\n<\/p>\n
The Kia EV2, the automaker\u2019s small, affordable electric crossover, has been spotted on the street in camouflage<\/a>. It\u2019s the first time the model has been seen in the wild, although the EV2 is not currently confirmed for the US.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The timing of the sighting is particularly significant given recent news that Tesla may have canned its plans<\/a> for a $25,000 mass-market \u201cModel 2\u201d vehicle. Elon Musk reportedly mothballed the affordable EV in favor of going all in on the company\u2019s plans for a fully autonomous robotaxi.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Many EV manufacturers over the years have promised to build cheap electric cars for the masses, but not many have gone beyond the concept table. Chinese automakers have introduced a number of extremely cheap EVs, like BYD $11,500 Seagull<\/a>, but none are available in the US thanks to high tariffs. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Kia and sister automaker Hyundai have introduced several competitively priced EVs using its shared E-GMP platform, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6 and Kia EV6 and EV9. Kia\u2019s EV6, in particular, has been a hit in the US and stands on its own<\/a> as a viable alternative to Tesla\u2019s Model 3 and Y.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Kia\u2019s EV9 launched earlier this year and is garnering mass interest from those who need three rows of seating<\/a> and want to move to electric. Kia is also planning<\/a> 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 launched in China.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n