Kia Unveils the Urban-Focused EV2: A Tiny EV with Big Promises for Europe

TL;DR: Kia just pulled the covers off its new EV2, a tiny, urban-focused electric hatchback that's gonna be a game-changer for affordable EVs in Europe. With a slick design, two battery options, V2L/V2G, and a rumored price under $35k, it's got big plans, but don't hold your breath, America, it might not be coming to your driveway. Sometimes the best parties are overseas, huh?

Meta: Kia officially unveiled its smallest and most affordable EV, the urban-focused EV2 electric hatchback, at the Brussels Motor Show, featuring impressive range and V2L/V2G capabilities for the European market.

Alright, alright, check it out! Kia just gave us a peek at their new EV2 at the Brussels Motor Show, and this little thing is a stunner! We've seen teasers, we've seen concepts, but now the real deal is here. It's a boxy, compact electric SUV, perfect for zipping around tight city streets, and it's designed to be an "entry point to electric mobility." In other words, it's the kind of affordable, practical EV that a lot of folks have been waiting for. It looks good, it means business, and I gotta say, I like it! It’s got that “Picnic Box” interior, emphasizing utility and cozy comfort. Sounds like my kind of ride!

Small Size, Big Features

This EV2 is small, measuring just 4060mm long, which makes it shorter than a Volvo EX30 or even a VW Golf. That's fantastic for parking in those cramped European cities. But don't let the size fool you, this car packs a punch. It'll come with two battery options: a standard 42kWh pack for about 197 miles of WLTP range, and a long-range 61kWh version promising around 278 miles. And get this: both support seriously fast AC charging at 11 or even 22kW, which is a rare treat in this segment. That means you can juice up quickly even without DC fast charging. Plus, it's got V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) functionality, so you can power your gadgets or even send electricity back to the grid. That's smart, baby!

Inside, Kia calls it a "fabric-rich" interior, which I'm all for. No need for fancy leather when you've got practicality and comfort. It features a wide display with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 5-inch climate display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. And yes, there are still physical buttons for things like volume and HVAC – because sometimes, you just need to feel that click. Digital Key 2.0 (phone-as-key) is also on board, so you can ditch those clunky old keys. Interior space is surprisingly generous for its size, thanks to that EV platform, with options for 4 or 5 seats.

The American Question: Will It Ever Come?

Now, here's the kicker for my American friends: Kia hasn't announced plans for the US market. And let's be real, with all the focus on bigger, land-yacht EVs over here, and tariffs creating headaches, the chances might be slim. It's a shame, because a good-sized, affordable EV like the EV2 could really shake things up. But for our European cousins, this little electric gem is set to start production in Slovakia in Q1 this year, with sales kicking off shortly after. Sometimes, you gotta travel to find the good stuff.

What’s Next

Production for the standard model begins imminently, with long-range and GT-Line models following later in the year. Pricing will be key, but it's expected to be more affordable than the EV3. The EV2 could become a significant player in Europe's push for widespread electric mobility, but its absence from the US market will leave a notable gap for compact, affordable EVs.

So, for all you urban dwellers across the pond, get ready for the EV2. This tiny terror is ready to conquer city streets! And that's no lie, I tell ya!