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Kia issued an official statement this week denouncing the use of the names EV2 and EV3 by the Chinese JMEV and its representative in Brazil, E-Motors, which sells the two electric models starting at R$ 69,990 in direct sales.
The Korean automaker claims that the names EV2 and EV3 are registered trademarks with the INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property) and are being used without authorization. Kia stated that “it will take appropriate measures to protect the respective trademarks.” The models are part of Kia’s global electric lineup alongside the EV4, EV5, and EV9, the latter two already on sale in Brazil.
JMEV, linked to Jiangling Motors (a global partner of Ford), began selling the EV2 in Brazil for R$ 69,990 and the EV3 for R$ 99,990.
The JMEV EV2 is an urban electric compact and holds the position of the cheapest electric car in the Brazilian market.
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The JMEV EV3 stands out by offering a functional manual transmission with a clutch pedal, aimed at driving schools.
What E-Motors says about the accusation
Mercídio Givisiez, CEO of E-Motors Brazil, responded that the nomenclature of the models came from the factory in China and that the same names are used in other countries in South America.
The company did not indicate whether it intends to change the names of the vehicles in the Brazilian market after the notification.
On Kia’s side, the EV3 was presented at the São Paulo Auto Show at the end of 2025 and is in the homologation process for launch in Brazil in the second half of 2026.
The Kia EV2, a compact SUV with up to 453 km of range, has confirmed production in Slovakia, but there is still no official date for the Brazilian market.
What’s at stake
If Kia obtains a favorable decision from the INPI, JMEV may be forced to change the name of the two models in Brazil, which would affect all commercial communication, sales material, and brand positioning of E-Motors.
For the consumer, the cheapest electric car in the country may continue to exist, but with a different name.
What do you think: should JMEV change the names of the cars or is Kia overreacting in protecting its brand? Share your thoughts.
