South Korean automaker Kia has unveiled its sixth dedicated electric vehicle (EV) model at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show in Belgium, the EV2 compact SUV with a driving range of up to 448 kilometres and bidirectional charging.
The Kia EV2 made its global premiere as part of the carmaker’s efforts to deliver a new entry point to electric mobility.
“With the Kia EV2, we are expanding the reach of Kia’s electric mobility to customers who want a compact car that still feels spacious, capable and emotionally rewarding,” said Ho Sung Song, president and CEO of Kia.
“EV2 reflects our commitment to practical innovation — bringing advanced EV technology, thoughtful design and everyday usability into a model created for the way people live and move in cities around the world.”
The Kia EV2, alongside an EV2 GT Line variant, is the most compact electric SUV in the carmaker’s lineup but still claims a spacious cabin profile.
Apparently defined by the idea of a “Picnic Box”, the EV2 boasts sliding second-row seats, generous headroom, and reclining backrests, with interior space Kia believes is “comparable to larger vehicles”.
The sliding and reclining rear seats allow legroom to extend up to 958mm, while luggage capacity measures up to 403 litres when the rear seats are positioned fully forward. A front trunk adds additional storage space.
Two variants will be available, the standard- range with a 42.2-kWh battery and a long-range model with a 61-kWh battery, delivering up to 317 kilometres and 448 kilometres, respectively (WLTP).
Fast charging can take both batteries from 10 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes (29 and 30 minutes, respectively), while AC charging offers two rates, 11 kW for total charging time of around 4 hours for the standard-range model and 5 hours 35 minutes for the long-range, or 22 kW charging for 2 hours 35 and 3 hours, respectively.
A range of safety and driver assistance features are included, and a wraparound crash pad seamlessly integrates a panoramic wide display that combines a 12.3-inch cluster, 5-inch climate panel, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Other additions include ambient cabin lighting, physical controls, a premium Harman/Kardon audio system, Digital Key 2, and wireless OTA updates
Kia announced that production of the EV2 is expected to begin sometime during this year’s first quarter for the standard-range model, followed by the long-range and GT Line variants throughout the year. Specific market launch timings will be announced closer to the start of sales.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.