Padraic Deane
The new Kia EV6 brings long-range (more than 500 kilometres ), zero-emissions power, 800V ultra-fast charging and distinctive styling to the crossover SUV market.
The EV6 is a symbol of Kia’s new brand - its first to be based on the company’s dedicated new platform for battery electric vehicles (BEVs ).
This pioneering crossover is also the first dedicated BEV launched under the new Kia design philosophy Opposites United. The South-Korean carmaker says this displays a future-oriented EV design characterised by high-tech details.
It is powered exclusively by electric energy, with a choice of multiple long-range, zero-emissions powertrain configurations. The 800V charging capability means EV6 can go from 10 to 80 per cent battery charge in just 18 minutes, while the GT version, engineered to inspire consumers with exciting driving performance, can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 260km/h - don’t try the latter on our roads.
The 2WD 77.4 kWh Kia EV6 can travel over a claimed 510 kilometres (316 miles ) on a single charge on the WLTP combined cycle. In addition, a maximum 605Nm torque is available on the AWD version.
The EV6 is fitted with energy-recuperation technologies to maximize driving range. This includes Kia’s latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump, which scavenges waste heat from the car’s coolant system. This ensures that at minus seven degrees Celsius the car can achieve 80 per cent of the range that would be possible at 25 degrees Celsius.
Also featured is the latest generation of Kia’s smart regenerative braking system, which is operated by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel so drivers can quickly and easily slow the car and recuperate kinetic energy to maximize driving range and efficiency. Drivers can choose from six regenerative braking levels.
Movement that inspires
The EV6 is the first dedicated BEV produced by Kia using the new electric-global modular platform (E-GMP ), and forms the first part of Kia’s transition to the new era of electrification under the new brand slogan, Movement that inspires.
It also begins the mid-to-long term strategy for BEVs, plug-in hybrid (PHEV ) and hybrid electric (HEV ) vehicles to make up 40 per cent of Kia’s total sales by 2030, with an annual sales target of 1.6 million units for these eco-friendly models. As part of this, Kia aims to grow its BEV sales to 880,000 units in 2030 and become a top global seller.
Kia plans to strengthen its EV lineup with 11 new BEV models by 2026 – seven built on E-GMP architecture, and four derivative EVs based on existing models. Kia says the new EV architecture delivers a spacious interior and high-tech features for a more intuitive user experience.
The new EV6 features technologies such as ADAS (advanced driver assistance system ) and includes highway driving assist 2 and remote smart parking assist.
Ho Sung Song, Kia’s president and CEO says the EV6 is the embodiment of the new Kia.
"It is born to inspire every journey, through bold design, progressive engineering, innovative technologies, and exciting electric performance.
“EV6 also represents the beginning of Kia’s long-term commitment to sustainable mobility, accelerating the transition not only to clean transportation, but also products, materials and manufacturing.”
The EV6 will be produced in South Korea. It will go on sale in select global markets starting from the second half of 2021, with online reservations available now in some markets.
