Kia has confirmed it will launch an entry-level, European-focused model in 2026, which will rival the likes of the forthcoming Volkswagen ID.2.
The Kia EV2 is set to be produced at the South Korean carmaker’s plant in Slovakia from 2025, with deliveries set to commence in 2026.
This Slovakian plant currently produces the Ceed, which is a European counterpart to the Cerato, as well as the Sportage for European markets.
Kia hasn’t revealed much about the forthcoming EV2 yet apart from a target starting price of around US$30,000 (~A$47,500). This would put it in contention with the likes of the BYD Dolphin, GWM Ora, and MG 4.
Speaking with media, including Autocar, Kia CEO Ho-Sung Song said producing affording electric vehicles (EVs) is “very important” to the company, “especially for the European market that is in need of smaller [electric] vehicles too”.
“[The EV2] is a very unique and important model for the European market,” Mr Song added.
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Concept EV4
“This is a smaller size of EV, a very European-style dedicated model”.
It’s unclear if the Kia EV2 will be offered in markets outside of Europe.
If the entry-level Kia EV is offered in Australia, it would face a five per cent import tariff as it will be produced exclusively in Slovakia.
This is unlike vehicles produced in South Korea, as Australia has a Free Trade Agreement with that country.
At its EV Day, Kia also detailed the forthcoming Sportage-sized EV5 that’s locked in for an Australian launch during 2024, and previewed the EV4 sedan and EV3 small SUV in concept form.
The South Korean carmaker aims to sell one million EVs annually by 2026, increasing to 1.6 million by 2030.
MORE: Kia previews new electric sedan, small SUV concepts
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