KIA EV2 compact electric crossover excels in winter testing

KIA's new compact electric crossover is wrapping up final winter testing, confirming its promised capabilities. A prototype of the EV2 covered 310 km in Norway at temperatures as low as -21°C, making it one of the top performers in the El Prix winter marathon—a notoriously tough European EV challenge. The test used the GT-line version with a 61 kWh battery and 19-inch wheels, the variant KIA is betting on for long-distance travel.

This model will become the entry-level offering in KIA's electric lineup, entering a segment already contested by the Renault 5 and Citroen e-C3. Its key promise is a range of up to 450 km in the Long Range version and around 410 km for the GT-line, though the testing cycle hasn't been specified. In the B-SUV class, that makes it one of the longest-range affordable EVs available.

KIA emphasizes that an entry-level electric vehicle shouldn't compromise on reliability or climate adaptation compared to higher-end models. That's why development focused on European conditions, with production based in Slovakia at the AutoLand Zilina plant. The base version with a 42.2 kWh battery is already in production, while modifications with the 61 kWh battery, launching in June 2026, will expand options for buyers prioritizing extended range.

Final WLTP data will be available in the third quarter of 2026, but early results suggest this model could become one of the most appealing in its class—especially for those seeking an affordable EV that genuinely handles cold climates.