The Kia EV2, the automaker's affordable small electric crossover, has been seen on the street camouflaged. It's the first time the model has been seen in the wild, although the EV2 is not currently confirmed for the United States.
The timing of the sighting is particularly significant given recent news that Tesla may have canned its plans for a $25,000 mass-market “Model 2” vehicle. Elon Musk has reportedly shelved the affordable electric vehicle in favor of betting on the company's plans for a fully autonomous robotaxi.
Many electric vehicle manufacturers have promised over the years to make cheap electric cars for the masses, but not many have gone beyond the concept table. Chinese automakers have introduced a number of extremely cheap electric vehicles, like BYD $11,500 Seagullbut none are available in the US thanks to high tariffs.
Kia and sister automaker Hyundai have introduced several competitively priced electric vehicles using their shared E-GMP platform, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6 and the Kia EV6 and EV9. Kia's EV6, in particular, has been a hit in the US and stands on its own as a viable alternative to Tesla's Model 3 and Y.
Kia's EV9 was launched earlier this year and is generating a lot of interest from those who need three rows of seating and want to go electric. Kia is also planning a smaller crossover SUV with the EV3 and an affordable sedan with the EV4 later this year. Meanwhile, the EV5, a smaller version of the EV9, has been launched in China.
