Kia to produce new EV2 electric model in Slovakia
- Like its compatriot Hyundai, the Korean carmaker Kia regularly completes its range of 100% electric cars, which began with the EV6 (D-segment sedan) measuring 4.68 m long and the EV9 (E-segment SUV) measuring 5.01 m long. Last year, the EV3 (C-segment SUV) measuring 4.30 m long was added. These three models are based on the same e-GMP platform shared by Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. In 2025, another model will be added to these three 100% electric models on the same platform. This is the Kia EV2 (B-segment SUV), which takes the style of the Kia EV3 but in more modest proportions (4.00 m long) but is a little more imposing than those of its compatriot, the Hyundai Inster (3.83 m), which has a different appearance.
- This new model is part of the series of 100% electric compact models offered in Europe for less than 30,000 euros, which have been launched since last year by carmakers, such as the Citroën e-C3, Renault 5 E-Tech, Fiat Grande Panda EV, Hyundai Inster which will soon be joined by the Renault Twingo, Skoda Epiq , Cupra Raval, Volkswagen ID1 and ID2.
- In the Kia range, the EV2 will replace the comparable-length combustion-engined Rio, which was withdrawn from the European market last year. It will be equipped with a choice of an LFP battery, providing a WLTP range of 300 km, or an NMC battery, providing a WLTP range of 450 km.
- Kia will produce the EV2 in Europe, at its Slovakian plant in Zilina, from autumn 2025, in response to the ambitions of Chinese carmakers who want to establish themselves in Europe today. The carmaker is counting on an initial volume of 80,000 units per year and then 100,000 per year, which seems very ambitious. Kia should then increase the production capacity of its Zilina plant, currently set at 300,000 vehicles per year. In 2024, this plant produced 287,000 cars ( Ceed , XCeed , ProCeed , Sportage ).