Kia’s exclusive electric vehicle lineup, which started with the midsize crossover EV6, is rapidly expanding. Following the launch of the large electric SUV EV9, the company introduced the EV5 to the Chinese market and will release the EV3 and EV4 sometime this year and next year, respectively.
In particular, the EV3 is a compact electric SUV the size of a Seltos, raising expectations as it aims to become a full-fledged entry-level electric vehicle. Furthermore, it was reported that Kia is developing additional small and inexpensive electric cars.
Field testing to begin this year
According to an April 15 report by the Korean media Electronic Newspaper, Kia is developing QV1 (project name), a strategic electric vehicle exclusively for Europe. In the new model’s case, the product planning stage was set for 2022, and the development and mass production schedule was established in September of last year. It was reported that the prototype was recently developed and produced. The plan is to hold an evaluation meeting in the second half of 2024 to confirm the final specifications and design and begin road testing.
The model name of the QV1 has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to be EV2, following the current naming strategy. As the EV2 uses an entry electric CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) as its product concept, it has a body suitable for city driving. Unlike the EV3, which is expected to have a length of around 4,400 mm ( 173. 22 inches), a size of 4,000 mm ( 157. 48 inches) and a wheelbase of 2,555 mm ( 100. 59 inches) are likely.
Equipped with LFP and NCM battery
EV2 is expected to be partially equipped with the electrification system of Hyundai Motor Group’s next-generation passenger electric vehicle platform. To ensure price competitiveness, the base model will be equipped with a 42 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and the long-range version will be equipped with a 62 kWh lithium-ion (NCM) battery. The LFP-equipped version aims for 300 km ( 186 miles), and the NCM-equipped version aims for 440 km ( 273 miles).
In the case of the interior, the concept that emphasizes space utilization is reflected. The price is expected to start in the 20,000 euros (approximately $ 21,235) range for the version equipped with an LFP battery and in the 30,000 euros (roughly $ 31,852) range for the version fitted with an NCM battery. In particular, in the case of the LFP battery-equipped version, the price is expected to be close to 20 million won ( about $ 14,400) if subsidies are received. With a wide range of choices and reasonable prices, it targets various consumer groups, such as people in their 20s and 30s who want to buy their first car and people in their 50s who need a second car.
Expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025
EV2 is expected to be produced at the Zilina plant in Slovakia, also known as Autoland Slovakia. The factory is Kia’s core European production base, with an area of approximately 1.4 million square feet, and can produce 330,000 units per year. The annual target production is said to be around 80,000 units. Since everything from production to sales is carried out in Europe, it seems difficult to launch it in South Korea.
EV2’s launch date is likely to be in the fourth quarter of 2025. It is expected to compete with Volkswagen’s entry-level electric vehicle ID.2 and electric hatchback Peugeot e-208, which will be launched around the same time. Previously, Volkswagen unveiled the ID.2 ALL concept car and announced that it aims for a range of 450 km ( 280 miles) when fully charged and a starting price of 25,000 euros (about $26,540).
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