COMPACT KIA EV2 IS THINKING BIG

New electric Renault 4 challenger offers up to 277 miles of range, a spacious interior and large-car technology

- Jordan Katasianis [e-mail]

THE next step in Kia's electric journey is focused on bringing EV motoring to the masses with the new EV2. This compact B-segment crossover is roughly the size of a Nissan Juke or Volkswagen T-Cross, and will rival EVS such as the Peugeot E-2008, Renault 4 and VW's forthcoming Polo SUV, the ID. Cross, when it arrives later this year.

Pricing is due to kick off at around £25,000, and the manufacturer is already boasting the EV2 will pack some impressive figures in terms of range and interior space, plus bring a package of fresh high-end tech to the class for the first time.

The EV2 will be available with two battery options, but it's the larger one that is expected to take the lion's share of sales in the UK. The entrylevel 'standard range' variant uses a 42.2kWh battery pack that powers a single electric motor on the front axle. This car produces 144bhp, and can get to 62mph in 8.6 seconds, which isn't a bad figure, considering the class average. Range is estimated to be 194 miles on a charge, although final WLTP figures are yet to be announced by the Korean brand.

However, it's the 61kWh version which should be the big seller in the UK and is capable of an estimated 277 miles of range from a single charge. This is more than most key rivals, including the Renault 4, Ford Puma Gen-E and Peugeot E-208.

The long-range EV2 also features a front-mounted electric motor, but peak power is reduced to 134bhp.

Due to this lower output and the extra weight of the long-range model, Kia is quoting a 9.5-second 0-62mph acceleration time.