Kia Unveils $15,000 EV2, Spearheading Affordable Electric Vehicle Drive

Kia has unveiled the EV2, its newest addition to the electric vehicle market, priced at around $15,000. This compact SUV, seen in recent test footage, is part of Kia's broader strategy to introduce a range of affordable EVs, challenging established brands and reshaping the sector's competitive landscape.

Kia Introduces Trio of Electric Vehicles, Targeting Broad Market with Competitive Pricing and Advanced Features

According to Electrek, Kia showcased three new inexpensive electric vehicles on its inaugural EV Day in October. The lineup consists of the EV3, EV4, and EV5. Kia unveiled the EV5 in China in November, with prices starting at about $20,000 (149,800 yuan) to compete with Tesla's Model Y and low-cost Chinese EV manufacturers such as BYD.

Kia's EV5 is based on Hyundai's E-GMP platform, which underpins the IONIQ 5. It has a CLTC range of up to 447 miles (720 kilometers). In Australia, the EV5 starts at around $46,000 (70,000 AUS).

The Kia EV3 is next in line. Kia’s EV3 inherits the tech and design from its three-row EV9 in a smaller, more affordable package. The EV3 is set to launch this summer, with a sporty GT line following in the fall. We've spotted EV3 prototypes in the wild a few times as they prepare to debut.

The vehicle is estimated to measure approximately 170 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 62 inches high, similar to the Volvo EX30 or Hyundai Kona EV models. The EV3 is projected to cost roughly $30,000. Following that, Kia will unveil the EV4, Kia's approach to an entry-level electric vehicle with a distinctive design and profile.

Kia describes the EV4 as an "entirely new type of sedan that stands as a symbol of innovation," representing the brand's future direction. It will start at about $35,000.

Kia also announced during its EV Day that it will release an even smaller and less expensive EV2 electric SUV. Kia CEO Ho-Sung Song told Autocar that inexpensive electric vehicles are "very important" to the brand's future.

Kia's CEO further stated that the EV2 is a "very unique and important model" in key countries such as Europe. Given Kia's propensity for SUVs, the EV2 is projected to be a crossover or SUV-inspired design rather than a hatchback.

Kia's EV2 was sighted testing in the open, and a new ShortsCar film provides a better look at what to anticipate from the entry-level EV.

As the EV2 passes by, you can see its boxy SUV design comparable to the EV3 and EV5. The design certainly fits Kia's new theme. Despite this, the EV2 is intended to be even smaller and cheaper.

According to the film, the domestic compact electric SUV will cost $14,500 (around 20 million Won). If this is the case, it may push the Kia Ray EV out of the lineup.

Like the redesigned low-cost EV lineup, the EV2 is slated to have Kia's new "Opposites United" design. Expect to see aspects like Kia's new "Tiger Face" grille.

Like the EV3, the E2 will have a sportier GT version. Production is scheduled to commence at Kia's Slovakia factory in 2025. The four new vehicles are part of Kia's diverse EV lineup and are priced between $20,000 and $80,000.

Kia's EV2 spotting comes as numerous automakers compete to create cheaper electric vehicles. Nissan intends to debut the Micra EV, its newest low-cost EV, later this year. Ford, Volkswagen, Rivian, Hyundai, and others also intend to deliver low-cost EVs in the next few years.

Kia's EV5 Launch at Chengdu Show Unveils High-Tech, Family-Friendly Design Ready to Challenge Tesla

In August, Kia officially introduced the EV5, its new compact electric SUV, at the Chengdu Motor Show. The EV5, marketed as a family-friendly SUV, uses Kia's new "Opposites United" design.

Several components from Kia's larger EV9 are present, including the new "Tiger Face" grille, which replaces the iconic "Tiger Nose." The EV9's boxy, rough style is retained in a smaller package. Kia created the inside with millennials in mind, focusing on more than just traveling from point A to point B. Kia viewed it as an additional "room" in which to live.

Kia's next-gen connected vehicle Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) features dual 12.3" display screens and a 5-inch climate control display.

At 4,615 mm in length, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,715 mm tall, the EV5 will compete with Tesla's best-selling Model Y (L - 4,760 mm, W - 1,921 mm, H - 1,624 mm).

Kia released the EV5 in China for approximately $20,000 (149,800 yuan). The standard EV5 is powered by a 64.2 kWh BYD Blade battery pack and has a CLTC range of up to 329 miles (530 kilometers). The 88.1 kWh battery pack model provides up to 447 (720 km) of CLTC range.

In Australia, where the EV5 is imported, it will cost roughly $46,000 (70,000 AUS). An entry-level Air trim is projected to undercut Tesla's Model Y in the region, which starts at roughly $43,160 (65,400 AUD).

The EV5 GT will have a twin motor system, with 215 horsepower (160 kW) front and 98 hp (73 kW) rear electric motors, for a total output of 313 hp.

Although exact specifics are yet to be published, the EV5 GT is predicted to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6.5 seconds.

Kia's new electric SUV is not the only one that has received the GT treatment. Kia's upcoming EVs, including the EV2, EV3, and EV4, are slated to get a GT variant.

They will join the EV6 GT, which has 576 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.2 seconds. Kia pitted the EV6 GT against a Ferrari Roma and a Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder RWD, and it outperformed both cars off the line.

On April 19, the low-cost EV2 was tested in public. The EV2 is intended to be Kia's cheapest EV, starting at roughly $15,000 (20 million Won).

Photo: 𝔑𝔦𝔩𝔰 𝔅𝔬𝔤𝔡𝔞𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔰/Unsplash