Kia EV6: Launching the Electric Future

The Kia EV6, a fully electric crossover, marks the beginning of the automaker’s Plan S initiative. This strategy focuses on transitioning from traditional internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. The vehicle is scheduled for release in the U.S. in early next year, as announced during a live-streamed event held in New York on Tuesday.

A New Platform for Electric Vehicles

The EV6 represents Kia’s first vehicle specifically designed as a battery-electric vehicle. It’s built upon the new Electric-Global Modular Platform (EGM). This platform is shared across the Hyundai Motor Group, including Hyundai and Genesis brands.

The EGM platform also underpins the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 compact crossover. Kia intends to introduce a total of 11 electric vehicles worldwide by the year 2026, all leveraging this advanced platform.

Naming Convention and Upcoming Models

Kia has established a naming convention for its dedicated battery electric vehicles. All such models will begin with the “EV” prefix, followed by a number indicating their position within the vehicle lineup.

Consequently, the EV6 occupies a mid-range position within Kia’s forthcoming electric vehicle portfolio.

Reservations and Initial Details

Further details were revealed during the recent debut, including the opening of reservations for 1,500 First Edition versions of the EV6. Reservations will be accepted starting June 3rd.

Currently, the automaker has not disclosed pricing information for any of the available trim levels.

First Edition Features

The EV6 First Edition will largely resemble the base model, but will include a comprehensive suite of advanced technologies. These include an augmented reality head-up display and a remote smart parking assist system.

Additional features of the First Edition include a premium 14-speaker Meridian audio system and a two-year subscription to SiriusXM.

Notable mechanical and exterior enhancements will also be present, such as a wide sunroof, 20-inch wheels, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, and a 77.4 kWh battery pack.

2022 EV6. Image Credits: Kia

The Kia EV6: A Detailed Overview

Kia engineered the EV6 to combine the aesthetics and performance characteristics of a spacious sports car. This four-door crossover boasts a streamlined profile, achieved through a descending roofline and a low-slung front fascia. The conventional grille, typically found on vehicles with internal combustion engines, has been eliminated, and is replaced by a distinctive segmented LED headlight design.

Notably, the EV6 shares a 114.2-inch wheelbase with the Kia Telluride, providing a useful reference point for understanding its overall dimensions.

The Kia EV6 will be available with two battery pack options utilizing Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese chemistry – a 58 kWh version and a larger 77.4 kWh unit. The larger capacity battery is projected to deliver a range of up to 300 miles. Drive configurations include both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with power outputs ranging from 167 to 313 horsepower depending on the chosen motor and battery combination.

The high-performance EV6 GT model, an all-wheel drive variant equipped with the larger battery and enhanced front and rear electric motors, generates an impressive 567 horsepower. Scheduled for release in late 2022, the GT is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds.

Crucially, the vehicle supports both 400-volt and 800-volt DC fast charging architectures. Kia states that utilizing an 800V DC fast charger with a 350-kW capacity can replenish the battery with up to 210 miles of range in less than 18 minutes.

Kia has incorporated a comprehensive suite of charging capabilities. An integrated 11 kW charger facilitates Level 2 charging, fully replenishing the battery in approximately seven hours. Furthermore, the EV6 features vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, enabling it to serve as a power source for external devices and appliances, providing up to 1900 watts of power.

Power access is provided through a 100V outlet situated on the front of the second-row seat base. With a fully charged battery, Kia estimates that power can be supplied for 36 or more continuous hours. Vehicle-to-vehicle charging is also possible, though at a slow rate of 1.1 kW, comparable to a standard 110V charger.

2022 Kia EV6. Image Credits: Kia

The EV6 is also equipped with a wide array of driver-assistance, safety, and in-car technology features. The interior showcases dual 12-inch screens that seamlessly integrate to form a curved display, housing both the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. Standard features include Bluetooth connectivity and wireless smartphone charging.

Optional upgrades include a Wi-FI hotspot and over-the-air software updates for the maps and infotainment system. Additional features encompass an in-car commerce system known as Kia Pay, a stolen vehicle recovery system, smartwatch integration for battery status and vehicle control, and connected car services for weather and navigation.

Vehicle functions, such as remote start, can also be controlled remotely via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant through smart speaker integration.

Four external cameras provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle, aiding in parking maneuvers and obstacle detection. Several other safety features are included, such as a safe exit assist system that warns occupants against opening doors into oncoming traffic.

The EV6 incorporates 21 standard active advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with lane centering. An enhanced version of this system will offer lane change assistance and dynamic lane positioning, as per Kia’s specifications.