- Kia EV2 passes winter range test
- Managed 193 miles during challenging Norwegian El Prix Test Drive
- Temperatures dropped as low as -31°C
- Real-world capabilities showcased
Worried about electric vehicles struggling in the depths of winter? The incoming Kia EV2 should help to allay those fears.
The EV2 is a new fully-electric, compact SUV from Kia that will sit below the EV3 and EV4 in the Korean firm’s range.
It’s due to arrive properly in the summer of 2026 where it’ll trade blows with rivals like the Renault 4 E-Tech, Ford Puma Gen-E and the soon-to-arrive Skoda Epiq.
Ahead of its debut, the Kia EV2 has been undergoing icy winter testing in Norway to see just how it copes with extreme cold weather.
Here’s how it got on.
Will the Kia EV2 perform when temperatures drop?
Judging by this trial, the Kia EV2 will cope just fine with a typical British winter.
The EV2 was taking part in something called the Norwegian Automotive Federation’s (NAF) El Prix Winter Test Drive.
It’s billed as one of the world’s most demanding EV tests and serves to assess real-world driving and charging conditions.
This year’s winter edition was the coldest on record, with temperatures dropping to -31°C!
A prototype long-range version of the EV2 managed a distance of 310.6km (around 193 miles), which is within 25% of its WLTP range, having been driven for more than five hours through Norway’s mountainous Jotunheimen region.
That’s impressive, with EVs typically seeing a reduction in range when the mercury drops as the chemical reactions that take place inside a battery slow down while internal resistance increases.
The EV2 in question was fitted with a 61 kWh battery and 19-inch wheels and was in ‘GT-Line’ trim. The official range for that car is around 413 kilometres (257 miles).
So, you can see the drop off, but it’s still a decent return in such frigid conditions.
Pablo Martinez Masip, Vice President Product and Marketing of Kia Europe, said: “Being the entry point to Kia’s EV line‑up does not mean compromising; the EV2 offers customers throughout Europe an affordable yet reliable way to enter electric mobility.”
How quickly will the Kia EV2 charge?
The EV2 is built on Kia’s 400V E-GMP architecture with 11kW AC, 22kW AC, and rapid DC fast charging capabilities.
With the latter, the prototype charged from 10-to-80% in 36 minutes, only six minutes longer than official figures, despite the harsh sub-zero conditions.
The EV2 will be available with a choice of two batteries - the aforementioned 61 kWh Long Range pack and a smaller, more affordable 42.2 kWh unit, which should offer a range of around 197 miles between charges.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Ford Puma vs Renault Captur - a comparison
- The Defender-style Geely Galaxy Cruiser is heading to the UK
- UK's most prolific drink driver revealed - exclusive new report
- MG launches cut-price new MG4 EV Urban
- Top 6 Peugeot GTi models
Where To Next?
What is car leasing? Read our car leasing explainer.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
