Honey I shrunk the Kia – the brand's smallest electric car revealed

We saw a teaser of the EV2 last year in the form of a concept car, but now the finished version has been revealed at the Brussels Motor Show. Following the same design template as the larger EV9, the EV2 is Kia’s answer to Hyundai’s Inster, expanding the choice of smaller, more affordable electric cars on offer. With the EV2 Kia is hoping a combination of big-car technology, boxy yet modern styling, and flexible use of space will encourage more buyers make the switch to electric with a particular focus on city-dwellers.
• The EV2 is a compact electric SUV. At approximately four meters long it it the smallest EV in Kia’s line-up • The EV2 will be built in Europe, feature Kia’s latest tech and have a focus on practicality • There’ll be a standard-range model offering just under 200 miles of range and a long-range version capable of up to 278 miles • Expected to arrive later this year • Likely to start from around £24,000

The EV2 looks very similar to the Concept car we saw last year however it has sadly lost the striking reverse-hinged rear doors. The EV2 takes Kia’s latest ‘Opposites United’ design language and condenses it into a smaller package to create an EV9 in miniature. The side profile has hints of the Jeep Avenger with chunky rubber wheel arches adding to the robust look. At the front the vertical daylight running lights follow what Kia calls its “Star Map signature” and while we’re not entirely sure it resembles a clear night’s sky, to our eyes it does look smart and modern.

The inside is much more conventional than the original concept. Despite the EV2’s petite proportions the boxy shape gives Kia plenty room to play with and there’ll be the option to have either four or five seats depending on the trim you choose. The EV2 will feature Kia’s latest infotainment system which comprises of three screens joined into a single panel. This includes a driver display, a small climate control screen and a central touch-screen. We don’t have UK specifications yet but expect they will follow a similar structure to Kia’s other electric models. Sustainable materials are still the order of the day, and an array of recycled plastics and eco-conscious upholstery have been used. The finished EV2 will come packed with big-car tech and a suite of safety systems as standard. The EV2 will be able to receive over-the-air updates and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology will allow you to power other electrical devices using the car’s battery.

They’ll be two battery options when the EV2 goes on sale. The standard-range version is expected to have a range of just under 200 miles, while the long-range version will provide up to 278 miles of range.

Kia is expecting to have the EV2 on sale later in 2026. So far it has not given an indication about pricing, but we would expect it to be similar to Hyundai’s Inster which starts at under £24,000.

Kia now has a comprehensive range of electric models in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most recently it launched the PV5 which is available as either a van or a people carrier. Sporty GT versions of the EV3, EV4 and EV5 are also on the way soon.

There’s recently been an influx of more affordable compact electric cars which straddle the line between hatchback and mini SUV. The EV2’s closest completion will come from its Korean cousin, the Hyundai Inster, yet buyers may also consider the Renault 4, BYD Atto 2 or Fiat Grande Panda.