Kia’s E-GMP architecture is designed exclusively for its electric vehicles, and makes its debut in the Kia EV6. This provides immediate advantages over adapting existing platforms designed to accommodate a combustion engine. The E-GMP architecture ensures that EV6 provides a new electrification experience with powerful driving performance, ultra-fast charging, increased range, and enhanced safety.
From launch, EV6 buyers have a choice of two fully electric, zero-emission powertrains – RWD and AWD – based on long-range (77.4kWh) high-voltage lithium-ion polymer battery packs as standard.
EV6 ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models are available with both rear- and all-wheel-drive. The well-equipped ‘Air’ is the entry point into the EV6 line-up and is sold exclusively with rear-wheel drive. This is Kia’s first electric vehicle to be available with a choice of RWD or AWD options – the latter offering enhanced dynamic capability in all on-road driving conditions.
The RWD EV6 can travel up to 328 miles on a single charge (WLTP combined cycle). With a power output of 226bhp and maximum torque of 350Nm, it can sprint to 62mph in 7.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 114mph. The AWD EV6 with dual motor has a more muscular 321bhp on tap, and 605Nm of torque. It accelerates to 62mph in just 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 114mph.
The flagship of the EV6 line-up, the ‘GT’, is due on-sale in the UK in the final quarter of 2022, and will possess 577bhp and a mighty 740Nm of torque. Final performance figures are yet to be ratified, however Kia powertrain engineers are targeting a top speed of 162mph and a 0-62mph acceleration figure in an eye-watering 3.5 seconds. The final figures will be announced in advance of the car’s 2022 arrival. With the addition of electronic-Limited Slip Differential software to the EV6 GT version only, drivers will enjoy confident control and dynamic ride and handling in all conditions.
“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. With our dedicated EV platform, there is no need for compromise between inspiring spaciousness and performance,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group.
More than almost any other EV currently on sale today, the EV6 is a viable option for day-to-day mobility, removing the perceived barriers that prevent many from making the switch to electric. As Kia’s first dedicated EV, it provides rapid charging times, access to an extensive charging network, impressive long range, segment-leading interior space and can even act as a portable battery pack to charge electrical appliances or other electric vehicles. The EV6 is designed inside and out to deliver the very best experience an EV can offer, making ownership as convenient and accessible as running an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, and with reduced environmental impact.
EV6 introduces an innovative multi high-speed charging system which provides EV6 drivers with access to a broader charging infrastructure. Multi high-speed charging means that the system is compatible with both 800V ultra-fast charging and more mainstream 400V fast charging without the need for a special adapter or additional on-board charger.
Stopping at an 800V charger feeds the current directly to the battery at ultra-fast speeds, charging the EV6 battery from 10-to-80 per cent in just 18 minutes on all variants. A top-up charge of 62 miles of driving range takes just four and a half minutes. When the car stops at a more mainstream 400V charger, the vehicle’s motor and inverter convert the 400V current from the charging station into 800V, charging the battery at the maximum power provided by it.
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 is available on ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models, and can supply up to 3.6kW of power. This is capable of operating a 55-inch television and air conditioner simultaneously for more than 24 hours, or providing owners with a mobile power source. For instance, V2L can run appliances on a camping trip, such as an electric grill, heater or fan, or provide power to a fridge or freezer during a power cut. The system is also able to charge another EV or PHEV if needed.
Every EV6 comes equipped with a Type 2-to-Type 2 charger with a five metre cable, as well as a Type 2-to-Domestic three-pin plug charger, to cater for every eventuality. For home use, a 7kW home charging station will recharge the EV6 from 10-to-100 per cent in seven hours 20 minutes; a regular domestic three-pin plug will take 32 hours and 45 minutes to reach full from 10 per cent. Out on the road, a 50kW rapid charger will charge the car from 10-to-80 per cent in 1 hour and 13 minutes; 350kW ultra-fast chargers take just 18 minutes to recharge from 10-to-80 per cent.
