Kia’s first dedicated battery-powered electric vehicle will be the EV6. The sleek 5-passenger crossover gets up to 300 miles of targeted range on a single charge, and vehicle shipping is anticipated to start in January 2022.
The 2022 EV6 is reportedly the first of 11 all-electric vehicles that Kia plans to bring to market by 2025 as part on an ongoing strategy to electrify its lineup.
What’s nice about the EV6 is that it offers a broad lineup of configurations including long-range and standard-range high-voltage battery packs. It’s also Kia’s first electric vehicle to be available with two-wheel or all-wheel drive options.
The most powerful EV6 model is the EV6 GT. It has a 77.4-kWh battery pack and more powerful front and rear electric motors that help it make a total system output of 577 horsepower! Kia says the EV6 GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, and it has a top speed of 162 mph!
“The GT version of EV6 demonstrates our technological leadership through its combination of outstanding high-speed charging and acceleration performance like a super sports car,” said Albert Biermann of Hyundai Motor Group. “With our dedicated EV platform, there is no need for compromise between inspiring spaciousness and performance.”
The EV6 is said to be the symbol of Kia’s new brand and it’s also the first BEV built on its new dedicated EV platform. Kia says the new EV architecture delivers a spacious interior and high-tech features for an intuitive user experience.
The 800V charging capability also means the EV6 can go from 10 to 80 percent battery charge in just 18 minutes.
To learn even more about the 2022 Kia EV6, continue reading below!
Exterior
Kia says the EV6 reflects its new design philosophy of “Opposites United.” It takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity.
“At the center of the design philosophy is a new visual identity evoking positive forces and natural energy, with contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes,” writes Kia in a press release.
You’ll find Kia’s “tiger face” at the front of the EV6, which has been reinterpreted for the digital era with daytime running lights that offer a dynamic light sequence. Below this, you’ll find a low air intake that visually widens the front of the vehicle. The side profile of the EV6 displays a crossover-inspired silhouette, giving it a modern and sleek look. Many of the EV6’s design features also help it be more aerodynamic, including the features at the rear.
“Designed in part to realize ultimate aerodynamic performance, the rear displays a sloping C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert which appears to extend the window glass,” writes Kia in a press release. “Above this sits a prominent wing-type roof spoiler that channels air downwards towards a raised lower spoiler, which sits atop the car’s unique rear light cluster.”
Interior
Thanks to the flat battery under the floor, there’s plenty of space inside the EV6. Kia also says it specifically designed the interior of the EV6 to be a space that people would want to spend time in. The hope is that customers feel inspired by the space and that it helps boost their creativity.
One of the most striking aspects of the interior is the seamless high-tech curved infotainment screen. Dual 12.3” screens make up the 24 inches of combined curved display. It helps give the interior an open feel. There’s also an integrated blue light filter that helps reduce eye strain and driver fatigue. The available augmented reality head-up display is also impressive, and helps you keep your eyes focused on the road ahead.
You have an abundance of cabin storage areas, as well as cargo space in the back and space up in the front thanks to the electric vehicle having a front trunk.
Electric Power
The EV6 offers buyers plenty of variety as there are multiple all-electric powertrain configurations to choose from, including long-range (77.4 kWh) and standard-range (58.0 kWh) high-voltage battery packs. The EV6 GT-line is available with both long-range and standard-range battery packs, while the most powerful EV6 GT model features the long-range battery pack only. The EV6 is also Kia’s first electric vehicle to be available with two-wheel or all-wheel drive options.
Equipped with 430kW dual motors, the most powerful EV6 GT takes electric performance to another level. The AWD GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds! And customers who choose the GT will enjoy the confident control and dynamic ride and handling that you get from the addition of electronic-Limited Slip Differential software.
“The GT version of EV6 demonstrates our technological leadership through its combination of outstanding high-speed charging and acceleration performance like a super sports car,” said Biermann. “With our dedicated EV platform, there is no need for compromise between inspiring spaciousness and performance.”
As for charging, the EV6 offers 800V and 400V charging capabilities, without the need for additional components or adapters. The vehicle is capable of a high-speed charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes on all variations, or 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 can even charge another electric vehicle, if needed. It could also operate a 55” television and air conditioner simultaneously for more than 24 hours if you wanted!
Kia also says its fully-electric EV6 offers class-leading levels of safety and convenience thanks to its enhanced suite of driver assistance systems.
Reservations
Reservations for the 2022 Kia EV6 open on June 3 beginning with the First Edition model. It’ll be interesting to see how this new crossover performs, and especially because Kia has been riding on some momentum lately from the introduction of popular and stylish vehicles like the Telluride and Seltos. Vehicle shipping is expected to start in January 2022, though customers will have to wait longer for the the most powerful Kia EV6 GT model with 577 horsepower.