Kia EV2 Concept revealed with fold-away seats and removable speakers
Kia has given a first glimpse of its upcoming entry-level EV with the reveal of the EV2 Concept.
The EV2 Concept was showcased at Kia’s annual EV day, where the South Korea brand also gave more details of its EV4 saloon/hatchback and PV5 van. Like previous concept models, the EV2 Concept is expected to offer a clear indication of key elements of the final production car, which is due for release in 2026.
Positioned as a compact urban SUV, Kia says the EV2 Concept ‘embodies the spirit of innovation and adventure’ with a combination of rugged design elements and cutting-edge interior styling.
Unveiling the concept car, Kia president and CEO, Ho Sung Song, said: “With the Concept EV2, we challenged ourselves to create a vehicle that defies expectations, offering innovative technology and practicality beyond its size.
“This concept previews Kia’s future vision to redefine the segment, bringing a new level of sophistication and usability to urban drivers. It’s a clear signal of our dedication to making electric vehicles truly accessible for everyone.”
Externally, the EV2 is clearly related to other Kia EVs, with the same flat bonnet and upright front end as the EV3 and EV9. It also features the brand’s vertical ‘star map’ light signature which in the EV2 uses exposed lamps without a glass cover. The compact nature of the car is emphasised by short overhangs, while black body cladding aims to convey a sense of adventure and ruggedness.
Like the earlier EV9 Concept, the EV2 Concept features rear-hinged back doors which are unlikely to make it to production. The digital message screens in the doors that project messages to those outside are also probably a concept-only conceit.
Behind those doors is a ‘multi-configurable interior’ with rear seats which fold up out of the way to allow a one-piece front bench to slide right back into the rear of the car. Kia says this allows more space to stretch out while charging, or even enjoy a picnic on the car’s flat floor.
Diagonal LED lights in the front doors mark the divide between the front and rear of the car and echo the triangular theme of the metal lower dashboard and cabin lights, as well as the removable door speakers.
How many of these features make it to production is up for debate, but the vehicle-to-load functionality and over-the-air updates are guaranteed to feature, and the pop-up luggage dividers could also be carried through to the final model.
Kia hasn’t even hinted at technical details of the EV2 yet, but it is suspected that it will be based on the same E-GMP platform as the EV3 and EV4. Given its compact, urban-focused nature, it is possible it will use a smaller motor and battery setup than those, which come with a 201bhp motor and 53 or 81kWh battery.
The finished version of the EV2 will go into production and on sale in Europe and the UK in 2026, when it is likely to compete with models such as the Renault 4, Citroen E-C3 Aircross and Hyundai Inster.
