Kia EV2 to Debut on January 9 as the Brand’s Most Affordable Electric SUV

Kia has confirmed that it will unveil its smallest and most affordable electric vehicle yet — the Kia EV2 — on January 9 at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show. Positioned below the EV3, the EV2 will compete in Europe’s fast-growing B-segment electric SUV category, joining rivals like the Renault 5, Renault 4, and Hyundai Ioniq.

A Compact Electric SUV Designed for Europe

The production EV2, shown in lightly disguised teaser images, stays visually close to the earlier EV2 concept. While the exterior appears faithful to the original study, the interior is expected to align more closely with the EV3’s minimalist, tech-forward cabin rather than the concept’s more experimental look.

Kia developed the EV2 specifically for European customers and confirmed that production will take place in Slovakia, with output ramping up throughout 2026.

Platform and Battery Options

The EV2 rides on the front-wheel-drive version of Kia’s E-GMP platform, the same modular, EV-first architecture used in models from the EV2 up to the EV5. It will offer two battery choices:

• Base model: smaller LFP battery

• Long-range model: larger NMC battery pack

Exact capacities haven’t been released, but analysts expect the EV2’s packs to be:

• Smaller than the EV3’s (58.3 kWh / 81.4 kWh)

• Larger than the Hyundai Ioniq’s 49 kWh option

This positions the EV2 as a direct competitor to the Inster, but with the advantage of being a ground-up EV, not an adapted ICE platform.

Not Coming to the United States

Although the EV2 will be engineered primarily for Europe, Kia is expected to offer it in South Korea and possibly other global markets. However, due to tariffs and market positioning, the brand does not plan to bring the EV2 to the United States — a missed opportunity given the growing interest in affordable EVs like the upcoming 2026 Chevrolet Bolt.

Kia’s Positioning and Strategy

Kia describes the EV2 as a model that “delivers the innovation and spirit of our larger EVs while fitting seamlessly into everyday life in Europe.”

As part of the Brussels event, Kia will also debut GT performance variants of the EV3, EV4, and EV5. While no EV2 GT is planned at launch, Kia may add it later to maintain lineup consistency.

Expected Pricing and Market Impact

The EV2 is expected to start at around €30,000 ($34,800) — competitive, though slightly higher than the base Renault 4. Despite its small footprint, the EV2 is likely to offer:

• A roomier interior than rivals

• Better range and charging speeds thanks to E-GMP

• Modern design and stronger tech features

Driving enthusiasts may still prefer the Renault 4 or 5, but the EV2 aims to win buyers with practicality, efficiency, and value.

Conclusion

With demand for small, affordable EVs exploding in Europe, the Kia EV2 arrives at the perfect time. Designed, engineered, and built in Europe, it will serve as Kia’s entry point into the electric market and could become one of the region’s most important EV launches of 2026.