Kia EV2 Spied Testing Ahead of Launch as Affordable Electric SUV

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2 days ago

Futuristic Kia EV2 Prototype Revealed in New Spy Shots
Kia shocks the crowd in February by revealing a trio of futuristic EV concepts. One of them was the Concept EV2, which will arrive next year but not on US roads. Now, it appears that the concept has entered the next stage of development, thanks to our spies who caught one testing on public roads.
The Kia EV2 prototype hints at what we can expect of the production model. Most notable is the front end, which we can now see has projector LEDs high up on the front fascia. While the concept came with two strips of LED DRLs, the heavy disguise makes it difficult to tell whether they are still present.
Concept Features Like Suicide Doors Dropped for Production
Another alteration – and this one would break the hearts of some – would be the presence of B-pillar on the spied prototype. This means the production version won't have suicide doors at the back, which would have been cool and functional at the same time. We're guessing the decision to have conventional ones is in line with safety and structural integrity.
Another heartbreak would be the wheel design, though we hope Kia will slap the unique blocky rims on the production EV2.
At the back, the low-mounted taillights transcend into the production EV2. Most of the rear end's design are concealed, but we'd wager that Kia will keep the clean look of the concept to stand out.
EV2 Styling Mixes EV6 Practicality With EV9 Inspiration
There's not much to say about the interior as the spy shots don't exactly show much of it, except for the two-tone tiller visible through the front window. We're not seeing the nifty message display on the windows, though, so that's a downer. Still, this is not a confirmation that they aren't happening.
Overall, the Kia EV2 looks different compared to the rest of the compact SUV segment. The boxy little brother of the EV6 does inherit some of the features and styling of the EV9, the biggest in the lineup, but it still has its own unique quirks to call its own.
Source: SHProshots/Autoblog
Hopefully, we'll see the EV2 in full later this year. Production is earmarked for 2026, and given the prototype already has its production lights on, we expect a debut in Q4. Pricing is said to be around the $30,000 mark when it hits the market, which will make it the most affordable Kia EV.
With the cheapest EV right now selling just a hair under $30,000, America could benefit from another cheap model like the EV2. Unfortunately, the Kia EV2 probably won't reach the US because of its size and its European-focused design.