Latest news with #KiaEV2
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Kia EV2 Spied Testing Ahead of Launch as Affordable Electric SUV
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.
Telegraph
14-04-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
What's the best plug-in hybrid to replace my electric car?
Dear Alex, I drive a new Hyundai Kona EV; my wife has a petrol Kia Venga. Due to the low annual mileage of each car, I would like to change the Venga for a Kia EV2 next year. I then wish to change my Hyundai to a plug-in hybrid for longer journeys, as I am still wary of limited charging options. Is a Toyota C-HR worth considering? – DN Dear DN, I think I can follow your thought process; swapping a larger EV for a smaller, more town-friendly one, then adding a plug-in hybrid for ease of use over a longer range. However I have to query whether all that upheaval is really necessary. Could you not simply use the petrol Kia for longer trips and the electric Hyundai for urban use? Granted, the Venga isn't ideal for long distances, which is why I suspect you're thinking of making the switch. But I feel as though it's incumbent on me to point out that it would save time, hassle and money – and be more sustainable – to keep your existing cars, rather than ordering two new ones. Yet if you're set on making this change, you could do worse than a C-HR. It's less convincing in plug-in hybrid form than as a full hybrid, as the boot is tiny and there's a bit of bump and shake to the ride, but the interior feels high-quality and it should be reliable. As an alternative, it's hard to ignore the appeal of the latest MG HS. It won't do if you want to avoid buying Chinese, of course, but otherwise, the HS is impressive, with a huge electric-only range, lots of space and equipment, a less incendiary LFP battery and a very welcome seven-year warranty, all for considerably less than the cost of the Toyota. Its interior quality isn't quite as good, but for the price you might not care. Finally, it would be remiss of me not to point out that you could buy your new plug-in hybrid at the same time as your wife's EV2 – from the same dealer. A Kia Sportage is very decent in plug-in form, also with greater space and a more comfortable ride than the C-HR. It's slightly larger, too, though not by much. If you can secure suitably favourable terms on a two-car purchase from your Kia dealer, this might be the best course of action.
The Independent
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Kia EV2 concept previews new budget all-electric SUV
Kia has revealed its new entry-level electric car at its 2025 Kia EV Day in Tarragona, Spain. The new Kia EV2 is set to arrive in the UK in the first half of next year. Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song says that he expects the new baby EV SUV to cost around €30,000 (£25,000). The Kia EV2 arrives at a time when a host of cheaper electric cars are coming to Europe, with Volkswagen due to unveil the ID. 2 soon and the likes of the Fiat Grande Panda, Citroen e-C3 and electric Vauxhall Frontera all costing under £25,000. While some car makers are slowing their EV plans, Ho Sung Song referred to Kia's 'unwavering commitment to its sustainable mobility provisions, making our EV line up accessible for the early majority.' The Kia EV2 Concept is purely a design exercise at the moment, but we'd expect it to go on sale with a couple of battery options offering ranges of between 200 and 250 miles. This is a very urban-focused EV so more range is thought to be unnecessary. As is usual with Kia EV concepts, it's expected that the EV2 production car will mirror the concept in its looks, if not some of the detail. Kia's design director Karim Habib confirmed as much to The Independent saying 'in terms of the relationship between production car and concept car, it's exactly the same as what you've seen between EV3 concept and EV3 production or EV4 concept and production. 'This might be our smallest EV, but it's got the biggest personality.' The EV2's butterfly doors are unlikely to make production, but the cute, boxy looks, 'star map' LED front lights, sustainable interior and interesting tech are expected to make production. That tech includes the ability to display text messages through the windows to pedestrians and other road users, vehicle-to-load capability to power other devices, and over-the-air updates. The concept features a fold-up rear seat and sliding front bench, plus removable cushions and speakers that can be used outside of the car, while the boxy SUV proportions and flat floor make it especially roomy for a car with a total length of just 4,060mm, but with a stretched wheelbase of 2,565mm. Habib explained the thinking behind the clever interior. 'We really had the inspiration of this idea of 'picnic in the city'. We've been doing different versions of how to enjoy your vehicle when it's not moving. 'The idea of the sliding seat was that you can fold the rear seat and slide back the front seat so you can, in a small car like that, extend your legs to rest. Or the idea that you can remove the cushions and use them for your picnic. 'These are things we're doing with the concept car, but on the production car we're trying to find ways to make these little usability moments more accessible, more pleasant.' It's possible that the production version of the Kia EV2 will be shown before the end of this year, with an on-sale date expected in 2026.
