Kia’s EV2 GT-line prototype covered 310.6km in -21°C conditions at the Norwegian El Prix Winter Test Drive, within 25% of its target WLTP range. Built on Kia’s 400V E-GMP architecture, the long-range version enters production in June 2026.
The Kia EV2 prototype covered 310.6km in the coldest-ever edition of the Norwegian Automotive Federation’s (NAF) El Prix Winter Test Drive, outperforming tested production vehicles in the process.
The GT-line prototype, equipped with a 61.0kWh long-range battery and 19-inch wheels, was driven for more than five hours in temperatures dropping to -21°C in Norway’s mountainous Jotunheimen region. The result represents a deviation of -24.81% from the target Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) range of 413km for the GT-line variant with 19-inch wheels — placing it ahead of officially entered production vehicles.
“This result serves as proof that the EV2 will continue to deliver reliable range even in extremely low temperatures,” says Pablo Martinez Masip, vice president of product and marketing at Kia Europe. “Being the entry point to Kia’s EV lineup does not mean compromising; the EV2 offers customers throughout Europe an affordable yet reliable way to enter electric mobility.”
The EV2 is built on Kia’s 400V E-GMP architecture and supports 11kW AC, 22kW AC, and rapid DC fast charging. During the test, the prototype charged from 10% to 80% in 36 minutes — six minutes longer than official figures — despite the sub-zero conditions.
Because the EV2 remains a prototype, its results are not included in the NAF’s final report, though it completed the route alongside the official program under identical conditions. Formal WLTP figures are expected in Q3 2026.
The El Prix test drive, held in both summer and winter editions, compares EVs on the Norwegian market under identical real-world driving and charging conditions. This year’s winter edition saw temperatures drop to -31°C.
The EV2 is Kia’s second fully electric model produced at Kia AutoLand Slovakia in Žilina. The 42.2kWh standard-range battery version is currently in production, with the 61.0kWh long-range and GT-line variants following from June 2026. Kia’s EV4, also built in Slovakia, achieved 390km in the same El Prix winter test with its 81.4kWh battery, ranking among the top overall performers.
