Kia UK is set to introduce its newest electric model, the EV2, to the public through a series of dedicated test drive events running from 16 April to 27 June 2026. The nationwide ‘First Drive Weekend’ initiative will see nearly all of the brand's 190 dealerships participate, providing customers with exclusive early access to this highly anticipated vehicle.

Structured around the theme of new beginnings, these events will offer attendees the first opportunity to engage with the EV2, explore Kia's latest electric design language and potentially take their first step into the brand's electric vehicle family. Given the limited capacity at each venue, interested individuals are advised to book their spots online in advance.

Taking place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, each event is designed to deliver a personalised and memorable experience. Guests will have a dedicated one-hour appointment, during which they will receive an expert-led walkaround of the vehicle, allowing for in-depth discussion and questions. This is followed by a comprehensive 30-minute test drive on a pre-planned route, giving participants a genuine feel for the car's performance and technology across different driving conditions. The experience concludes at the dealership, where attendees can continue exploring the Kia model range with the sales team.

The Kia EV2 itself represents a significant addition to the compact SUV market. Engineered and manufactured in Europe for European drivers, this model is Kia's smallest electric vehicle to date. Despite its compact dimensions of just over four metres, it offers remarkable interior space and up to 362 litres of boot capacity, a benefit of its dedicated electric platform. Customers will have a choice of two battery sizes, both capable of rapid charging from 10 to 80 percent in approximately half an hour.

The vehicle also introduces advanced technology typically found in larger, premium models. This includes a triple-screen display, over-the-air software updates and Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Grid capabilities. A standout feature is the Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows the car to be manoeuvred from outside using the key fob. The design philosophy, named Opposites United, incorporates sustainable materials, bringing a sophisticated and connected experience to a more accessible price bracket.

This nationwide event series follows the successful introduction of other Kia electric models, such as the EV3 and EV6, through similar dealer-led programmes. Last year's comparable events for the EV4 and EV5 attracted over 15,000 reservations, highlighting strong public interest. Full UK pricing and specifications for the EV2 will be announced shortly, with the first customer deliveries anticipated before the end of the year.

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European automotive major Stellantis has announced a project to produce an electric vehicle, designated the E-Car, with production scheduled to begin in 2028. The manufacturing will take place at the Pomigliano d’Arco plant in Italy.

The term E-Car refers to European, Emotion, Electric and Environmental friendliness. The project aims to support the adoption of electric vehicles for city-centric mobility and intends to boost design and manufacturing jobs in Europe. The vehicle is designed to address the contraction of the small car segment in the region.

Antonio Filosa, CEO, Stellantis, said, “The E-Car is a concept that finds its natural match in the small car success that runs deep in our European Stellantis DNA. Our customers are calling for a revival of small, stylish vehicles, proudly produced in Europe, which are also affordable and environmentally friendly. Stellantis is answering their call with exciting new models for multiple brands. Production is expected to start in 2028 in our Pomigliano (Italy) plant.”

The selection of the Pomigliano plant aligns with its history of producing cars, such as the Fiat Panda. The E-Car models will utilise BEV technologies developed with partners to improve affordability and reduce time-to-market.

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto has introduced the Skoda Epiq, its first entry-level city SUV crossover, which it claims achieves price parity with its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, the Kamiq, in several European markets.

Built on the Volkswagen Group’s new MEB+ modular electric platform, the front-wheel-drive Epiq doubles Skoda's battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup alongside the Enyaq, Elroq and upcoming Peaq.

The platform features two battery chemistries and three power outputs tailored for urban efficiency –

• Epiq 35 & 40: Features a 38.5 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, producing 267 Nm of torque and a 310 km range. The entry-level Epiq 35 delivers 85 kW, while the Epiq 40 outputs 99 kW.
• Epiq 55: The range-topping variant utilises a 55 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery pack, generating 155 kW of power and 290 Nm of torque for a 440 km range.

The Epiq 55 supports fast DC charging, replenishing the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in 24 minutes. It also features bidirectional charging capabilities (V2L, V2H and V2G) and introduces full one-pedal driving in B mode. Mechanical disc brakes are fitted on both axles to limit rotor oxidation, as the front wheels handle all regenerative braking.

Measuring 4,171 mm long with a 2,601 mm wheelbase, the Epiq is the first production model to fully adopt Skoda’s ‘Modern Solid’ design language. The traditional front grille is replaced by a glossy black Tech-Deck Face concealing integrated sensors, framed by a new T-shaped LED light signature.

The crossover achieves a drag coefficient of 0.275. This aerodynamic profile is enabled by active cooling shutters, front-wheel Air Curtains, a fully enclosed smooth underbody pan and an extended roof spoiler.

Despite its compact exterior, the vehicle offers substantial storage, prioritising a 475-litre rear boot. This is supplemented by a 25-litre front luggage compartment (frunk) and 28 litres of cabin storage.

The cabin is completely animal-free, replacing leather with a durable synthetic material called Techtona. All textile seat fabrics are woven from 100 percent recycled polyester fibers (PES).

The digital core is powered by an Android-based infotainment system utilizing a 13-inch central display with third-party app hosting and a mobile digital key platform.

