One of the greatest challenges in designing an electric city car is making sure the driver never feels the “compromise.” Limited space, restricted range, stripped-back technology: these are the accusations that have historically weighed on B-segment models, and that the Kia EV2 tested in Lisbon in the pouring rain manages to dismantle one by one.
The EV2 is one of those cars that looks big, even visually, but isn’t. Despite its boxy, muscular stance, it measures just 4.06 metres in length and 1.80 metres in width, with a tight turning radius that makes it genuinely easy to park. Where the real work shows, though, is inside, thanks above all to the sliding and reclining rear seat system. When travelling with four passengers, the seats slide back and legroom becomes generous enough to rival a C-segment saloon; when loading luggage, they slide forward and boot capacity grows to over 400 litres. Practicality is further enhanced by storage compartments, hooks, USB-C ports on the seatbacks, and, a rare touch for this segment, a Schuko socket in the rear for charging laptops and devices on the go. On the tech side, the ccNC system offers three screens: a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster, a 12.3″ central touchscreen, and a 5.3″ climate control display, the latter somewhat awkwardly positioned behind the steering wheel rim.
What impresses most is the noise insulation: the level achieved by the EV2 is not only unmatched in its segment, but surpasses that of larger Kia models such as the EV4. Dedicated carpeting, wheelarch absorbers, an acoustic windscreen, and tyres chosen specifically for low noise levels all contribute to a remarkably hushed cabin. Rounding things off, the Bold Motion Symphony system introduces 20 newly developed sounds, carefully tuned to remain noticeable without ever feeling intrusive. The one thing that slightly breaks the quiet is the ADAS suite excellent and genuinely upper-segment in scope, but with alert tones that still lean a touch too insistent. New to this model is the In-Cabin Monitoring Unit, integrated into the rear-view mirror, which analyses driver attentiveness and occupant positioning in real time, triggering a minimum-risk manoeuvre in an emergency — all without storing any personal data.
The EV2 as tested promises around 327 km of range, with a Long Range version offering 450 km on the way. A standout feature is the 22 kW AC charging (a first for Kia) which brings the battery to full in 2 hours 35 minutes, while DC fast charging covers 10–80% in just 30 minutes. It’s not built for long-haul road trips, but it’s versatile enough for daily life and the occasional weekend getaway.
