)** of range.
Since launching the **EV3** in late 2024, the compact electric SUV has become one of the top-selling EVs in Europe and several overseas markets. With the introduction of the EV2, Kia now offers an electric model in nearly every segment in Europe, including the **EV2, EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6,** and **EV9**. After achieving record sales in Europe and the UK in 2025, Kia is eager to build on this momentum with a complete lineup of electric vehicles.
While the EV2 is making waves in Europe, it’s important to note that Canadian drivers will have to wait a bit longer to see most of these models. Due to recent policy changes in the US, Kia has announced indefinite delays for several US-bound EVs scheduled for 2026. However, there is some good news: the **EV3** is still planned for a US launch later this year.
For Canadian EV enthusiasts, there is still hope on the horizon. Although specific pricing and availability for the EV2 in Canada have not yet been announced, it’s expected to follow a similar trend to other Kia EVs. Canadian buyers can take advantage of provincial rebates and federal incentives such as the iZEV program, which can significantly reduce the final purchase price. Stay tuned for updates as Kia continues to expand its electric vehicle lineup in North America.
