Kia EV2: €26,600 Electric SUV Challenges Renault and Citroën

The Korean automaker has opened orders for its new compact electric SUV starting at €26,600 in Germany with the standard 42.2 kWh battery. Built in Slovakia, the EV2 is banking on an aggressive positioning to compete with the Renault 4 E-Tech and the Citroën ë-C3 in the hotly contested urban electric SUV segment.

"We were somewhat collateral damage. When you look at a world map, South Korea is after China and since the transport component of the eco-score is very high, it mechanically eliminates distant production" — Marc Hedrich, President of Kia France

A Particularly Aggressive Starting Price

Kia is launching the offensive with its EV2, with prices starting at €26,600 for the Light trim equipped with the 42.2 kWh LFP battery. This positioning puts the Korean SUV in direct competition with its European rivals: the Renault 4 E-Tech starting at €28,990 and the Citroën ë-C3 offered from €23,300 with the eco-bonus.

The EV2 comes in four trim levels. The range starts with the Light version at €26,600, followed by the Air at €29,850, the Earth available with both powertrains (€34,350 with 146 hp and €38,350 with 135 hp), and the top-of-the-line GT-Line at €40,850. The latter is only offered with the large 61 kWh battery.

Two Batteries for Different Uses

Kia offers two distinct battery configurations. The first, called Standard Range, features a 42.2 kWh LFP pack paired with a motor producing 146 hp (108 kW). This combination provides a range of 317 km according to the WLTP cycle, perfectly suited for daily urban and suburban use.

The second option focuses on versatility with a 61 kWh NMC battery. Curiously, the motor has a slightly lower output of 135 hp, but the range climbs to 453 km WLTP. This long-range version allows for worry-free longer trips and holiday getaways.

Optimized Charging

On the charging front, the EV2 comes standard with an 11 kW AC charger, with a 22 kW option costing an additional €1,250. This latter solution allows for a full recharge in about 2.5 hours on compatible public chargers. DC fast charging remains limited by the 400V architecture, common in this market segment.

The system supports bidirectional V2L (Vehicle to Load) and V2G (Vehicle to Grid) charging, features still rare in this price segment. The EV2 can thus power external equipment or send energy back to the electrical grid.

A Cabin Designed for Europe

At 4.06 meters long with a wheelbase of 2.56 meters, the EV2 positions itself slightly below the Renault 4 (4.14 m). This compactness doesn't harm habitability thanks to an optimized interior space design.

The trunk volume reaches 362 liters in normal configuration and up to 1,201 liters with the seats folded. A small 15-liter front trunk completes the package for storing the charging cable. The cabin features a triple-screen infotainment system and OTA (Over The Air) updates.

When Will It Be Available?

Deliveries of the EV2 will be staggered by version. Kia plans to deliver the first Air and Earth trims equipped with the standard battery starting in April 2026. The long-range versions with the 61 kWh pack, including the GT-Line, will follow from July 2026. The entry-level Light version won't arrive until October 2026.

This launch strategy prioritizes intermediate trims, likely to optimize margins in a context of intense price competition. Production takes place at the Kia plant in Žilina, Slovakia, alongside the EV4.