The Concept EV2, a compact electric city SUV expected to add to Kia’s electric vehicle portfolio, was recently unveiled in a most spectacular fashion. Beyond being cutting-edge and urban, the production version of the EV2 is set to face challenges entering the Australian market due to logistical and cost barriers.
At the Company’s 2025 EV Day in Spain, the Kia Concept EV2 was introduced, showcasing the vision of Kia for a smaller, inexpensive, and less expensive SUV, which is to be positioned beneath the EV3 and the EV5, exhibiting the traits of a true European vehicle. The EV2 is set to primarily target the EU markets as an electric alternative to the petrol-powered Kia Stonic, thus combining compact dimensions with the latest EV technology.
Design and features
The Concept EV2 turns to the differentiating ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy adopted by Kia, which has already been applied to the EV5 and EV9. A noteworthy design feature comprised of rear-hinged back doors and no central B-pillar enhances accessibility, thus engendering a feeling of spaciousness. However, this design detail may vanish upon production for safety reasons.
The exposed front headlights, with no covers, and flush-mounted door skin panels, devoid of any visible door handles, work together to engender a slick modern appearance. Despite no specific length being quoted on the EV2 yet, it qualifies as B-SUV, which means it should be dimensionally similar to the 4140mm long Kia Stonic.
The EV2 concept maximimizes the inside space further with inventive characteristics to maximize space and user enjoyment. The dashboard amalgamates digital instrument clusters and infotainment systems into a unified dual-screen setup. The rear seats, which fold-up their bases, allow the front seats to slide back, thereby granting the rear passengers extra legroom or even giving the option to sit on a flat floor for entertainment purposes.
The triangular speakers in the door trim could be removed and taken outside, providing fun during breaks or parties. Furthermore, the vehicle is Wi-Fi-ready with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) compatibility, permitting battery power of devices such as laptops, small kitchen appliances, or even another EV, thereby enhancing practicality for the driver.
Production plans and associated market availability
Kia intends to begin production of EV2 in 2026, primarily for the European arena, where there is a tremendous demand for compact electric vehicles. EV2 is expected to be produced at Kia’s Slovakian plant, specializing in Europe’s short-wheelbase Sportage SUV and Ceed hatchback.
However, the EV2 reaching Australia-looking slim. Though Kia Australia has expressed an interest in expanding its EV range, it said that concrete constraints relate to the Slovakian production site. The EV2’s importation from Slovakia would attract a 5% tariff since Australia has no FTA with Slovakia, which makes it price-uncompetitive in this price-sensitive market. Kia Australia, while highlighting these limitations, pointed out that it would like to offer the EV2 but production logistics and related costs make it “highly unlikely” for the Australian market.
Conclusion
Kia EV2 Concept presents an avant-garde picture of urban electric mobility, reduced shapes married with clever double features for city driving. With the first introductory event to be scheduled in Europe in 2026, Australians may have to look elsewhere within Kia’s growing EV lineup for an automobile to whet their appetite, such as the EV3 and EV4, due for launches on home soil. With changes in the electric vehicle scene, other market-sensitive aspects, such as production locations and trade agreements, play an important role in getting to see new models in various regions.