Standing at around 4.1 meters in length, the Kia EV2 in Europe will rival the likes of Renault 4 E-Tech and Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.2-based crossover
As part of its ambitious EV strategy, Kia has unveiled the EV2, its most affordable global electric car. The EV2 for European markets will be manufactured in Slovakia. While Kia has not announced the prices, EV2 could come with a price tag of around £26,000 (approx. Rs 31.46 lakh). Let’s check out more details on the EV2 and its India launch prospects.
Kia EV2 Debuts – Design and Features
For EV2, Kia has used a scaled-down version of the E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform). This born-electric E-GMP architecture can also be seen with other Kia electric cars such as EV3, EV6 and EV9. On a side note, it is worth mentioning that Kia also showcased the performance-oriented GT versions of the EV3, EV4 and EV5 at the Brussels Motor Show.
Kia EV2 has a boxy profile and the overall design approach appears similar to Kia’s other electric offerings such as the EV3 and EV5 SUVs. Key features include quirky LED DRLs, vertically-stacked headlamps, rugged bumper design and a closed-off grille. Side profile has squared wheel arches, prominent cladding all around, flush door handles, blacked-out A and B-pillars, sporty alloy wheels and dual-tone ORVMs with integrated turn indicators.
At the rear, Kia EV2 gets a shark fin antenna, roof mounted spoiler, a flat boot lid, distinctive tail lamps and robust bumper design. Overall, the Kia EV2 has a bold and confident presence without appearing too loud or excessive. It is the kind of SUV one can use for everyday commutes and family-oriented travel. Dimensionally, Kia EV2 is 4,060 mm long and 1,800 mm wide. It has a wheelbase of 2,565 mm.
Interiors, Equipment list
While compact in size, the Kia EV2 has ample space for all passengers. Users can choose from 4-seat or 5-seat options. Moreover, the seats are highly customizable, allowing users to create more space for passengers or accommodate large cargo items. With the rear seats folded, the storage space comes at 403 litres on the 4-seat variant. Users can also store light items in the 15-litre frunk.
Kia EV2 has a triple-screen layout, which comprises a digital instrument cluster, a central touchscreen and a climate display. This is a cost-effective version of the CCNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) system used across larger cars from Kia and Hyundai. Other key features include remote parking, OTA updates, app integration, digital keys and surround view cameras. A comprehensive range of ADAS features are available with Kia EV2.
Range, Battery, Performance
Kia EV2 is available with two battery pack options. The base variant has a 42.2 kWh battery pack, supplying power to a 147 PS (108 kW) electric motor. This variant has a range of 317 km (197 miles). The other variant will be getting a larger 61.0 kWh battery pack. It will be introduced at a later date along with the GT-Line versions. With the larger battery pack, users can access a range of 448 km (278 miles). Both variants will have a single electric motor driving the front wheels.
As compared to EV6 and EV9 that use an 800-volt architecture, the EV2 utilizes a 400-volt architecture. This is similar to the EV3, EV4 and EV5. With DC fast chargers, the charging time for Kia EV2 is around 30 minutes. Users can also use 11 kW and 22 kW AC chargers. Kia EV2 has useful features such as V2L and V2G.
Kia EV2 India launch?
Considering the robust growth in India’s entry-level EV segment, Kia EV2 can be a good option here. However, there is no official announcement about the same. For now, Kia EV2 is positioned as a Europe-centric model. Assuming it is launched here, the Kia EV2 will rival the likes of Nexon EV, Punch EV and Citroen eC3.
Source: Electric - rushlane.com
