ŽILINA (Slovakia) – Kia is marking a major milestone in its electrification strategy across Europe with the announcement of a major range expansion for the brand’s most affordable zero-emission model: the Kia EV2. Originally unveiled in a world premiere earlier this year at the Brussels Motor Show, the compact B-segment SUV now receives a comprehensive set of updates designed to change the rules of the game in its class.
The list of new features includes the introduction of a high-capacity battery (61 kWh), a sporty GT-Line equipment line and an exclusive variant with dark accents, called Black-Line. The most important news for customers is that production of these new versions starts today at the plant in Žilina, Slovakia.
Unlike other global models, the Kia EV2 has been designed, developed and manufactured entirely in Europe, being optimised for the infrastructure and customer preferences of the continent. Positioned in dimensions below its bigger brother EV3 (having a length of approximately 4.06 meters), the EV2 uses the dedicated E-GMP architecture and manages to offer a record interior space for its class.
If at the time of the initial launch of the EV2 it promised a standard battery (42.2 kWh) capable of an urban range of up to 317 kilometers in the WLTP cycle, the South Korean manufacturer now places the model in the league of vehicles capable of long trips without emotions.
The big technical novelty is the 61 kWh "Long Range" battery, which pushes the official range up to 453 kilometers in WLTP mixed mode. The system is built on a 400V electric platform, optimized for maximum efficiency.
At a direct current (DC) fast charging station, the 10-80% charge takes just 30 minutes. In addition, for alternating current (AC) charging – at home or at public destination stations – the vehicle is compatible with 11 kW or, optionally, with a 22 kW performance rectifier, a rare feature in this segment that allows the large battery to be fully recharged in around 3 hours.
In addition to the technical improvements, Kia is also stepping up its aesthetic profile and launching the special Black-Line version, derived from the top-of-the-line GT-Line. It instantly stands out with:
Inside, the Black-Line version offers a minimalist atmosphere, defined by a sober and elegant combination of dark gray and black.
For those who opt for the sporty GT-Line, the model brings exterior trim painted in body color, bumpers with a dynamic design specific to the GT range, and a three-spoke sports steering wheel, equipped with metal paddles from which the driver can adjust the intensity of the regenerative braking system.
The list of standard features for the new versions is extremely generous and includes a panoramic multimedia system with integrated navigation, a high-fidelity audio system signed by Harman Kardon and the Highway Driving Assist 2.0 driving assistance package (which autonomously controls the distance, lane and assists in changing lanes on the highway). Optionally, customers can tick seats with memory function and ventilation, as well as Digital Key 2.0 technology, which turns a smartphone or smartwatch into a digital key.
With the start-up of assembly lines at the Žilina plant today, the opening of order systems in the dealer network in Romania is imminent. The first deliveries to the local market are estimated for autumn 2026 (second half of the third quarter).
Although the official list prices for Romania will be communicated in the immediate future, correlating data from European markets gives us a clear picture of the brand's very competitive commercial strategy:
Note for the Romanian market: Given that customers will be able to access the Rabla Plus government program, the effective starting price for the base variant could drop substantially, positioning the new Kia EV2 as one of the most formidable electric models on the market, capable of competing directly with models such as the Renault 5 E-Tech, Skoda Epiq and Citroën ë-C3.