Safety hardware includes seven standard airbags (including a front-centre airbag) and advanced driver assistance features:

It gets Front Assist, Lane Assist, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and an eye-tracking mirror camera for driver fatigue as standard. Customers will also have a choice for an Optional Crossroad Assist feature using front-corner radars, and Travel Assist 3.0 with proactive stop-light recognition, Trained Parking and Remote Park Assist.

Shortly after the initial market rollout, a limited Epiq First Edition will launch exclusively with the high-output 155 kW Epiq 55 powertrain. It is distinguished by a two-tone paint finish with a black roof, exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, and Navajo Orange accents on the mirrors, bumpers, and side trim. The interior is upgraded with matching orange stitching, contrast safety belts, and aluminium sports pedals.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Auto, said, “The Epiq is our most approachable step into electric mobility – compact, confident, unmistakably Skoda, and designed to deliver exceptional value for money. It sets a clear benchmark for what an entry-level electric model should be: clean, purposeful design, intuitive user experience, and genuine everyday value. As our first series-production model to fully adopt the Modern Solid design language, the Epiq brings technologies from higher vehicle segments into an accessible package."

Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, added, “With the Epiq, we are addressing customers who are looking for a straightforward and attractive entry into electric mobility. The model combines compact dimensions with a surprisingly spacious interior, including a 475-litre luggage compartment, and a design focused on functionality. It delivers the quality and Simply Clever solutions our customers expect from Skoda, along with new features such as bidirectional charging."

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ultraviolette Automotive and Bolt.Earth have announced that their interoperable Type-6 DC fast-charging network has surpassed 130 operational stations across 7 Indian states.

The current footprint more than doubles the initial deployment goal of 50 chargers established when the companies signed their strategic partnership in March 2026.

The accelerated infrastructure rollout is designed to support a growing performance electric motorcycle market and mitigate range anxiety. The active charging stations are distributed throughout Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal. As part of the network's next deployment phase, an additional 200 Type-6 DC fast chargers are scheduled to go live over the next two months.

The public charging network adheres to the IS 17017 Part 2 Section 6 standard, establishing native hardware compatibility for Ultraviolette's F77 and newly launched X-47 Crossover electric motorcycles without requiring external charging adapters. The physical infrastructure expansion relies on a dual-strategy approach, combining new installations of Type-6 DC fast chargers with targeted hardware upgrades to Bolt.Earth's existing charging points.

Niraj Rajmohan, Co-Founder & CTO, Ultraviolette, said, “Crossing 130+ Type-6 fast chargers ahead of schedule is in response to Ultraviolette’s expanding rider base and the broader growth of India’s electric two-wheeler market. The expansion also comes at a pivotal moment for India’s mobility sector. Recent crude-linked volatility has reinforced the need for more resilient, electricity-led mobility infrastructure. For electric mobility to scale meaningfully, charging infrastructure must evolve alongside vehicle technology with reliability, accessibility, and interoperability at its core. The rapid expansion of the Type-6 ecosystem marks an important step towards building a standardised and future-ready charging backbone for electric mobility.”

Mohit Yadav, Founder, Bolt.Earth, added, “Crossing 100 chargers within weeks of launch is more than a milestone for us, it reflects both the pace at which India’s EV ecosystem is evolving and our ability to scale interoperable infrastructure rapidly. With a roadmap to deploy 10,000 Type-6 Blaze DC chargers over the next two years, our focus remains on building one of India’s most reliable and accessible public fast-charging networks for electric two-wheelers.”

The network's software backend is integrated across both companies' digital applications. This allows riders to access real-time charger discovery, monitor active charging session telemetry, and process payments via integrated payment portals. Bolt.Earth has outlined a long-term commercial roadmap to deploy 10,000 Type-6 Blaze DC chargers over the next 24 months to support high-density urban transit routes and regional highway corridors.

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Switch Mobility, the electric vehicle business of Ashok Leyland, has expanded its product lineup with the introduction of the Switch IeV4 Reefer, a purpose-built electric refrigerated vehicle designed for temperature-controlled cold chain logistics. The EV has seen initial adoption by logistics operators across western, northern and southern regions of India.

The IeV4 Reefer is based on a 300V high-voltage electrical architecture and features a 32.2 kWh lithium-ion battery coupled with a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The powertrain configuration yields a peak output of 60 kW and 230 Nm of torque, supporting a top speed of 80 kmph and a gradeability of 22 percent.

The thermal management system provides adjustable temperature regulations between -25deg C and +25deg C, allowing the vehicle to operate across frozen, chilled and fresh food or pharmaceutical distribution sectors. The refrigeration container body utilises 100 mm thick sandwich panel insulation to manage thermal retention.

To conserve battery capacity, the vehicle includes a standby and pre-cooling system. This mechanism allows the refrigeration unit to draw power directly from the electrical grid during vehicle DC charging, loading, or unloading cycles, preserving battery energy for transit operations.

The Switch IeV4 Reefer has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 3,490 kg with a net payload capacity of 1,200 kg including the weight of the refrigeration unit. It comes with a Combined Charging System (CCS2) supporting both AC and DC inputs. Fast DC charging replenishes the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 55 minutes.

It comes integrated with Switch iON connected technology to handle real-time diagnostics, route tracking and fleet productivity metrics.

The cabin configuration features electric power steering, a D+2 seating layout and suspension stabilisation systems intended to support driver comfort during urban and regional freight delivery routes.

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