Kia EV2 ruled as “unviable” for New Zealand market 

Despite its vast range of electric SUVs, Kia New Zealand has no plans to bring in the newest member of the EV family — the EV2. 

Speaking with NZ Autocar at the recent launch of the PV5 van, Kia New Zealand Managing Director Todd McDonald explained how European production makes it a hard business case. 

“We have reviewed the vehicle, but we’re unlikely to take it.

“Production costs, transport costs, lead time and the price that we sell EV3 at is very competitive in the global stage for EV3, which would make EV2 unviable.”

Despite the fact the EV2 is being produced in right-hand drive, it is coming out of Kia’s Slovakian factory, which makes for a costly shipping exercise. 

The EV3 that McDonald referenced is produced at Kia’s EV plant in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, which is significantly closer. 

When asked about the even smaller EV1 that Kia has been teasing for some time now, the theme was the same. 

“That would be depending on where EV1 would be produced,” McDonald said. 

So despite the onslaught of small Chinese EVs landing locally it seems Kia New Zealand is standing strong behind its EV3. 

Starting at $55,520 for the entry-level Standard Range variant, the EV3 isn’t particularly cheap by modern EV standards. 

To entice buyers into EVs, Kia launched “New Zealand’s best EV ownership offer” which looks to reduce motoring costs. 

The promotion consists of $1,500 worth of charging credit, three years worth of RUCs, a three-year service plan, and no ORCs. 

This offer also extends to the larger EV5 SUV.