Kia’s upcoming EV2 has delivered an impressive real-world performance result after completing 310.6 km (193 miles) during the coldest-ever Norwegian Automotive Federation (NAF) El Prix Winter Test Drive — one of the toughest EV range tests globally.
Tested in Norway’s mountainous Jotunheimen region, where temperatures plunged as low as -21°C, the EV2 GT-line prototype ran for more than five hours while respecting speed limits before coming to a complete stop. This year’s winter event was the harshest on record, with parts of the test seeing temperatures dip to -31°C.
Real-world range beats expectations
The prototype was equipped with a 61.0 kWh long-range battery and 19-inch wheels. While official WLTP figures have not yet been finalised, Kia is targeting:
– 448 km (278 miles) WLTP for the EV2 long-range
– 413 km (257 miles) WLTP for the EV2 GT-line on 19-inch wheels
Against that target, the winter test result represents a -24.81% deviation, placing the EV2 first among all participants, ahead of officially entered production EVs.
Despite its prototype status — which excludes it from the NAF’s final rankings — the EV2 completed the same route, under identical conditions, as series-production vehicles.
“This result serves as proof that the EV2 will continue to deliver reliable range even in extremely low temperatures,” said Pablo Martinez Masip, Vice President Product and Marketing of Kia Europe. “Being the entry point to Kia’s EV line-up does not mean compromising.”
Fast charging remains dependable in sub-zero conditions
Built on Kia’s 400V E-GMP platform, the EV2 supports:
– 11 kW AC charging
– 22 kW AC charging
– DC fast charging
During the winter test, the prototype charged from 10–80% in 36 minutes, just six minutes slower than official figures, despite the extreme cold. The result highlights the EV2’s strong everyday usability — an area where many EVs struggle in winter climates.
Built in Europe, designed for European roads
The EV2 is developed and built in Europe, becoming Kia’s second fully electric model produced at Kia AutoLand Slovakia in Žilina, following the EV4.
Production rollout includes:
– 42.2 kWh standard-range version (already in production)
– 61.0 kWh long-range version
– GT-line variant, arriving from June 2026
Kia EV performance consistency confirmed
Kia’s strong winter showing didn’t stop with the EV2. During the same El Prix Winter Test Drive, the Kia EV4, equipped with an 81.4 kWh battery and 19-inch wheels, achieved 390 km (242 miles) in identical conditions. With a WLTP-rated range of 594 km (369 miles), the EV4 ranked among the top overall performers.
Together, the results reinforce Kia’s growing reputation for reliable EV range and charging performance — even in extreme cold, a key consideration for EV buyers in northern Europe, the UK, and cold-climate regions globally.
Official WLTP certification figures for the Kia EV2 are expected to be released in Q3 2026.