Kia has raised the standards of range performance with the combination of E-GMP architecture, power electrics, and design, giving the EV6 one of the best all-electric ranges on the market. In the UK, every model available from launch is capable at least 300 miles on a single charge on the WLTP combined cycle.
All UK models are feature a long-range (77.4kWh) high voltage battery pack as standard, reducing range anxiety for owners. Homologated WLTP values confirm that the rear wheel drive 77.4kWh EV6 can travel up to 328 miles on the combined cycle. That’s similar to the distance from London to Edinburgh on a single charge. Less frequent charging removes one of the most significant barriers to EV ownership.
The all-wheel drive EV6 can also deliver a strong range performance; up to 314 miles on the combined WLTP cycle for ‘GT-Line’ models (with 19-inch wheels), and up to 300 miles for ‘GT-Line S’ models (with larger 20-inch wheels).
The EV6 is fitted with energy-recuperation technologies to maximise driving range. This includes Kia’s latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump (optional on ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’), which scavenges waste heat from the car’s coolant system. This ensures that, at -7°C, the car can achieve 80 per cent of the range that would be possible at 25°C.
Also featured is the latest generation of Kia’s smart regenerative braking system. Operated by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, drivers can use the technology to quickly and easily slow the car, recuperating kinetic energy to maximise driving range and efficiency. 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 ‘i-PEDAL’ driving mode allows the car to harvest the maximum amount of energy from its brakes, enabling the driver to bring the car to a gentle halt without needing to push the brake pedal. At any time, and in any mode, the driver can also hold the left paddle to initiate the maximum level of brake energy regeneration, slowing the car or bringing it smoothly to a stop.
The EV6 will indicate when its charge is low and, using dynamic POIs and real-time charger availability status, can guide drivers to the nearest charging station using the on-board navigation system. Kia’s partnership with the IONITY charging network offers EV6 customers access to reduced per-kWh prices at over 400 high power charging stations across 24 European countries via the Kia Charge app. The IONITY network uses the leading European charging standard CCS (Combined Charging System) and is sourced by 100 per cent renewable energy meaning EV6 drivers can travel emissions-free and carbon neutral.
Kia Charge provides access to more than 17,000 charging connectors in the UK, with additional bolt-on tariffs available for the IONITY and bp pulse charging networks. In addition, it gives EV6 owners additional access to around 205,000 charge points across Europe, including AC and DC connectors. Kia Charge provides a choice of subscriptions and payments depending on drivers’ usage levels.
Further enhancing outdoor adventure opportunities is the EV6’s vehicle-to-load (V2L) function that drastically improves charging flexibility (available on ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models). An Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) enables up to 3.6kW of power to be discharged from the vehicle’s battery via a simple adapter that turns the exterior charging plug into a power socket. The adapter plug will be market specific, featuring a three-pin plug for UK buyers, enabling the EV6 to charge anything from external domestic appliances to other EVs. Inside the cabin, a handy charging port located under the rear seats allows passengers to charge devices from the vehicle’s battery without the need for additional adapters. The EV6’s own battery is preserved by ensuring state of charge does not fall below 20 per cent, at which point V2L is disabled.
The EV6 is designed to tow up to 1,600kg with the 77.4kWh battery pack, both in RWD and AWD configurations, with functionality dependent on the battery pack’s state of charge. Towing capability provides strong electric vehicle performance for perfect trips away with the family.
Model | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Max speed | Range | Range |
‘Air’ 77.4kWh lithium-ion | 226 | 350 | 7.3 | 114 | 459 | 328 |
‘GT-Line’ 77.4kWh lithium-ion | 226 | 350 | 7.3 | 114 | 459 | 328 |
‘GT-Line’ 77.4kWh lithium-ion | 321 | 605 | 5.2 | 114 | 416 | 314 |
‘GT-Line S’ 77.4kWh lithium-ion | 226 | 350 | 7.3 | 114 | 426 | 313 |
‘GT-Line S’ 77.4kWh lithium-ion | 321 | 605 | 5.2 | 114 | 391 | 300 |