Kia EV2 prototype delivers impressive range at the world’s largest EV winter drive event

• In sub-zero temperatures, the long-range EV2 prototype achieved 310.6km within 25% of its WLTP range, outperforming tested production vehicles
• The Norwegian El Prix drive validates strong real-world EV usability in demanding winter climates typical of Northern Europe

The Kia EV2 has demonstrated reliable real-world performance by covering 310.6 kilometres at the coldest-ever edition of the Norwegian Automotive Federation’s (NAF) El Prix Winter Test Drive, one of the world’s most demanding EV tests.

The tested EV2 ‘GT-line’ prototype, equipped with a 61.0kWh long-range battery and 19-inch wheels, was driven for more than five hours, respecting speed limits, in extremely cold conditions before coming to a full stop in Norway’s mountainous Jotunheimen region, where temperatures currently drop to -21°C. Although WLTP has yet to be finalised, the target figure for the EV2 with the long-range battery is 448 kilometres; 413 kilometres for the EV2 ‘GT-line’ with 19-inch wheels. A deviation of -24.81% places the prototype in first, ahead of the official participants.

“This result serves as proof that the EV2 will continue to deliver reliable range even in extremely low temperatures,” 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; the EV2 offers customers throughout Europe an affordable yet reliable way to enter electric mobility.”

The EV2 is built on Kia’s 400V E-GMP architecture with 11kW AC, 22kW AC, and rapid DC fast charging capabilities. With the latter, the prototype charged from 10-to-80% in 36 minutes, only six minutes longer than official figures, despite the harsh sub-zero conditions. The charging performance highlights the EV2’s reliable everyday usability.

Because it is a prototype, the EV2’s results are not included in the NAF’s final report. Nevertheless, the model still completed the route alongside the official programme and in the same conditions as series-production EVs. The formal WLTP figures, determined under the standardised WLTP laboratory test cycle and conditions, including a reference test temperature of approximately 23°C by an independent accredited technical service, are expected to be released in Q3 2026.

Held once in the summer and again in the winter, the El Prix Test Drive compares EVs on the Norwegian market under identical real-world driving and charging conditions. This year’s winter edition was the coldest on record, with temperatures dropping to -31°C.

Developed and built in Europe
The EV2 is Kia’s second fully electric model to be produced at Kia AutoLand Slovakia in Žilina. The 42.2kWh standard-range battery version is currently in production, followed by the 61.0kWh long-range battery version and a more confident and dynamic-inspired ‘GT-line’ variant from June 2026.

The first electric model to be produced at Kia’s European factory was the EV4. In the same El Prix Winter Test Drive, the EV4 with an 81.4kWh battery and 19-inch wheels achieved 390 kilometres in identical conditions. With a WLTP homologated range of 594 kilometres, the model ranked among the top performers overall, reinforcing Kia’s consistent EV performance, even in adverse conditions.

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