2026 Kia EV2 spied: EV hatch to take on Volkswagen ID.2

Jordan Mulach

Kias expectant EV2 hatch has been conducting spy tests in Europe ahead of its debut as a more affordable electric car for the continent.

The EV2, which will rival the Volkswagen ID.2, will be built in Slovakia from 2025 with European deliveries starting in 2026.

It has yet to be confirmed for Australia, where – if sold here – there will be an additional five percent import tariff.

It’s slated to start from less than €30,000 (A$49,500), and is expected to be the cheapest electric vehicle (EV) that can run on Hyundai Group’s E-GMP platform, which also underpins the EV3, EV6 and EV9, allowing single- and dual-motor applications.

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While the spy photos don’t provide any context for its size, the EV2 is expected to be similar to the Kia Soul and will have largely the same overall shape as the current model, albeit with the design language of the brand’s EV range.

This can be seen in the design of the headlights through the camouflage, while the hood will also sit much lower than shown. Integrated roof rails lead back to what appears to be a tapered roofline and low-mounted taillights.

The machined alloy wheels with black spokes are also reminiscent of other electric Kias, such as the Niro.

The EV2 is important for Kia in reducing the cost of electric vehicles, says Kia president Ho-sung Song Coach September that this is the next step in lowering the prices of battery-powered models.

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“Our next target is an EV model from €30,000 (A$49,500). This is what we are preparing to offer customers,” Mr Song said.

“Even so, we think we need less than €25,000 (A$41,200) for our EV cars and perhaps we can leverage around €20,000 (A$33,000). But that cannot happen in the next two years.”

In Australia, Kia’s cheapest EV currently on sale is the EV5, starting from $56,770 drive away. It will be built exclusively in China for the time being.

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