Kia EV2 attacks the Romanian market: The small electric car enters production in Europe with an unbeatable price

The electric revolution “Made in Europe”: Kia EV2 officially enters production in Žilina

Žilina, Slovakia – March 30, 2026. At a turning point for the European automotive industry, South Korean manufacturer Kia has pressed the "Start" button for the assembly lines of the new EV2. The brand's most compact and affordable electric model to date is not just a number in statistics, but a major strategic bet to conquer the urban segment in Europe, including the Romanian market.

Kia's European heart: The Žilina plant

After the EV4 model broke the ice as the first Kia electric vehicle produced entirely on the continent in the summer of 2025, the EV2 comes to consolidate the Slovak plant's status as a regional electric "hub".

Opened in 2004, the Žilina plant benefited from a massive capital injection last year: 200 million euros were invested in modernizing the lines to allow the simultaneous production of electric, hybrid and combustion cars. The results are already visible: in 2025, around 300,000 vehicles will have rolled off these lines, demonstrating a flexibility rarely seen in the industry.

EV2: Surprising performance for a "little one"

Although it is the most compact member of the “EV” family, the new model does not make major compromises in terms of technology. Based on the E-GMP architecture, the EV2 offers two energy storage options that put direct pressure on the competition:

• Entry-level: 42.2 kWh LFP battery, 147 hp engine and an estimated range of 317 km. It is the ideal option for urban and suburban traffic.
• Long Range: 58.6 kWh NMC battery, capable of offering up to 453 km in the WLTP cycle.
• Technical first: EV2 becomes the first model in Kia's portfolio to offer AC charging at 22 kW, an essential feature for those using public slow charging infrastructure in cities.

"We had the opportunity to drive the new EV2 for the first time on the winding roads of Portugal. Although dynamic impressions are still under embargo, we can tell you that the interior ergonomics and the 'Star Map' design borrowed from its bigger brother, the EV9, make this car a much more mature presence than its exterior dimensions suggest." - Test team note.

Price and availability: How much will the "ticket" to electromobility cost?

In Romania, interest in the EV2 is huge, given the brand's traditional success locally. The first units are expected in showrooms in Bucharest and around the country this summer.

Although official price lists are being finalized, market estimates place the base variant below the psychological threshold of 30,000 euros.

• Estimated starting price: ~€28,000 (without subsidies).
• Through the Rabla Plus Program: If subsidies remain at competitive levels, the final price for customers could drop to €23,000 - €25,000, making the EV2 one of the most attractive offers on the market.

Competitive picture: Who is Kia EV2 competing with in Romania?

The Romanian market is an atypical one, where price and "real" range decide the winner. EV2 enters a crowded arena:

Conclusion: A big step for small cars

The launch of production for the Kia EV2 in Žilina marks the end of an era in which European electric cars were either expensive “toys” or spartan compromises. With a range of over 450 km in the top version and fast AC charging, the EV2 has all the ingredients to become the new electric “best-seller” in Romania, offering a serious alternative to those who want to make the transition to zero emissions without giving up the comfort and 7-year warranty that Kia has accustomed its customers to.