During this week Kia started with the first test drive event of the Kia EV6 in South Korea and our colleagues at Asian Petrolhead had the chance to test it, so we can share with you the first english verdict.
Everything we know so far about the EV6.
Starting with the EV6, Kia’s EV lineup will carry a unique naming convention. The “EV” designation will be followed by a number that indicates the car’s position in the lineup.
The E-GMP modular platform maximizes development efficiency and enables the Kia brand to expand its dedicated EV portfolio across multiple vehicle segments – sedans, CUVs, SUVs – in a short time and with minimal complexity. The architecture provides an adaptable foundation with a long wheelbase and wide stance.
The EV6’s proportions unify Kia’s all-new “Opposites United” design language and deliver crossover functionality. The visual language combines classic sports car inspiration with high-tech cues, modern CUV styling and a coupe-like profile. The EV6 has the same 114.2-inch wheelbase as the Kia Telluride, and compares with the width of a Ford Mustang Mach E and the wheelbase and ground clearance of a Tesla Model Y.
The EV platform also enables jaw-dropping performance, AWD capability, ultra-fast charging times. The vehicle delivers up to an estimated 300-miles of all-electric range (AER), vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, and a flat-floor interior that utilizes sustainable materials throughout the cabin. The EV6 also offers a wide array of advanced driver assistance systems, adding an unprecedented level of connectivity and safety.
‘Opposites United’ CUV Design
Imagined, penned, and brought to life by Kia’s three design studios in Seoul, Frankfurt and Irvine, California, the EV6 crossover is a worldwide collaboration inspired by a new design philosophy called ‘Opposites United,’ which takes its cues and inspirations from the contrasts found in nature and everyday life. Key design elements include:
- “Digital Tiger” grille form serves as Kia’s new tiger nose design
- Headlamps offer sequential dynamic light pattern
- Flush exterior door handles
- High rear deck serves as a spoiler
- Cross-car rear light cluster
- Wheel sizes will be available in 19, 20 or 21-inches
E-GMP serves as the core technology for the next generation of Kia EVs. Highlights include:
- Rear-wheel-based; available AWD capability with front electric motor.
- Strong body structure utilizing 75 percent high-strength steel (HSS) and ultra-high strength steel (UHSS)
- Five-link rear suspension
- World’s first mass-produced integrated drive axle (IDA) to enhance ride comfort and handling, combining wheel bearings with the drive shaft to save weight
- A long wheelbase and short overhangs maximize interior space with flat floor, no tunnel layout
- Underfloor mounted battery placement enables low center of gravity for stability
At the heart of EV6 is an energy-dense Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (80/10/10) battery pack available in two sizes: 58.0 kWh and 77.4 kWh. The low-mounted, underfloor pack delivers energy to both RWD and AWD electric motor layouts with varying horsepower at the front and rear axles. AWD gives EV6 the traction and capability befitting a CUV.
Kia EV6 offers up to 576 horsepower and an extended AER up to a targeted 300 miles across several configurations (AER for specific drivetrain configurations will be announced closer to the EV6’s on-sale date):
- RWD: 58.0 kWh battery with a 160kW rear motor yields 167 horsepower
- RWD: 77.4 kWh battery with a 160kW rear motor yields 218 horsepower
- AWD: 77.4 kWh battery with a 70kW front motor and a 160kW rear motor yields 313 horsepower
- Estimated zero-to-60 performance in 5.1 seconds
- AWD: 77.4 kWh battery with a 160kW front motor and a 270kW rear motor yields 576 horsepower (GT)
- Estimated zero-to-60 mph performance in less than 3.5 seconds
- Not available until late 2022
Beyond its impressive power and range, the EV6’s advanced battery system enables the convenience of ultra-fast charging with the following features and capabilities:
- World’s first patented multi-charging system supporting 400v and 800v DC charging, which works on DC chargers with speeds ranging from 50kW to 350kW
- 800v DC fast charging from a 350-kW charger allows:
- Nearly 70 miles added in less than 5 minutes
- Up to 210-miles (10-to-80 percent) added in under 18 minutes
- 11kW on-board charger (OBC) for Level 2 recharging from 10-to-100 percent in 7 hours, 10 minutes (240v AC, at 40-amps) for the larger 77.4 kWh battery versions
Innovative Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality makes EV6 a power source on wheels to support everything from computers to home improvement projects to camping and tailgating. Electricity flows from the high-energy battery to an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), providing 1900 watts of power to electrical appliances, devices, tools and recreational equipment. The system highlights include:
- 110V power outlet located in a socket on front of second row seat base; adapter to draw power from the external charge port
- From a full charge, power can be drawn from the vehicle for 36 or more consecutive hours
- EV6 is able to charge vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) at 1.1 kW, equivalent to a 110V charger
