Kia unveils initial pricing for its smallest EV, with two-way charging

Kia has revealed the UK pricing and specifications for its smallest electric vehicle yet, the EV2, with a starting price of £24,245 drive-away. The compact B-segment SUV, which debuted earlier this year at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show, offers a driving range of up to 450 kilometres and features bidirectional charging capabilities. It will be available in two battery sizes from launch — a 42.2 kWh standard-range pack and a 61 kWh long-range option — and is built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The EV2 seats five passengers and is powered by a front-mounted electric motor delivering up to 99.5 kW in most models, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 9.2 seconds. The ‘First Edition’ variant, equipped with the smaller 42.2 kWh battery, produces a higher output of 107.5 kW, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. All models share a maximum torque of 250 Nm and a top speed of 100 mph, with the 61 kWh battery versions featuring a slightly detuned motor to optimise efficiency. Kia’s EV2 line-up includes the entry-level ‘Air’, the standard-range ‘First Edition’, and the long-range ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ trims, with prices ranging from £27,995 to £36,345 on-the-road. The company is currently offering reservation savings of £1,500 for the First Edition and £3,750 for the other models, pending confirmation of eligibility for the UK government’s Electric Car Grant. While the UK market serves as a useful benchmark, Kia has stated that the EV2 is designed and manufactured exclusively for Europe, leaving its availability in Australia uncertain. Reservations for the EV2 are now open in the UK, with first deliveries expected later this year. The introduction of the EV2 adds to Kia’s expanding electric vehicle portfolio, reflecting the brand’s commitment to accessible and efficient electric mobility. Its bidirectional charging feature also positions the model as a versatile option for drivers interested in vehicle-to-grid or vehicle-to-home energy solutions.