It’s no secret that the global economy could use a hard refresh, especially considering we’re seeing the opening acts of a full-on conflict in the Middle East that has immense trickle-down effects on everyday life, which was already challenging for many consumers. That said, a problem that many folks — American or not — have to struggle with is gas prices. For some, depending on where you live, you may get this remedy. Though Americans, sadly, will not.
The Kia EV2 Will Skip Over America
Those of us fawning over large SUVs and lavish cabin amenities may be riding in style, though when the monthly bill comes in, we’ll no doubt clench a certain part of our bodies. While there are plenty of options that would ease those tightened muscles, the new Kia EV2 could have been a solid pick at around $30,000. Though we’ll never know, because it isn’t making its way stateside.
The compact EV from Kia offers much of what would be compelling in the current economy, considering gas prices have reached a high that hasn’t been seen since 2022. With around 150 miles of range (197 on WLTP cycle) in the base model, it isn’t the go-to for cross-country adventurers, nor is it a top-pick for large families, though it offers enough tech, comfort, and daily usability to at least warrant a second look for many buyers, given its price and package.
Why The Kia EV2 Is The Definition Of Forbidden Fruit
When we consider thecompact EV competitionit has to outgun here in the US, which includes the Nissan Leaf, Fiat 500e, andChevy Bolt, we begin to see the value in this electric compact. None of the aforementioned compact EVs are volume sellers on the US market, and since the EV market has expanded exponentially in terms of quality, style, and amenities in a few short years, they’re all but overlooked in favor of models from Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and a handful of others from legacy brands, with their only ace being their ~$30,000 price—the 500e actually starts in the low-to-mid-$30,000 range.
This is where the spunky EV2 comes in. It has a contemporary style that doesn’t scream “I call dogs fur babies and have a man-bun,” instead taking styling cues from Kia’s current range of SUVs, which are definitely more fashionable than many compacts—EV or otherwise. It also has a ~$30,000 starting price, perAutomotive News, that could challenge the Leaf and Bolt if it were to make its rounds in the US. With three trims to choose from — each with a solid standard package — a range of customization options, and, as mentioned, an easier-on-the-eyes appearance, the EV2 would fit right into the current compact meta as a worthy consideration.
The Only Drawback Is Its Low Range
Before you grill me over its 150-mile base range, I’m going to beat you to it. No, it can’t hang with the top EVs in the US in terms of range, though it doesn’t necessarily need to. According to FHWA, the average daily miles Americans travel is approximately 37, and with home charging being more accessible and generally cheaper than filling up the gas tank, it has the average American covered in terms of day-to-day range, while also looking out for your wallet with regard to rising gas prices.
That last bit is especially compelling, since analysts predict fuel prices going even higher than they’re at now. Due to the ongoing tension in the Middle East damaging the very infrastructure that helps refine the fuel we depend on, we may not see prices stabilize for a while—and that’s if the conflict comes to an end in the near future. Let’s just put it this way: the national average for regular unleaded fuel is $3.97/gallon—a jump of around $1 in less than a month—and average prices in California sit at $5.62/gallon… You tell me that 150 miles is unreasonable.
Sources: Kia, AAA, NPR, IRU, FHWA, Automotive News