Denied! The Kia EV2 could have been one of the cheapest EVs on-sale in Australia, instead tariffs and logistics mean we’re almost certain to miss out
Kia’s smallest, cheapest EV has been previewed by the Kia Concept EV2 at the 2025 Kia EV Day ahead of the production small SUV’s global debut next year.
The new baby battery-powered SUV has been designed to sit below the EV3 and EV5 in the current car-maker’s growing all-electric SUV line-up, but it’s stylish SUV shape can’t save it being ruled out for Australians even before the production car’s debut.
Kia’s local outfit explains: “Kia Australia is keen to expand our product portfolio with as many EVs as possible, if they are appropriate for our local market.
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“We would like to offer EV2 however, production out of Slovakia does present some hurdles when it comes to logistics and cost, so it is highly unlikely.”
In the extremely price-sensitive entry-EV segment the Slovakian manufacturing location is a huge issue as it means the little Kia EV2 will incur a five per cent import tariff.
Created to be an all-electric alternative to the combustion-powered Kia Stonic, the Kia show car features rear-hinged doors, lacks a B-pillar, misses out on doorhandles and has exposed headlamps.
Expect all those to be replaced by conventional elements for the real car.
Within, the Concept EV2 gains dual 12.3-inch screens, an orange fabric-wrapped dash and a wood strip.
Pale blue seats and door cards, with the latter featuring a thin LED light strip across the upper half of the door are highlights of the stylish, light and airy cabin.
Unusual features include rear seats with bases that fold-up, allowing the the front seats to slide rearwards to provide lots of cabin space.
Kia suggests the floor space liberated is being used for in-car floor dining, of all things.
A pop-up boot divider and straps are also present, while an illuminated text message can be displayed on the top of the dash, broadcasting information to the owner or a passersby through the front driver and passenger windows.
One final feature that will delight more youthful buyers are removeable triangular speakers, that should prove useful for impromptu car park raving.
Handy on-board tech includes a vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature that enables owners to charge or power external devices like laptops, TVs, small appliances or even charge another vehicle.
Based on the Hyundai and Kia E-GMP platform, the EV2 is expected to share its 400-volt electrical architecture with the EV3 and EV5.
Full details of the production 2026 Kia EV2 will be released in the coming months in the build-up to its unveiling, but it’s unlikely Kia Australia will pull a U-turn on its decision to bring it here.
