Production-Ready Kia EV2 Spied in Germany Ahead of Launch in 2026

Kia’s next big bet in the entry-level EV space, the EV2, has been spotted testing on European roads, revealing production-spec elements and further clarifying the brand’s positioning in the compact electric crossover segment. The EV2 was first previewed as a concept in February 2025 and is now nearing its production debut, with a market launch expected in early 2026. Spy shots from Germany provide the most comprehensive look yet at Kia’s smallest electric vehicle under its new-generation EV lineup. 

The EV2’s styling draws clear inspiration from Kia’s flagship electric SUV, the EV9, but in a far more compact and urban-friendly package. The boxy proportions and Star Map LED signature lighting give it a bold identity despite its small footprint. While it shares similarities with the Soul EV in side profile, the EV2 is expected to sit just below the EV3 in the lineup, effectively replacing the Soul in several international markets. 

Also Read: Kia EV Day 2025: Kia EV4, PV5 and Concept EV2 Unveiled

The prototype was seen riding on five-lug wheels, a step above the four-lug layout of the smaller Hyundai Inster, indicating a more premium positioning within the micro-crossover segment. Also visible were rear disc brakes, a practical upgrade over the rear drum brakes used in some compact electric rivals like the Volkswagen ID.4. 

Additional production-ready details include 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Kumho Ecsta low rolling resistance tyres, rear and front parking sensors, and radar hardware integrated into the lower front bumper—presumably for adaptive cruise control and other ADAS functionalities. 

While Kia has yet to reveal the production interior, the concept offered earlier this year included a minimalistic cabin with a dual-screen layout—one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for infotainment. This layout is expected to remain in the final version.

One omission from the concept that will likely be corrected in the production car is the central front armrest, which is standard fare in this segment and essential for daily comfort. Other expected cabin highlights include over-the-air (OTA) software update support, a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability.

The EV2 will not use Kia’s advanced 800-volt E-GMP architecture seen on the EV6 and EV9, but rather a more cost-effective 400-volt system, which also underpins the upcoming EV3. The platform will support both LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) and NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery chemistries.

There is no plan for a dual-motor AWD setup. The EV2 is expected to remain a single-motor, front-wheel-drive crossover, with a focus on affordability and urban utility rather than performance.

The EV2 will be manufactured at Kia’s Zilina plant in Slovakia, a facility that has been central to the brand’s European operations since 2006. Launch is slated for H1 2026, with a starting price between €25,000 (approx. ₹24.11 lakh and €30,000 (approx. ₹28.94 lakh), as confirmed by CEO Ho-sung Song earlier this year. 

Photo Source: Autoevolution.com