Kia plans to introduce a new entry-level electric vehicle, tentatively dubbed the EV1, slated to be smaller and more affordable than its upcoming EV2 crossover. The move comes as part of a broader strategy to reach the “late majority” of EV buyers heading towards its 2030 sales targets .
While the EV2 will debut for around $31,000 (€30,000) in 2026, Kia’s CEO Ho Sung Song says an even more budget-friendly model is essential to expand EV adoption. The new sub‑EV2 offering is expected to be under $30,000 and sized similarly to the Picanto city car.
Insiders suggest the EV1 will be built on a downsized version of Hyundai’s E‑GMP platform, paired with a compact battery pack, targeting price points around €25,000 (approx. $27,500). A concept reveal could arrive at Kia’s 2026 EV Day.
Kia’s electric rollout has already produced models like the EV3 and EV4, with the EV2 set to be the smallest mass-market EV in the lineup. This new entry model would fill the gap below EV2, targeting cost-sensitive segments.
The strategy forms part of Kia’s ambition to sell 1.6 million EVs annually by 2030 and shift EVs to represent 30% of its total sales. The expanded lineup—from EV1 through EV5 and commercial variants—underpins this goal.
Kia is positioning this sub-$30K EV as an accessible gateway for mainstream consumers. While final specs and timing remain tentative, the EV1—or whatever its official name—could reshape affordability expectations in the global EV market.
