Kia has started producing the EV2 at its Žilina, Slovakia plant. The B-segment electric SUV is the second fully electric model assembled at the facility, following the EV4’s production launch in August 2025. Assembly follows a modernization program completed last year at the plant.
Highlights
- European EV expansion: The EV2 is Kia’s second electric vehicle produced at its Slovakia factory, joining the EV4 on the same production lines.
- Two battery options: The EV2 offers 42.2 kWh and 61.0 kWh packs with anticipated ranges of up to 317 km and 453 km (WLTP pending).
- Major factory investment: Kia Slovakia invested more than €200 million (approximately $231 million USD) into facility modernization in 2025.
- Mixed production capability: The Žilina plant produces electric, hybrid, and internal combustion models side by side.
Production and Factory Details
The Žilina facility, founded in 2004, employs around 3,700 workers and uses more than 600 robots across five production areas: press, body, paint, engine, and assembly. In 2025, the plant produced approximately 300,000 vehicles and about 470,000 engines. Models included the XCeed, Sportage, and EV4, which were exported to 73 countries. That output accounted for 9.3% of Kia’s global vehicle production.
“The start of production for the EV2 continues to verify our technical capabilities and flexibility in Europe,” said 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.”
Tomáš Potoček, spokesperson for Kia Slovakia, added context on the production ramp. “We had already set up the processes for local EV manufacturing when preparing for the EV4 production launch,” he said. “With our skilled workforce and hundreds of robots backed by advanced manufacturing technologies, the EV2 is rolling off the assembly as we speak.”
EV2 Specifications and Features
The EV2 targets the B-SUV segment with two battery configurations. The 42.2 kWh standard-range version is currently in production. Meanwhile, the 61.0 kWh long-range variant and the EV2 GT-line are scheduled to begin production in June 2026. Charging supports 400V DC fast charging and 11 kW AC.
In addition, connected services include EV route planning, Plug & Charge functionality, and bidirectional charging. Interior features include sliding and reclining rear seats, up to 403 liters of cargo capacity, and a triple-screen display option. Over-the-Air (OTA) updates and a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are also available.
All specifications remain tentative pending European homologation.
Sustainability Initiatives
Kia Slovakia has also integrated sustainability measures into operations. Starting in Q2 2026, a photovoltaic power plant running on renewable electricity is expected to generate up to 1.5% of the facility’s annual electricity needs. Furthermore, the factory will mark 20 years of European production in December 2026.
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