Kia Launches Most Affordable EV at Lower Prices Than Expected

The new EV2 model is now available to order in Europe, with deliveries starting next month.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:36pm

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An abstract, blurred image of a Kia EV2 electric SUV in motion, with streaks of vibrant colors representing its speed and modern engineering.Kia's new affordable EV2 model brings electrification to the masses with its dynamic, colorful design and long-range capabilities.NYC Today

Kia has launched its new EV2 model in several European markets, including Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland. The EV2 is Kia's most affordable electric vehicle, with prices starting at €26,600 ($30,500) in Germany, lower than the expected €30,000 ($35,000). Kia is also offering leases as low as €239 ($275) per month. In the UK, the base EV2 'Air' long edition is available to order from £24,245 ($32,000) on the road, slightly below the expected £25,000 ($33,000). The EV2 offers one of the longest ranges on a single charge of all EVs under £25,000.

Why it matters

The launch of the affordable EV2 model is a significant step in Kia's electrification strategy in Europe, as the company aims to offer an electric vehicle in nearly every segment. The lower-than-expected prices for the EV2 will help make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider range of consumers, potentially boosting EV adoption in the region.

The details

The EV2 is based on the same E-GMP platform that underpins Hyundai's IONIQ series and Kia's other EVs, but it uses a 400V architecture rather than an 800V one to cut costs. The EV2 can still recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a 118 kW DC fast charger. The entry-level electric SUV features Kia's latest ccNC infotainment system, with dual 12.3" driver-cluster and infotainment screens, alongside a 5" climate-control display. The EV2 is even smaller than the Volkswagen ID.3 at just over 4,000 mm (160") long, but it offers 'segment-leading' rear passenger legroom and up to 403 liters of cargo capacity.

  • Kia opened EV2 orders in Germany last week.
  • The first customer deliveries of the EV2 will start next month.
  • The standard-range (42.2 kWh) battery variant is now in production in Slovakia.
  • The extended-range (61 kWh) battery and the sporty GT-Line version will join production in June 2026.

The players

Soohang Chang

President and CEO at Kia Europe.

Kia

An automotive manufacturer that has launched its new EV2 model, the company's most affordable electric vehicle, in several European markets.

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What’s next

The larger 61 kWh battery variant and the sporty GT-Line version of the EV2 are expected to join production in June 2026.

The takeaway

Kia's launch of the affordable EV2 model in Europe, with prices lower than expected, is a significant step in the company's electrification strategy and could help boost EV adoption in the region by making electric vehicles more accessible to a wider range of consumers.