Kia starts EV2 production in Žilina, strengthening European electrification

• Kia has started production of the EV2 in Slovakia, its second fully electric model manufactured in Europe after the EV4

• New robots and modernised production lines ease the integration of the EV2 into the factory’s model output

• The EV2 serves as another stepping stone in Kia’s regional electrification strategy

March 26th 2026 – Kia has started the production of the EV2, the company’s second fully electric vehicle to be assembled in Europe. This represents another step forward in Kia’s electrification strategy for the region. The B-segment SUV will be assembled at Kia Slovakia, following the modernisation programme on the production lines that were completed in 2025.

“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.”

“We had already set up the processes for local EV manufacturing when preparing for the EV4 production launch,” said 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 very best of Kia into a new B-SUV

By bringing Kia’s electric expertise to the B-SUV segment, the EV2 makes electric mobility more accessible, helping customers transition with confidence. The model is offered with a choice of two battery options, 42.2 kWh and 61.0 kWh*, presenting anticipated ranges of up to 317 and 453 kilometres (WLTP pending).** Flexible charging options, including 400V DC fast charging, 11 kW AC charging, and 22 kW AC charging, support both urban commuting and longer journeys, while connected services, such as EV route planning, Plug & Charge functionality, and bidirectional charging, simplify ownership.

The EV2 offers the best of Kia for modern European lifestyles. Designed to serve as the primary car of the household, the EV2 focuses on everyday usability. Its compact size still offers generous legroom, sliding and reclining rear seats, and up to 403 litres of cargo capacity. Kia’s triple-screen display options, Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, and a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) exceed expectations for the segment.

Kia’s EV production in Europe

Founded in 2004 in Žilina, Kia Slovakia was established to better serve key European markets. The almost two-square-kilometre factory employs around 3,700 people and operates with more than 600 advanced robots across five main production areas: press, body, paint, engine, and assembly.

Last year, Kia Slovakia invested more than €200 million into modernisation, such as next-generation robotics, enhancements to the production lines, and an improved work environment. The facility produced approximately 300,000 vehicles and about 470,000 engines in 2025, including the XCeed, Sportage, and EV4, which were exported to 73 countries. These figures account for 9.3 per cent of Kia’s global vehicle output.

Kia Slovakia has integrated sustainability initiatives into its operations. For example, starting Q2 2026, a photovoltaic power plant, operating completely on renewable electricity, is expected to generate up to 1.5 per cent of the facility’s annual electricity requirements.

In December, Kia Slovakia will celebrate twenty years of European production.