Kia's pint-sized EV2 spotted road testing in South Korea

Kia's smallest EV in its fast-growing lineup is the upcoming Kia EV2, a compact electric SUV that's already attracting a lot of attention while undergoing road tests in South Korea and Germany. This new entrant will be Kia's smallest and, crucially, most affordable electric vehicle, potentially making EV ownership a reality for a much broader audience.

Positioned to slot in beneath the recently unveiled EV3, the EV2 is not just a shrunken version of its siblings. Kia seems to understand that for many, the gateway to electric cars isn't through huge SUVs with premium price tags but through practical, city-friendly vehicles that don't break the bank. The EV2, with an expected length of around 157 inches, is aimed at urbanites and those looking for an efficient, nimble electric ride.

Despite its compact footprint, Kia is promising a surprisingly spacious interior. Glimpses of the EV2 concept's cabin, revealed during Milan Design Week, present a really spacious interior. Leveraging the advantages of a dedicated electric vehicle platform – likely Hyundai's E-GMP architecture – the EV2 will have a flat floor, a key to maximizing interior volume and offering flexible seating arrangements. Kia even suggests that by folding the second-row seats and adjusting the front seats, users can create an open space to stretch out.

The versatile E-GMP platform is known for its efficiency and ability to maximize interior space. For the EV2, this could translate into a well-balanced vehicle offering a decent range and a comfortable passenger experience. The EV2 is anticipated to offer a WLTP range of around 300 miles on a full charge. It's also plausible that Kia will offer smaller battery options to achieve a more attractive starting price, albeit with a reduced range.

The EV2 is expected to use Kia's new ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) panoramic infotainment system. This system typically features dual 12.3-inch screens, one serving as the driver's display and the other for navigation and media. The exterior design, as spied on public roads, carries the brand's current design language, characterized by signature vertical daytime running lights and "Star Map" lightning, echoing the aesthetics of the larger EV3, EV5, and the rather commanding EV9.

The big question, of course, is pricing. Official figures will be announced closer to its launch, but Kia's CEO, Ho-Sung Song, had previously indicated a target starting price of around $33,000 for the UK market, but given the passage of time and market shifts, this figure should be taken with a grain of salt.

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