Kia's new EV2 promises 278-mile battery range
Fri, 09 Jan 2026
- Kia EV2 is a new small electric SUV
- Battery range of up to 278 miles
- Will rival Renault 4, VW ID.Polo and more
The covers have been pulled back on the new Kia EV2, the smallest of Kia's rapidly expanding electric range of cars. The EV2 is set to be a key rival for other small electric SUVs like of the Renault 4, the Volkswagen ID.Polo and the Skoda Epiq.
The new Kia EV2 promises a roomy boot for a car of this size with up to 403 litres of space in the back, as well as a battery range of up to 278 miles. There's also an option to spec the EV2 with a smaller battery and that promises a range of up to 197 miles.
As you can see from our photos, the styling of the EV2 is very similar to other Kia EVs – a design philosophy that the brand calls "Opposites United". The production car's arrival follows the reveal of the Concept EV2 back in April last year, which gave us a very good idea of what the finished product will look like.
The final production version of the Kia EV2 has just been revealed at the Brussels Motor Show in Belgium.
2026 Kia EV2 prices and release date
No pricing or firm release date has been announced yet, but we know that production starts in Febuary for the standard-range EV2 model, and June for the GT-Line and long-range versions. Expect an on-sale date around that same period, likely with a starting price in the mid-to-high £20k range. Once we know more, we'll update the details here.
2026 Kia EV2 styling interior and technology
The launch of the production Kia EV2 really does show how close last year's EV2 Concept car was to the final design. As we've touched on, it shares lots of styling cues that we've seen other Kia EVs, with vertical daytime running lights at the front and Kia's signature "Star Map" headlight design. Alloy wheels will range in size from 16 inches to 19 inches, depending on the trim chosen.
Speaking of trims, while the final UK specifications haven't yet been announced, there will be a sportier GT-Line model with a beefier bodykit, featuring gloss black elements on the outside for a jazzier look. As we've seen with other Kia models, this should prove a very popular trim.
Inside, there's a spacious cabin for the size and a design that Kia says is inspired by a picnic box. There's a wraparound dashboard up front with lots of fabric for a more luxurious look, and a new version of Kia's infotainment system called ccNC Lite. There are three screens – a 12.3-inch driver display, a central touchscreen of the same size, and a 5.3-inch screen showing climate control information.
Kia is offering buyers the choice of either a four or five seat configuration with the EV2. For the four-seater, you get a new independently sliding and reclining rear-seat setup to maximise either rear legroom or boot space. With the seats slid forward, you'll get up to 403 litres of cargo storage, which is impressive for this type of car. If you plump for the five-seat set-up, then boot space drops to 362 litres. Which ever version you choose, the Kia EV2 comes with a 15-litre "frunk" under the bonnet. However, that's only in the four-seat versions of the EV2 – Kia is letting customers choose between that and a five-seat model.
2026 Kia EV2 motors, batteries and range
The Kia EV2 will come with a choice of two batteries when it hits the road. The standard-range Kia EV2 comes with a 42.2kWh battery that gives a range of up to 197 miles on a full charge, while the larger 61kWh unit promises up to 278 miles.
Both models are built on a 400V architecture, which basically means you can expect rather fast charging for an electric car at this price point. Kia says the standard car will charge from 10% to 80% battery capacity in 29 minutes using a suitable DC charger, while the long-range model will take 30 minutes.
The EV2 will also be the first Kia model at launch to support both 11kW and 22kW AC charging, giving customers more options at different types of charger.
Both Vehicle to Load (V2L) and Vehicle to Grid (V2G) systems are included to charge external appliances and send power back to the electric grid.
When does the Kia EV2 go on sale?
No firm release date has yet been announced, but production will get underway at Kia's plant in Slovakia in February.
How big is the Kia EV2?
The Kia EV2 is what's known as a B-segment SUV, and measures 4060mm in length, 1800mm in width and 1575mm in height.
What's the Kia EV2's range?
Kia says the EV2 will manage up to 278 miles on a single charge of the larger 61kWh battery, and up to 197 miles with the smaller 42.2kWh unit.
