Kia have just announced more details of its new EV6 electric car following on from some photos released recently. The new EV6 brings long-range, 800V ultra-fast charging and distinctive styling in a zero-emissions package. The electric crossover style sports utility vehicle (SUV) is Kia’s first car to be based on the company’s dedicated new platform for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The EV6 is the first dedicated BEV launched under the new Kia design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, which displays a future-oriented electric vehicle design characterised by high-tech details. It is powered exclusively by electric energy, with a choice of multiple long-range, electric powertrain configurations.
The EV6 will be available with a 58kWh battery or longer-range 77.4kWh set-up. Kia’s EV6 GT-line will also be available with both long-range and standard-range battery packs, while EV6 GT features the long-range battery pack only. This will also be Kia’s first electric car available with two-wheel or all-wheel drive options.
The two-wheel-drive 77.4kWh EV6 will offer up to 316 miles (510km) of range on a single charge. The 77.4kWh battery pack is paired with a 168kW (229ps/226 horsepower) electric motor powering the rear wheels.
The all-wheel-drive models feature two electric motors, which power the front and rear axles, to produce a total of 239kW (325ps/332 horsepower). With a maximum of 605Nm torque available on the all-wheel-drive version, the EV6 can accelerate from 0-62mph (0-100kph) in 5.2 seconds.
The 58kWh EV6 is paired with a 125kW (170ps/168 horsepower) electric motor powering the rear wheels. The all-wheel-drive models feature two electric motors, powering the front and rear axles producing a combined 173kW (235ps/232 horsepower). This model can accelerate from 0-62mph (0-100kph) in 6.2 seconds, with a maximum 605Nm torque available. The 800V charging capability means all versions of the EV6 can charge up to 80 percent battery capacity in just 18 minutes.
The GT version, engineered to inspire consumers with exciting driving performance, is equipped with 430kW (585ps/577 horsepower) dual motors. It can accelerate from 0-62mph (0-to-100kph) in just 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 162mph (260kph). With the addition of electronic-Limited Slip Differential software found in the EV6 GT version, drivers will enjoy confident control and a dynamic ride and great handling in all conditions.
Albert Biermann, president and head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group, said: “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.”
The EV6 is the first dedicated BEV produced by Kia using the all-new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). It forms the first part of Kia’s transition to the new era of electrification under the new brand slogan ‘Movement that inspires’.
It also begins Kia’s mid-to-long term strategy for BEVs, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid electric (HEV) vehicles to make up 40 percent of Kia’s total sales by 2030, with an annual sales target of 1.6 million units for these eco-friendly models.
As part of this strategy, Kia aims to grow its BEV sales to 880,000 units in 2030 and become a top global seller. EV6 is the first of 11 new BEV models from Kia by 2026, seven of which will be built on E-GMP architecture, and four derivative EVs based on existing models.
Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President and CEO, said: “EV6 is the embodiment of the new Kia. It is born to inspire every journey, through bold design, progressive engineering, innovative technologies, and exciting electric performance. EV6 also represents the beginning of Kia’s long-term commitment to sustainable mobility, accelerating the transition not only to clean transportation, but also products, materials and manufacturing.”
The EV6 will be produced in South Korea and will go on sale in select global markets starting from the second half of 2021, with pre-orders beginning from March 30 in some locations.
The EV6’s world premiere video can be viewed on the Kia Global YouTube channel.
The configurator tool and details of the pre-reservation process
