The Kia EV2, the smallest of all Kia's electric vehicles, is an affordable and highly capable vehicle that packs big-SUV attitude into a compact package, finds Angela Pisanu
What is it?
The Kia EV2 is an important car for Kia. It takes the brand's already broad electric line-up into the compact B-SUV class, providing a smaller and more affordable alternative to the EV3 while retaining the practicality, technology and long warranty that have become Kia staples.
Kia's focus model in the UK is the 61.0kWh Long Range version, available in Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S trim. There's also a limited-run First Edition with a smaller 42.2kWh battery.
Its quirky, boxy design gives the Kia EV2 a distinctive presence, while its compact dimensions give it the attitude and presence of a much larger SUV.
The EV2 joins the EV4 on Kia's European production line in Žilina, Slovakia.
What range does it have?
On a test driving day organised by Kia, I drove the EV2 in both Air and GT-Line form, both with the 61.0kWh Long Range battery.
The Air is the range champion at up to 275 miles, while the GT-Line has up to 261 miles.
The EV2 allows a maximum charging rate of 118kW, with a 10-80 per cent charge taking around 30 minutes when connected to a 150kW DC fast charger. An 11kW AC charge from 10-100 per cent takes five hours 35 minutes.
To recoup some range back, the EV2 features a wide variety of regenerative braking modes. ‘Auto’ regen, accessed with a long hold of the right paddle, operates the system automatically. A long hold of the left paddle engages i-Pedal mode which itself features four different levels of regenerative braking strength.
How does it drive?
The EV2 is a nippy, agile and comfortable ride. It produces 133bhp and 250Nm, with 0-62mph taking 9.5 seconds in Air form and 9.7 seconds in GT-Line.
The instant torque makes pulling away from junctions and getting into gaps in traffic effortless, while the compact dimensions make the EV2 easy to maneuverer around town.
The EV2 deals with rough road surfaces well and road and tyre noise are impressively well suppressed. Kia has used extensive insulation, acoustic glass and sound-absorbing materials to create a peaceful and refined cabin.
Inside, there's a three-screen dashboard comprising dual 12.3-inch displays and a 5.3-inch climate-control screen, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Kia's connected-car navigation system, over-the-air updates and its AI Personal Assistant are all part of the package.
The Air's material interior is comfortable and feels durable, while the GT-Line gets a smarter two-tone artificial-leather finish and hammock-style headrests. There's also plenty of room in the back seat row, helped by the EV2's dedicated EV platform and clever packaging.
What does it cost?
The Long Range Air starts from £24,245 after the £3,750 government plug-in grant, making it one of the most affordable ways into Kia's electric range.
The GT-Line is £28,995 after the government plug-in grant, and while it's more that the Air, it brings a more upmarket interior, sportier design and additional equipment.
Why does my fleet need one?
The Kia EV2 is a particularly convincing small electric SUV, combining an impressive level of standard equipment with a comfortable ride, quiet cabin and enough range for many fleet users.
The Air is arguably the rational fleet choice; it has the longest 275-mile WLTP range, the lowest price and all the essential equipment.
But the GT-Line is likely to be popular too. You sacrifice a little range compared with the Air, but gain a more premium interior, a sportier exterior, and a higher equipment level.
There's also Kia's seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, with the battery pack covered by a further year, which is particularly reassuring for high-mileage fleet operators and should help reduce concerns around long-term ownership.
Image shows Kia EV2 GT-Line 61.0kWh in Wolf Grey.