Kia signalled that it is considering an even smaller and more affordable electric car to sit beneath the compact EV2, pointing to a stronger push into entry-level electric mobility. A company designer suggested the brand should go further down in size and price, hinting that an EV1 could be on the way. The move pointed to a stronger push into entry level electric mobility, where simple packaging, low running costs, and urban practicality matter most.
The development, first noted by Electrek, suggested that Kia saw room for a model below the EV2, which already targets buyers seeking a compact footprint. If realised, the additional model would expand the brand’s electric range at the most budget focused end of the market. It also underscored a wider shift in the industry, where carmakers have aimed to lower the barriers to EV ownership with smaller, lighter vehicles that need fewer batteries and materials.
Kia’s next step below EV2
Reports indicated that Kia’s designer believed the company should go smaller than the EV2. The article described how a car beneath that model would likely focus on low cost, compact dimensions, and straightforward usability in cities. This pointed to a strategy of widening access to electric transport by trimming size, content, and cost where feasible.
The analysis noted a hint at the EV1 name as a possible label for such a model. While no technical details accompanied the suggestion, the signal aligned with established naming for Kia’s electric range. Placing a potential EV1 below the EV2 would help create a clearer ladder of options, from the most compact to larger and more premium vehicles.
Affordable electric mobility gains momentum
The report described a push that matched broader market trends. Around the world, carmakers have worked to reduce the price of electric cars by using smaller batteries, simpler equipment lists, and platforms designed for compact vehicles. This approach can improve affordability because batteries account for a significant share of an EV’s cost, and smaller packs require fewer raw materials.
For buyers, entry level EVs often bring lower running costs and easier parking. They can be well suited to short commutes, local errands, and urban delivery work, where range needs are modest and public charging is more widely available. As cities look to reduce emissions and manage congestion, compact EVs help address both space and air quality constraints.
Packaging and range trade offs in tiny EVs
Designing a very small EV requires careful packaging. Engineers work to balance cabin space, crash structures, and battery placement within a shorter, narrower footprint. To keep weight in check and costs down, designers tend to fit a smaller battery, which reduces range compared with larger models. For city use, that trade off can be acceptable if it keeps purchase prices more accessible.
Smaller packs can also enable quicker charging sessions because there is less energy to replenish. That can make short stop charging practical during the day. The challenge lies in ensuring the vehicle remains comfortable and safe, with adequate ride quality and noise control despite its compact size. Carmakers often focus on simple, durable interiors and efficient heating and cooling systems to save energy.
Charging access and ownership considerations
Entry level EVs rely on a mix of home, workplace, and public charging. For owners with access to a driveway or dedicated parking, slow overnight charging can meet most needs. In urban areas where off street parking is limited, expanding public charging becomes important. Smaller EVs with shorter ranges can manage well if charging points are convenient and reliable.
Total cost of ownership matters as much as the purchase price. Electric cars generally have fewer moving parts than petrol models, which can reduce maintenance needs. Tyres, brakes, and wiper blades still wear, but there is no oil to change and fewer items to service in the powertrain. Energy costs vary by region, yet efficient small EVs can deliver meaningful savings for drivers who cover regular short distances.
Safety and regulation for city sized cars
Safety regulations apply to vehicles of all sizes. Even compact city cars must meet crash standards and include modern features such as stability control and multiple airbags. Achieving these requirements in a small package can be complex, but it is a core part of engineering and homologation for any production model. The design also has to account for pedestrian protection and visibility in dense traffic.
Policy shifts in many markets continue to favour cleaner vehicles in city centres. Low emission zones, congestion rules, and parking policies have encouraged the use of smaller, zero emission models. A compact EV that is easy to manoeuvre can fit these conditions well, making such cars attractive for daily trips that do not require long range. These frameworks add further context to Kia’s apparent interest in a model beneath the EV2.
Market implications for Kia’s electric line up
A potential EV1 would extend Kia’s reach at the most affordable end of its electric line up. The EV2 already aimed at small car buyers, and a vehicle below it would reinforce the brand’s presence among first time EV adopters and budget conscious drivers. It would also show a more complete spread across segments, from compact to larger crossovers, reflecting a common product strategy in the EV era.
The report did not discuss launch timing, specifications, or target markets. Without those details, it is too early to assess how such a car would compete or what features it might include. Even so, the hint suggested Kia was evaluating how to serve drivers who value a low purchase price, modest range, and simple usability. That approach matched ongoing industry efforts to broaden EV appeal beyond early adopters.
EV1 name and what it implies
The suggestion of an EV1 name carried a straightforward implication: a model placed at the start of the electric range. Car naming that uses ascending numbers often signals relative size or position in a line up. If Kia chose that route, a smaller car beneath the EV2 would be consistent with a clear, easy to understand naming pattern.
The naming also helps set expectations. An entry position usually implies a focus on core needs rather than luxury features or long range capability. In practice, that can mean emphasis on value, efficiency, and small car practicality. While the report offered no specification, the intent pointed to affordability and compact design as central goals.
When and where
Electrek published the report on Tuesday 13 January 2026. It cited comments from a Kia designer and indicated the company’s interest in a smaller, more affordable EV below the EV2.
What this means
Kia’s exploration of a model beneath the EV2, with a possible EV1 name hinted, showed a continued push toward lower cost electric cars aimed at everyday urban use. It underscored a wider market shift in which manufacturers have sought to cut EV prices by building smaller, lighter vehicles with simpler specifications. If pursued, the strategy would expand Kia’s electric range at the entry level and could make battery powered transport accessible to more buyers without adding complexity or cost. The report did not include technical or launch details, so the scale and timing remained unclear, but the direction of travel was evident: focus on compact, affordable electric mobility.
