The companies JMEV and E-Motors presented two models aimed at driving school fleets baptized with names that have already been registered by Kia
This week, Kia released an official note denouncing the misuse of the EV2 and EV3 designations by other companies in Brazil. The companies in question are the Chinese JMEV and E-Motors, its representative, which will sell the cheapest car in the national market.
The oriental brand, linked to Jiangling Motors — Ford’s global partner — presented the two electric models EV2 and EV3 with prices starting at R$ 69,990 and R$ 99,990 respectively in the direct sale modality. However, according to Kia, the names of these models are registered trademarks with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) and would be used without authorization by the companies E-Motors and JMEV.
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In an official statement, the Korean automaker said that “the Kia EV2 and Kia EV3 are products that make up the brand’s global electric vehicle line alongside the EV4, EV5 and EV9, the latter two already on sale in the country”.
The brand also recalled that the EV3 was presented to the public at the São Paulo International Motor Show at the end of last year and is in the process of homologation to soon be launched in the national market. Kia ends the statement by stating that it “will take the appropriate measures to protect the respective brands”.
Sought by the editorial staff of AutoPapo, Mercídio Givisiez, CEO of E-Motors Brasil, clarified that the use of the names EV2 and EV3 in JMEV models came from the factory:
This nomenclature, which is also used in other South American countries, came from a factory in China. JMEV already uses the acronyms EV2 and EV3, but to avoid conflicts we are already arranging for the removal of the names. The intention was not in any way to conflict data and we are already arranging for the change of this nomenclature.”
The CEO of the Brazilian company said that the situation has already been dealt with directly with Kia’s legal team and with Gustavo Gandini, the company’s director of operations. He said that the new names of the cheapest car in Brazil and the other electric model have not yet been decided. According to Mercídio Givisiez, there are already three options of names that are being consulted at the INPI’s base for registration verification.
The JMEV EV2 acts as the brand’s entry option, available from R$ 69.990. The super compact four-seater hatch is equipped with a 17 kWh battery, capable of delivering an average range of 200 km. At just 3.50 meters long, the model focuses on urban agility and ease of maneuvering, being smaller than the Fiat Mobi. Charging is carried out at conventional 220V outlets, requiring about eight hours for a full charge.
For the upper segment, the brand offers the EV3 for R$ 99.990. The model features a 30 kWh battery, a range of 330 km and a motor that delivers 48 hp and 15,3 kgfm. The interior of the EV3 includes a 7-inch multimedia center and digital air conditioning.
The technical differential for teaching drivers is the option of a simulated manual transmission and other adaptations such as dual pedal control and auxiliary mirrors. Despite all this adaptation, the rules for obtaining the National Driver’s License (CNH) changed in December 2025. Candidates are now allowed to use automatic vehicles and without dual control.
The Kia EV2 was officially unveiled during the Brussels Motor Show in Belgium and fulfills the role of an entry-level model among the brand’s electrified vehicles. It is a compact SUV the size of the VW Tera with a focus on the urban environment.
The model will be available with fast charging, optimization of internal space and two battery options, including a long-range one. Meanwhile, the EV3, which has already consolidated itself in the brand’s lineup, should arrive in Brazil in the second half of this year as the electrified model to enter the national market.
It is also a compact SUV, but slightly larger than its younger brother, with a size similar to the VW T-cross and creative design. Its 204 hp electric motor drives the front axle and two battery options that give ranges of 436 km or 605 km in the WLTP cycle.
Inside, the model made in Mexico uses recycled materials, such as fabrics that come from PET bottles, for example. Its characteristics earned the Kia EV3 the title of World Car of the Year 2025, which is decided by a jury of 96 automotive journalists from 30 countries.
