Kia EV2

Over the years, Kia has gained experience not only in technology, but also in design. Initially, Kia's electric cars were extremely streamlined. Eventually, however, the Korean manufacturer opted for a boxy style, and in the case of the EV2 that works out well. In fact, the EV2 looks much bigger than it is and has an unusually confident look for a compact car.

The angular shape has another advantage: the interior space can be utilised right into the smallest corners. Kia's platform for electric cars may have been shortened and narrowed for the EV2, but the interior space is still very decent. Because the EV2 is a crossover, seating is higher than in a traditional hatchback. The front seats have enough adjustment options to provide comfort for people of varying stature. Behind the headrests are handles that can also be used as clothes hangers.

Rear seat space depends on the version chosen. The five-seater has a fixed rear seat and then legroom in the rear is moderate to poor. This is in favour of luggage space, as it is actually large. The four-seater version has a rear seat on rails and then one can opt for more legroom or more boot space. With the rear seats in the rear position, legroom in the back of the EV2 is comparable to that of a car of a class larger (logically, luggage space is then greatly reduced).

Equipment

The EV2 is Kia's smallest electric car for now, but its equipment and finish are no less impressive. As with the larger models, the dashboard consists of a blend of plastic and fabric. Kia opts for a mix of buttons and displays, and in this one can see the experience with the other models. Indeed, the combination is increasingly cleverly chosen. The buttons under the display screen for operating commonly used functions are also just a little more cleverly arranged than in previous models.

The central display runs Kia's own infotainment system. So this manufacturer does not rely on external parties, which could compromise the system's longevity and user privacy. A nice touch: Kia offers themes that give the infotainment system a unique character (think cartoon characters, movie themes or sports team colours). The test car was fitted with a Harman Kardon audio system that has an artificially full and spectacular sound, which will not appeal to hi-fi lovers. Also a version is available in which the entire infotainment system is based on Apple CarPlay / Android Auto in order to offer the car at a more affordable price.

The safety features that no one wants, but are mandatory by the European Union, are easy to disable. So few words need be wasted on those. Worth mentioning are the cameras all around. To make orientation on those images easier, the car is shown three-dimensionally between the combined camera images. The EV2's equipment rivals that of the larger Kia's only in details. For instance, head-up display, an electrically operated tailgate and an electrically adjustable passenger seat are not available. The test car is fitted with a dual-zone climate control system. However, the minimum temperature is 17 degrees, which is a tad too warm for yours truly to function optimally.

Electric car

The EV2 is available with a choice in batteries. With this, Kia serves both buyers who can charge at home and those who need to charge on the street. However, the manufacturer explains this as customers travelling long distances and buyers using the car mainly in the city. However it is explained: Kia has some done work on the batteries, as the differences concern not only the capacity (42 kWh or 61 kWh), but even the chemical composition! When opting for the long-range EV2, it uses NMC batteries, just like Kia's larger electric cars (but without 800-volt technology).

The standard range variant has an LFP battery, which is new for Kia. This technology has major advantages, starting with a lower price. In addition, the ithium iron phosphate battery is less of a fire hazard, uses fewer scarce metals and the battery wears less from charging and discharging. The latter means that charging up to 100% is not a problem and the battery can therefore be used to its maximum capacity (something not recommended with other batteries).

Kia has developed new electric motors for the EV2 in addition to new batteries. Here, the version with the "small" battery gets the strongest motor. The strongest battery is paired with a weaker motor because it is more economical and thus provides an even greater range. The EV2 offers a choice of several programmes (sport, eco, comfort) and can reclaim power by releasing the accelerator as required. In eco mode, the EV2 is tame, quiet and extremely forgiving. This allows long distances to be covered at leisure. In sport mode and with maximum regeneration, the EV2 responds nicely eagerly and can be driven with one pedal.

During the test, all modes were tested in the city and on the highway, in moderate weather conditions (not cold, heavy rain). Calm driving was used throughout, but despite this, the test car recorded very high consumption. To make sure this was not exemplary, even a second car with the same specifications was used. Even with that, the test consumption came to over 18 kWh, and that is the consumption of electric cars that are two classes bigger and more powerful!

Driving behaviour

The Kia EV2 was designed in Europe for use in Europe. This is noticeable in the handling, as the controls are never too light or too heavy, but always just right. Even the way the car responds to commands, communicates with the driver or deals with uneven road surfaces is exactly how European drivers like it. Still, there is a point of interest: the test car on "Hankook Ion Evo" tyres in size 215/50R18 reacted unusually violently to lateral forces. For example, if a metal plate connects two road sections in a bend, the EV2 takes a step sideways on it.

Except for this detail, handling is exemplary. Many a person feels instantly confident in the EV2. This is thanks to its handy size, good seating position, logical controls and European feel. At the same time, the materials used and good sound insulation ensure that the car is perceived as high-quality. Those things are obviously copied from the bigger Kia's!

Conclusion

Does Kia manage to bundle six years of electric car experience into a compact electric car? Or has Kia had to economise precisely because a compact electric car is also an economical electric car? Only the equipment has been economised on, and that concerns details that many will not even notice. When it comes to technology, build quality, ergonomics, infotainment and chassis technology, it is actually quite noticeable that Kia has pooled many years of experience. The EV2 therefore feels familiar from the very first moment.

Though the car has drawbacks. Consumption was very high during test drives. In addition, the EV2 is sensitive to lateral forces, so its reaction to ledges is more severe than other cars. Except for these issues, the EV2 scores high marks in all areas. Therefore, Kia's compact electric car feels more mature than other cars in this segment. Then again, when the base version is chosen, the editors even dare to go a step further: the Kia EV2 offers the best value for money of any car in this segment. In short: this car is street wise!