During its 2025 EV Day in Spain, Kia presented the Concept EV2, an electric compact SUV for urban environments. This model aims to increase Kia’s electric vehicle range with the prospect of being a smaller, less expensive version. With increased interest in electric vehicles across Australia, however, the chance of the EV2 being made available here is almost impossible.
Kia Concept EV2 is a B-segment SUV, which means it is set to act as the electric version of the petrol-powered Kia Stonic. Exact dimensions are not available yet, but it is expected to be Kia’s smallest electric vehicle offered to date. The concept maintains the essence of Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design scheme and carries with it some really bold design cues more akin to the more recent EV5 and EV9.
Trendy Interiors
The interior of the EV2 is all about flexibility and modern tech. The bases of the rear seats flip up when the car is stationary, allowing the front seats to slide back even further and creating a lounge-like atmosphere. Triangular speakers embedded in the door panels can be removed and used outside, allowing for even more entertaining options while stopping. An innovative message lighting feature allows vehicle occupants to show their text messages through the windows, enabling communication with pedestrians or fellow drivers.
Production Plans and Market Availability
Kia is planning to start production of the EV2 in 2026 aimed at the European market and other selected regions. The vehicle will be produced at Kia’s Slovakian plant, which is also producing cars like Ceed hatchback. These European-focused production plans serve as challenges for an introduction of the EV2 to Australia.
Challenges for the Australian Market
There are multiple factors making this EV2 uncertain in the Australian context. The lack of a free trade agreement between Australia and Slovakia creates a 5 percent import tariff on Slovakian-made vehicles, which is one major hindrance. These additional costs would complicate the introduction of the EV2 into the Australian market in business terms. Importing vehicles from European factories would also create logistical bottlenecks with increased costs, and this would further dissuade Kia Australia from wanting to sell the EV2.
Other Kia EV Options for Australia
While the EV2 may not have a chance at reaching Australia, Kia is, however, aware of the need to expand its product range of electric vehicles in Australia. The Kia EV3, a small SUV positioned as an electric counterpart to the Kia Seltos, is slated to be released in Australia. It is also expected that the Kia EV4, which is an electric sedan, is heading to the Australian market with a mix of affordability and great battery range.
Conclusion
Kia Concept EV2 will be an excellent addition to the electric lineup of compact vehicles at Kia. But because of the production logistics involved and the costs attached, it may not be available in Australia. However, other soon-to-be-released Kia electric models will likely include the EV3 and EV4 and will complete the demand for all electric cars expected in the Australian region.