Exciting news from the frozen north! The Kia EV2 has just proven it’s got serious cold-weather chops, delivering an impressive real-world performance that puts it at the front of the pack. During the coldest-ever edition of the Norwegian Automotive Federation’s (NAF) El Prix Winter Test Drive—one of the toughest EV challenges on the planet—this little champion covered an outstanding 310.6 kilometres in brutally frigid conditions!
Thriving Where Others Struggle
Picture this: Norway’s breathtaking but unforgiving Jotunheimen mountain region, where temperatures plummeted to a bone-chilling -21°C. The EV2 ‘GT-line’ prototype, sporting a robust 61.0kWh long-range battery and 19-inch wheels, powered through more than five hours of driving while respecting all speed limits. And here’s the best part—it actually claimed first place among the test participants with a deviation of just -24.81% from its target WLTP range!
While the official WLTP figures are still being finalised (expected in Q3 2026), the EV2 is targeting an impressive 448 kilometres with the long-range battery and 413 kilometres for the GT-line variant with those stylish 19-inch wheels. Achieving 310.6 km in such extreme conditions? That’s an absolutely remarkable performance!
What This Means for You
“This result serves as proof that the EV2 will continue to deliver reliable range even in extremely low temperatures,” explains Pablo Martinez Masip, Vice President Product and Marketing of Kia Europe. And we couldn’t agree more! He adds something that really resonates: “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.”
This is exactly what the EV market needs—an accessible electric vehicle that doesn’t sacrifice performance when the mercury drops!
Charging Performance That Delivers
Built on Kia’s proven 400V E-GMP architecture, the EV2 comes equipped with versatile charging options: 11kW AC, 22kW AC, and rapid DC fast charging. Even in those harsh sub-zero conditions, the prototype charged from 10% to 80% in just 36 minutes—only six minutes longer than the official figures! That’s an incredibly consistent performance that translates to reliable everyday usability, no matter what the weather throws at you.
A True Test of Endurance
This year’s winter El Prix Test Drive wasn’t just cold—it was the coldest on record, with temperatures diving all the way down to -31°C! Held twice yearly (summer and winter), this rigorous test compares EVs on the Norwegian market under identical real-world driving and charging conditions. While the EV2’s results aren’t included in the official NAF report (since it’s still a prototype), it completed the entire route alongside series-production EVs under the exact same demanding conditions. That’s confidence-inspiring!
European Excellence
Here’s something to celebrate: the EV2 is Kia’s second fully electric model to roll off the production line at Kia AutoLand Slovakia in Žilina. The 42.2kWh standard-range battery version is already in production, with the 61.0kWh long-range battery version and the sportier ‘GT-line’ variant joining the lineup in June 2026.
And the EV2 isn’t alone in its cold-weather prowess! The EV4, Kia’s first European-produced electric model, also participated in the same test. Equipped with an 81.4kWh battery and 19-inch wheels, it achieved 390 kilometres in identical conditions and ranked among the top performers overall with its impressive 594-kilometre WLTP homologated range. This consistent excellence across Kia’s EV lineup—even in the harshest conditions—really demonstrates the brand’s commitment to delivering reliable electric mobility!
The Bottom Line
The EV2’s performance in one of the world’s most challenging EV tests proves that affordable doesn’t mean compromising on quality or reliability. Whether you’re navigating icy Nordic roads or your daily commute, this impressive little EV is ready to deliver consistent, dependable performance. The future of accessible electric mobility is looking brighter (and warmer!) than ever!
