Smaller, cheaper electric cars are exactly what the market needs and the new Kia EV2 arrives at just the right moment, writes James Stinson
Electric cars have improved enormously over the past few years but there are still two obstacles preventing many buyers from taking the plunge: price and practicality.
Large family EVs boasting 300-plus miles of range are all very impressive but they’re also expensive. For many households, spending £40,000 or more on a car simply isn’t realistic. That’s why vehicles like the new Kia EV2 are so important.
This compact electric crossover sits beneath the EV3 in Kia’s line-up and targets rivals such as the Renault 5 E-Tech, Hyundai Inster, Citroen e-C3 and forthcoming Volkswagen ID.2. In essence, it’s designed to bring electric motoring to a much broader audience.
Sharp styling
Kia deserves credit for not making the EV2 look cheap. Despite its compact dimensions, it has real road presence. The styling borrows heavily from Kia’s larger EV models, with angular bodywork, distinctive lighting signatures and a chunky SUV-inspired stance. It looks modern without trying too hard and should appeal to younger buyers who see their car as something of a lifestyle accessory.
Inside, the EV2 continues the theme. The dashboard is clean and contemporary, while the cabin feels airy thanks to clever packaging and a flat floor. Materials don’t trouble premium brands but neither do they feel bargain-basement. There’s enough quality here to satisfy most buyers in this segment.
Battery choices
The Kia EV2 is offered with two battery options. The entry-level version uses a 42.2kWh battery and offers around 197 miles of official range. Step up to the larger 61kWh battery and that figure rises to approximately 281 miles. In real-world conditions, expect something closer to 170-180 miles from the smaller battery and somewhere between 220 and 250 miles from the larger version, depending on weather and driving style.
Performance is perfectly adequate rather than exciting. The standard version develops around 145bhp, enough to reach 62mph in about 8.5 seconds. It feels brisk around town thanks to the instant response electric cars naturally provide.
Charging is competitive rather than class-leading. Using a rapid DC charger, both battery versions can replenish from 10 to 80 per cent in roughly 30 minutes. Home charging on an 11kW wallbox takes around four-and-a-half hours for the smaller battery and a little longer for the larger pack.
Easy to live with
The EV2’s greatest strength is how easy it is to drive. Visibility is good, the controls are straightforward and its compact footprint makes town driving remarkably stress-free. Parking spaces that feel tight in modern SUVs are dispatched without fuss.
Ride comfort is generally impressive too. Kia has wisely tuned the suspension towards comfort rather than sportiness and the result is a car that copes well with potholes and poor road surfaces.
There are compromises. Rear passenger space is good for the class but taller adults may prefer something larger for regular long-distance travel. Likewise, while the boot is perfectly usable, families carrying lots of luggage may still find the EV3 or Sportage a better fit.
Standard equipment
The entry-level Air trim is generously equipped. Buyers get heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual digital displays, smartphone connectivity, climate control, adaptive cruise control, rear parking aids and a comprehensive suite of safety systems as standard.
That strong equipment list helps the EV2 feel good value, especially compared with rivals that require you to climb the trim ladder before getting many of those features.
Verdict
The EV2 doesn’t rewrite the rulebook and it won’t be the last word in electric car performance or luxury. However, Kia has focused on the things that matter most: affordability, usability and sensible range. For many buyers, that will be enough.
Pricing starts at £24,245 for the entry-level Air model, with longer-range and higher-spec versions expected to climb into the high £20,000s and low £30,000s. At those prices, the EV2 looks well placed to become one of the most significant small electric cars on sale.
