Kia has started production of the EV2 B-segment electric SUV at its factory in Žilina, Slovakia. The model offers 42.2kWh and 61.0kWh battery options with anticipated ranges of up to 453km. It is the second fully electric vehicle assembled at the plant, following the EV4.
Kia has begun production of the EV2, a B-segment electric SUV, at its factory in Žilina, Slovakia, making it the second fully electric model to be assembled at the facility.
The EV2 is available with two battery options: 42.2kWh and 61.0kWh, offering anticipated ranges of up to 317km and 453km respectively, with WLTP homologation still pending. Charging supports both 400V DC fast charging and 11kW AC, alongside connected features including EV route planning, Plug & Charge functionality, and bidirectional charging.
“The start of production for the EV2 continues to verify our technical capabilities and flexibility in Europe,” says Soohang Chang, president and CEO at Kia Europe. “When the EV4 went into production last August, we demonstrated our ability to produce fully electric models and cars with hybrid and internal combustion powertrains side by side. Now adding the EV2, the output of our Slovakian factory will better support Kia’s electrification strategy in Europe.”
Production follows a modernization program completed in 2025, in which Kia Slovakia invested more than €200 million in next-generation robotics, production line enhancements, and facility improvements. The plant employs around 3,700 people and operates more than 600 robots across press, body, paint, engine, and assembly areas.
“We had already set up the processes for local EV manufacturing when preparing for the EV4 production launch,” says Tomáš Potoček, spokesperson for Kia Slovakia. “With our skilled workforce and hundreds of robots backed by advanced manufacturing technologies, the EV2 is rolling off the assembly as we speak.”
The EV2 has been designed as a primary household vehicle, with sliding and reclining rear seats and up to 403 liters of cargo capacity despite its compact footprint. Interior technology includes triple-screen display options, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
In 2025, the Žilina facility produced approximately 300,000 vehicles and around 470,000 engines, including the XCeed, Sportage, and EV4, exporting to 73 countries. That output represents 9.3% of Kia’s global vehicle production.
The plant is also adding sustainability measures: a photovoltaic power plant running entirely on renewable electricity is expected to come online in Q2 2026, generating up to 1.5% of the facility’s annual electricity needs. Founded in 2004, Kia Slovakia will mark 20 years of European production in December.
