Kia’s EV2 Hits the Brussels Stage: A €25,000 Gamble on the European Small Car Market
Kia is finally showing its hand in the European budget EV race. With the global debut of the EV2 at this week’s 2026 Brussels Motor Show, the South Korean automaker is moving away from its high-priced flagship halo cars and diving into the cutthroat B-segment. This compact SUV isn't just another addition to the lineup; it is a direct challenge to the Dacia Spring and Citroën ë-C3, aiming for market share by targeting budget-conscious urban drivers who have been largely priced out of the electric transition.
While Kia executives spoke at the event about expanding their reach to a wider demographic, the strategy is clearly focused on high-volume sales in tight European cities. Production is slated to begin next month at the brand’s Slovakia plant, putting the EV2 on the road just as the region's price war for small electric cars reaches a fever pitch.
Range and the 400V Trade-off
To hit an expected starting price of under €25,000, Kia had to make some hardware compromises. Unlike the premium EV6 and EV9, which utilize a sophisticated 800-volt architecture for ultra-fast charging, the EV2 runs on a 400-volt variant of the E-GMP platform. This cost-cutting measure is the "why" behind the specs: it makes the car significantly cheaper to build, even if it means owners will spend a bit longer at the plug compared to their more affluent counterparts in the EV6.
Still, for a city-dweller, the numbers are respectable. Kia confirmed two battery options: a 42.2 kWh pack for those who stay within city limits, and a 61.0 kWh long-range pack. The larger battery delivers a WLTP-rated range of 448 kilometers (278 miles). Charging from 10% to 80% takes about 30 minutes at a DC fast charger—a solid result for a budget-friendly commuter.
| Specification | Standard Range | Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 42.2 kWh | 61.0 kWh |
| WLTP Range | 317 km | 448 km |
| DC Fast Charge (10-80%) | 29 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Overall Length | 4,060 mm | 4,060 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,565 mm | 2,565 mm |
Cramming Big Tech into a Small Box
Measuring just 4,060 mm in length—roughly the size of a Polo but taller—the EV2 is unapologetically boxy. This shape is a functional choice: in a car this short, verticality is the only way to prevent passengers from feeling like they’re in a sardine can.
The interior borrows the "triple-screen" dashboard from Kia’s more expensive models, featuring two 12.3-inch displays and a smaller 5.3-inch climate panel. It’s a high-tech look that feels significantly more premium than the spartan plastic cabins found in some entry-level rivals. To solve the space problem, Kia added a sliding second-row seat. It’s a necessary touch; with the seat pushed back, four adults can actually sit without their knees hitting the dash, though you’ll sacrifice most of your trunk space to do it.
Beyond the screens, the EV2 includes "Pet Mode," a feature designed to keep the cabin climate-controlled while the driver steps away. It’s a practical inclusion for urban owners who treat their cars as a mobile base for errands, though the real-world utility of a 100-watt USB-C port (also included) might be the bigger draw for the "work from anywhere" crowd.
The GT Line and Visual Muscle
Kia isn't just banking on low prices; they are also betting on curb appeal. The Brussels reveal included the EV2 GT Line, which swaps the standard trim’s cleaner lines for a more aggressive, "beefier" look. By pushing the taillights to the extreme lower corners and using vertical split headlights, Kia has avoided the generic, rounded "jellybean" shape that plagues many small EVs.
The presence of the GT Line, alongside the high-performance EV3 GT and EV5 GT also on display, suggests Kia wants the EV2 to be seen as a style choice rather than a budget compromise. By offering a car that looks like a rugged mini-SUV rather than a basic hatchback, Kia is hoping to attract younger buyers who want character without the premium price tag.