The upcoming Kia EV2 has just sent a clear message to the electric vehicle market: being an “entry-level” model doesn’t mean compromising on performance. In a stunning display of reliability, a Kia EV2 prototype recently conquered the NAF El Prix Winter Test Drive in Norway—widely considered the world’s most grueling real-world EV challenge.
Despite temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling -21°C in the mountainous Jotunheimen region, the EV2 prototype proved that Kia’s 400V E-GMP architecture is built to handle the extremes.
Real-World Performance: 310 Kilometres in Sub-Zero Temps
While many EVs struggle when the mercury drops, the EV2 ‘GT-line’ prototype (equipped with a 61.0kWh long-range battery and 19-inch wheels) covered 310.6 kilometres before coming to a halt.
Key Performance Metrics:
- Duration: Over 5 hours of continuous driving.
- Conditions: Extreme cold, reaching lows of -21°C.
- Efficiency: A deviation of only -24.81% from the target WLTP figure.
- Ranking: This performance placed the prototype first in terms of range retention compared to official participants in the test.
“This result serves as proof that the EV2 will continue to deliver reliable range even in extremely low temperatures,” says Pablo Martinez Masip, Vice President Product and Marketing of Kia Europe.
Charging Without Compromise
One of the biggest hurdles for EV owners in winter is “cold-gate”—dramatically slowed charging speeds. The EV2 avoids this trap through its advanced 400V E-GMP architecture.+1
Even in these record-breaking sub-zero conditions, the EV2 prototype charged from 10% to 80% in just 36 minutes. This is only six minutes longer than the official target figures, showcasing the vehicle’s “all-weather” rapid DC fast charging capabilities.
Comparison: EV2 vs. EV4
The EV2 wasn’t the only Kia making waves in Norway. The Kia EV4, the first electric model produced at Kia’s Slovakian plant, also participated in the same El Prix edition.
| Feature | Kia EV2 (Prototype) | Kia EV4 (Production) |
| Battery Size | 61.0 kWh | 81.4 kWh |
| Winter Test Range | 310.6 km | 390 km |
| Official WLTP Target | 413 km (GT-line) | 594 km |
| Architecture | 400V E-GMP | 400V E-GMP |
Production and Availability: What to Expect
The Kia EV2 is being developed and built in Europe at Kia AutoLand Slovakia. As Kia’s second fully electric model produced at the Žilina facility, it is designed specifically for the needs of European drivers.
- Standard Range (42.2kWh): Currently in production.
- Long Range (61.0kWh) & GT-line: Production begins in June 2026.
- Official WLTP Figures: Expected to be released in Q3 2026.
Why the NAF El Prix Matters
The Norwegian Automotive Federation’s (NAF) El Prix is the gold standard for EV testing. By testing vehicles in the same conditions on the same day, it eliminates the “lab-only” bias of official figures. This year’s edition was the coldest on record, with temperatures elsewhere on the route hitting -31°C, making the EV2’s 310km achievement even more impressive.
