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.