How Kia’s EV2 Performed in Norway’s Winter Range Test

A Prototype Steps Into a Real-World Trial

Kia brought an early version of its upcoming entry-level electric model, the EV2, to Norway for one of the industry’s toughest cold-weather evaluations. The annual winter drive organized by the Norwegian Automotive Federation measures how far electric vehicles can travel in sub-zero conditions compared with their official laboratory estimates.

Although the EV2 has not yet reached full production—and therefore does not appear in the federation’s published rankings—Kia says its small crossover delivered the strongest performance among all vehicles that took part.

The car tested was equipped with the larger 61 kWh battery pack, the same configuration scheduled for assembly in Slovakia beginning in July. The prototype still wore partial camouflage, even though the production design has already been shown publicly.

Range Loss in Extreme Cold

Cold weather is widely known to reduce driving distance in battery-powered vehicles. In Norway, temperatures during the evaluation remained well below freezing, never rising above 17.6°F (-8°C) and dropping as low as -23.8°F (-31°C).

Under those conditions, the EV2 covered 193 miles (310.6 km) before depleting its charge. Based on Kia’s preliminary European estimates, the model is expected to achieve around 278 miles (448 km) under the WLTP cycle, or 256 miles (413 km) when fitted with larger 19-inch wheels.

The difference between the projected rating and the winter result amounts to 63.6 miles (102.4 km), representing a reduction of roughly 24.8%. In the context of severe cold, that figure compares favorably with many rivals tested in previous editions of the same event.

Manufacturers typically see winter losses of 25% to 40% depending on vehicle size, battery chemistry, heating demands, and driving conditions. Against that backdrop, the EV2’s outcome places it near the stronger end of the spectrum.

Fast Charging Under Freezing Conditions

Driving range is only part of the equation in winter. Replenishing the battery in low temperatures can also prove challenging, as cold cells accept energy more slowly.

During the Norwegian test, the EV2 was connected to a fast charger at 8% state of charge and brought up to 80% in just under 37 minutes. Over that session, it added 45.4 kWh. Peak charging power reached 97 kW, with an average of 74 kW across the curve.

Kia has previously indicated that, in moderate conditions, the EV2 should move from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes, although it has not published a confirmed maximum charging rate. Considering the sub-zero environment, the Norway result suggests the vehicle’s thermal management system maintained solid efficiency.

Efficient battery heating and conditioning are essential in colder climates, where charging performance can otherwise deteriorate sharply.

How Competitors Fared

The winter comparison included several other electric models, offering useful context. The Hyundai Inster, rated at 224 miles (360 km), recorded a decrease of 64.6 miles (104 km) during the test. That translates to a loss of roughly 28.9% of its official range—slightly higher in percentage terms than the EV2.

Another Kia product assembled in Slovakia, the EV4 hatchback, also participated. Its larger 81.4 kWh battery carries a WLTP figure of up to 369 miles (594 km). In freezing conditions, it fell short of that number by 126 miles (204 km). While the absolute drop was greater than the EV2’s, larger vehicles often experience higher energy consumption due to weight and aerodynamic differences.

Some premium entries faced even steeper reductions. In one notable case, the Lucid Air came in 274 miles (440 km) below its certified range, highlighting how dramatically winter can affect high-performance, long-range EVs.

Implications for the Compact EV Segment

Kia’s decision to submit a near-production prototype underscores its confidence in the EV2’s engineering. The model targets buyers seeking a smaller, more affordable electric vehicle suited to urban and regional use.

If the preliminary WLTP projections are confirmed, a range of up to 278 miles would position the EV2 competitively within Europe’s compact EV category. Combined with comparatively moderate winter losses and consistent charging speeds in harsh weather, the vehicle may appeal to drivers in northern markets where climate resilience is critical.

Production is set to begin in Slovakia later this year, and final certified figures are expected closer to launch.

While laboratory ratings remain important for comparison, real-world trials such as Norway’s winter evaluation provide a clearer picture of how electric cars perform outside ideal conditions. In this instance, Kia’s smallest battery-electric model appears to have handled the cold better than many established competitors.

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