Kia is intensifying its commitment to the European EV market by tripling its production target for the EV2 and EV4 models. The automaker plans to manufacture a combined 180,000 electric vehicles annually at its Žilina plant in Slovakia, positioning Kia as a key player in Europe’s competitive EV sector.
Kia’s European EV Production Goal Triples by 2027
According to Automotive News Europe, Kia’s new production targets call for 100,000 units of the Kia EV2 and 80,000 units of the Kia EV4 to be built annually in Slovakia by 2027.
Including 20,000 EV4 units to be produced in South Korea, Kia’s global EV2 and EV4 output will reach 200,000 units per year within the next two years.
Kia President Song Ho-sung commented:
“Kia aims to produce 200,000 units of the EV2 and EV4 annually. Once we reach this level, we’ll secure sustainable profitability in our EV lineup.”
EV4 Marks Kia’s First European EV Production
In August 2025, Kia launched production of the EV4 at its Žilina facility, marking the brand’s first electric vehicle built in Europe. Kia has invested €108 million (about 178.6 billion KRW) to establish advanced EV assembly lines for both the EV2 and EV4.
Mass production of the Kia EV2 is scheduled to begin in 2026, as the brand continues expanding its European capacity. The Žilina plant currently builds 320,000 vehicles per year, with plans to boost that figure to 350,000 units through future upgrades.
Kia EV2: Compact Electric SUV Tailored for Europe
The Kia EV2 has been developed exclusively for the European market as a compact electric crossover SUV. Although Kia has not released full specifications, the EV2 is expected to measure around 4,000 mm in length, fitting between the Kia EV3 (4,300 mm) and Hyundai Inster (3,825 mm).
Styled similarly to the Kia EV5, the EV2 will feature a modern crossover design and a starting price around €30,000 (approx. 49.6 million KRW).
For comparison, the Kia EV3 starts at €35,990, while the Kia EV5 begins at €37,000 in Europe — positioning the EV2 as one of Kia’s most affordable electric vehicles.
EV4 Demand Drives Upward Forecast
Kia’s decision to raise its European EV production target stems from stronger-than-expected demand for the EV4, which launched in August. The company expects continued growth across its European EV lineup, led by the EV3, EV4, and the upcoming EV2.
Strong EV Sales Growth in Europe
Despite a 3% decline in overall sales between January and August 2025, Kia’s electric vehicle sales in Europe grew 56% year-over-year, reaching 71,179 units.
The Kia EV3 emerged as the brand’s second best-selling model after the Sportage, with 45,269 units sold, ranking as the seventh best-selling EV in Europe.
Kia Strengthens Its European EV Strategy
By expanding production capacity, localizing manufacturing, and introducing competitively priced models like the Kia EV2, the automaker is reinforcing its position in Europe’s rapidly expanding EV segment.
Kia’s investment in the Žilina plant not only enhances cost efficiency but also supports the EU’s goal of regional EV manufacturing and sustainability.
With the EV2’s debut and EV4’s increasing output, Kia is poised to become one of Europe’s leading EV manufacturers by the end of the decade.
