The Kia EV2 GT-line prototype, equipped with a 61kWh long-range battery and 19-inch wheels, recently tackled one of the world’s toughest real-world EV winter tests. It drove for over five hours through Norway’s mountainous Jotunheimen region where temperatures dropped to minus 21 degrees Celsius.
Held twice a year, the El Prix Test Drive evaluates electric vehicles under identical real-world driving and charging conditions. This year’s winter edition set a record for the coldest temperatures reaching minus 31 degrees Celsius. Despite the harsh weather, the EV2 performed exceptionally well, losing only 24.81 percent of its range ahead of all official participants in the challenge.
While the WLTP figures are still to be confirmed, the long-range EV2 targets 448 kilometers or 278 miles with the GT-line version aiming for 413 kilometers or 256 miles. Pablo Martinez Masip, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Kia Europe, said this result proves that the EV2 delivers reliable range even in extreme low temperatures. Being the entry point to Kia’s EV line-up does not mean compromising. The EV2 offers an affordable yet dependable way for customers across Europe to start their electric mobility journey.
How the EV2 Handles Winter Efficiently
One of the key reasons the EV2 performed so well in extreme cold is its clever winter technology. Unlike conventional EV heaters, which drain significant battery power, the EV2 uses a high-efficiency heat pump. This system extracts heat from the car’s electronics and even from outside air, concentrating it into the cabin. It uses up to 75 percent less energy than a standard resistance heater, meaning the car can maintain warmth without heavily impacting driving range.
The EV2 also features battery preconditioning, which warms the battery to its ideal operating temperature before or during a drive. This ensures efficient energy delivery and faster charging at public DC fast chargers, often cutting charging times in half during freezing conditions.
Driving in winter is not just about range; it is about confidence. The EV2’s low centre of gravity thanks to its flat battery pack enhances stability on slippery roads. Combined with instant electric motor torque and precise traction control, the EV2 can handle snow and ice with remarkable control. This stability, along with a clear modern digital cockpit, keeps drivers confident even in harsh conditions.
Rapid Charging and Real-World Performance
Built on Kia’s 400V E-GMP platform, the EV2 supports 11kW AC, 22kW AC, and rapid DC fast charging. During the test, the prototype charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 36 minutes, only six minutes longer than official specifications despite the sub-zero temperatures.
While the prototype’s results are not included in the NAF’s official report, it completed the same route under the same conditions as series-production EVs, demonstrating its real-world reliability.
Why the Kia EV2 is Winter-Ready
For drivers in cold climates, the EV2 proves that range anxiety and harsh winters are no longer barriers to EV adoption. Its winter-ready features include a high-efficiency heat pump for cabin warmth without draining the battery, battery preconditioning for optimal performance and faster charging, cold-resistant battery chemistry for reliable range, and a low centre of gravity with advanced traction control for stability on snow and ice.
This combination of features ensures that the EV2 is not only practical and affordable but also capable in some of the world’s most challenging winter conditions.
The Kia EV2 demonstrates that affordable electric cars can handle extreme winters without compromise. With its smart combination of range-preserving technology, stability features, and fast charging capability, the EV2 is a true four-season vehicle. For anyone considering an EV in colder climates, the message is clear. The technology has matured and the Kia EV2 is ready for real-world winter challenges
