Kia EV6 all-electric SUV revealed at online event
Kia has launched the new Kia EV6, the carmaker’s first-ever battery electric vehicle (BEV).
The Kia EV6 is powered exclusively by electricity and be capable of a range of over 510 kilometres from a single charge. It is built on a new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) architecture. The platform enables fast and flexible development of products with varied attributes such as multiple long-range, zero-emissions powertrain configurations. The EV6 will be available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models. There will also be a performance GT variant.
Looks & Style
The crossover has a futuristic coupé style. The signature Kia tiger-nose grille has been carried into the new brand albeit reinterpreted. The Digital Tiger Face incorporates daytime running lights and a sequential dynamic light programme. Below this, a low air intake visually widens the front of the car, accentuating its high-tech image.
The crossover-inspired silhouette is modern, sleek and aerodynamic. A character line runs along the bottom of the doors, curving upwards towards the rear wheel arches to visually elongate the profile of the car. Designed to optimise aerodynamic performance, the rear displays a sloping C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert which appears to extend the window glass. Above this sits a prominent wing-type roof spoiler that channels air downwards towards a raised lower spoiler, which sits atop the car’s distinctive rear light cluster.
Electric Power
There are two charging capabilities, 800V and 400V, without the need for additional components or adapters. The 800V high speed charging goes from 10 to 80 per cent battery charge in just 18 minutes. It can also provide a top-up charge of 100km of driving range in less than four and a half minutes when pairing 2WD with the 77.4-kWh battery option.
The car’s charging system is more flexible than previous generation BEVs thanks to an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). The ICCU enables a new vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which is capable of discharging energy from the vehicle battery. The V2L function can supply up to 3.6kW of power, the equivalent of operating a 55-inch television and air conditioner simultaneously for more than 24 hours. The system is also able to charge another EV, if needed.
With more than 35% charge left in the battery, the EV6 can tow items weighing up to 1600 kg.
Energy Recuperation
There are also energy-recuperation technologies to maximise driving range. The latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump is a standard feature, 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.
In addition, there is smart regenerative braking. Drivers can quickly and easily slow the car using the paddle shifters to recuperate kinetic energy to maximise driving range and efficiency. The drivers can choose from six regenerative braking levels (none, 1 to 3, ‘i-PEDAL’, or auto mode), depending on the desired level of energy recuperation. The system’s ‘i-PEDAL’ driving mode also allows the car to harvest the maximum amount of energy from its brakes, and enables the driver to bring the car to a gentle halt without needing to push the brake pedal.
Performance
The AWD GT version can accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 260 km/h. It has 430kW dual motors with a maximum 740Nm of torque. The EV6 GT Version will have electronic-Limited Slip Differential software.
Platform & Flexibility
The E-GMP architecture also enables versatile and practical interior design thanks to the flat battery stored under the floor. The EV6 has a 2900mm wheelbase yet the cabin space is close to other mid-size SUVs.
The flexible interior offers cabin storage areas, including 520 litres of boot space with the second-row seats in place. With the second-row seats folded down, stowage capacity increases to approximately 1,300 litres. The car also features a front trunk which provides up to an additional 52 litres of stowage space for 2WD models and 20 litres for AWD models.
Connectivity & Infotainment
The EV6 has several high-tech features like 12-inch dual screens for the infotainment system and an augmented reality (AR) head-up display system. The AR display projects driving information onto the base of the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight. The system displays alerts from the car’s Advanced Driver Assistance System, details of vehicle speed, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions.
There is Kia Connect which provides a range of Kia real time services and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Accessible through the touchscreen, Kia Connect allows users to find locations and pricing of EV charging points, view their vehicle’s charging status, plan smart charging schedules and check the range radius based on the remaining charge.
Along with design elements like a seamless high-tech curved infotainment screen, zero-gravity slim and lightweight relaxation seats, the EV6 interior has an open feel. The upholstery is from recycled plastics. There are the equivalent of 111 plastic water bottles in the seats.
Safety & Convenience
The Kia EV6 offers class-leading levels of safety and convenience from the enhanced suite of driver assistance systems (ADAS). These include:
- Safe Exit Assist (SEA) helps people avoid collisions with a rear side vehicle when exiting EV6. There’s a warning if the system detects a vehicle approaching when an occupant opens the door to exit the vehicle. SEA also helps keep the rear door closed through operation of the electronic child lock.
- Lane Following Assist (LFA) helps centre the vehicle in the lane. LFA can be switched on and off.
- Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) helps maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead when driving on a highway. It also helps centre the vehicle in the lane, even through a curve. If a vehicle in the next lane is too close, HDA 2 adjusts the EV6’s path to prevent a collision. Also, with the driver’s hands on the steering wheel and above a certain speed, a click of the indicator stalk will move the car into the corresponding lane.
- Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) allows the driver to remotely park or exit a parking spot from outside the vehicle.
The EV6 is the first of 11 new BEV models that Kia will launch by 2026. Seven will be on the E-GMP architecture, and four will be derivative EVs based on existing models. The EV6 marks the start of the mid-to-long term strategy for electric vehicles. BEVs, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid electric (HEV) vehicles will make up 40 percent of Kia’s total sales by 2030. The annual sales target is 1.6 million units of these eco-friendly models. Kia aims to grow its BEV sales to 880,000 units in 2030 and become a top global seller.
The Kia EV6 will be built in South Korea. It will go on-sale in select global markets starting from the second half of 2021, with pre-orders beginning from March 30 in some markets.
Photo Gallery
Kia EV6 GT (silver) & Kia EV6 GT-Line (red)
