The Kia EV6 - an all-electric car from the future?

With new electric cars hitting the market almost everyday it seems, it's easy to miss one! The Kia EV6 is a car not to be missed. Taking on the big players like the Tesla Model Y, the 2022 Kia EV6 is an electric SUV that's making you think twice about even considering engines that run on petrol and diesel. The new all-electric Kia EV6 gets two batteries, 4WD, and even a rapid sporty GT version. The EV6 is the first dedicated electric car built on Kia's new E-GMP platform and it boasts up to 316 miles range - plus there will be a sporty EV6 GT in the line-up that offers Porsche Taycan rivalling performance, too.

The EV6 is launching with a choice of two batteries, with two and four-wheel-drive available. 

This starts with the standard range 58kWh model, which uses a 168bhp rear-mounted electric motor in entry-level two-wheel-drive form. The AWD variant of the 58kWh car, a total of 232bhp is on offer. With a maximum of 605Nm of torque, it gives a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds. 

 Next in the lineup is the 77.4kWh which boasts an impressive 316-mile range. The 77.4kWh battery is available to be paired with either a rear-wheel-drive producing 225hp or a four-wheel-drive system producing 321hp respectively. With the rear-wheel-drive variant and the all-wheel variant. 

The range-topping model will be known as the EV6 GT. With power increasing to a total of 577hp from a dual-motor setup propelled by a four-wheel-drive setup as standard. As a result, 0-62 mph can be achieved in a staggering 3.5 seconds, which is on par with the latest and greatest performance cars. Kia has stated a range of over 250 miles will be achievable from its sportiest EV6. 

CHARGING 

Thanks to the E-GMP underpinnings' 800-volt capability, the EV6 accepts DC rapid charging at up to 220kW. 

Charging the battery pack shouldn't be an issue for drivers, as fast charging enables the car to charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. Owners will also be able to add 62 miles of range in less than four and a half minutes, improving flexibility. 

Another amazing feature of the EV6 is its external charging. This allows the EV6 to distribute charge to other vehicles at up to 3.6kW via its Type 2 socket as part of its vehicle-to-load V2L function. 

According to Kia, the feature can also be used to power appliances “on an outdoor adventure.” 

PRACTICALITY 

The new EV6 is expected to be strong in the practicality area, given its position in the small to mid-sized SUV this is something that is very important. 

Kia claims that with more than 35 percent charge left in the battery, the EV6 can also tow loads weighing up to 1,600kg, which is strong for an electric car. Boot space stands at 520 litres, rising to 1,300 litres with the rear seats folded down. Because of the lack of an engine, the EV6 features additional storage space at the front. With a capacity of 52 litres in rear-drive models and 20 litres in AWD models.

SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY 

 To help boost overall driving range the EV6 offers six different regenerative braking settings. This includes completely off, modes 1 to 3, 'i-Pedal' - which allows maximum energy harvesting and brings the car to a stop without touching the brakes, allowing one-pedal driving - and an auto setting. Kia has also revamped its infotainment offering, with a pair of 12-inch screens. 

The driving display and infotainment panels are curved. The car features an augmented reality head-up display system. This projects info such as Speed, Nav instructions and Advanced Driver Assistance system details onto the base of the windscreen. The EV6 comes packed with safety tech, including Lane Follow Assist, Adaptive cruise control with auto lane changing function, Collision avoidance, Remote smart parking assist and Safe Exit Assist, which warns passengers of approaching vehicles when getting out of the car. 

ARRIVAL DATE AND PRICING

The EV6 is expected to arrive on UK roads in October 2021, initially launching the longer-range 77.4kWh battery cars. With cheaper 58kWh variants of the EV6 due at a later date. Early EV6 adopters are offered a starting price of around £40,000 for the 77.4kWh rear-wheel-drive 225bhp model, which features the dual 12.3-inch curved screens, sat-nav with Kia Connect, full LED headlights and plenty of advanced safety tech. Stepping up to the sportier-looking GT-Line version sees the price climb to around £43,000. It features the same powertrain as the base model, but a more aggressive body kit and some extra standard technology. Upgrades include suede upholstery, LED ambient lighting, and a power-operated driver's seat.

The top-spec, high-performance EV6 GT is priced from around £58,000 and is only available with the high-power, all-wheel-drive powertrain. Buyers also get a few equipment upgrades, such as intelligent LED headlights, larger brakes with neon green brake calipers, and 21-inch alloy wheels, fitted with sticky Michelin tyres. Kia has made a few tweaks to the EV6 GT's cabin, too, fitting some fresh trim panels to the car's dashboard, a unique sports steering wheel, and a premium stereo system. First deliveries for the 577bhp Kia EV6 GT are expected in autumn 2022.