The Kia EV6 electric vehicle (EV) has achieved product carbon footprint certification and a ‘Carbon Measured’ label from the Carbon Trust, who are a global climate change and sustainability consultancy. In the process, Kia became the first Korean vehicle manufacturer to achieve the certificate.
Kia’s ‘Plan S’ strategy puts electrification at the forefront of the company’s future. It sets the foundations for a full product line-up that will see 11 new battery electric vehicles in the Kia range by 2026. The EV6 is the first model to be launched under this new strategy and sets Kia on its new electric path.
With the EV6, Kia provides more than just zero emissions mobility. With its first dedicated electric car, the company has focused on measuring and reducing its carbon footprint throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle. This ranges from the acquisition of raw materials, procurement and transportation of parts, vehicle assembly, distribution, use and end-of-life recycling.
The EV6 is the first model to be built on Kia’s all-new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This is shared with Hyundai and used on its IONIQ 5. The EV6 offers an impressive range thanks to the 77.4kWh battery pack the EV6 offers up to 328 miles (528km) from a full charge.
Another big plus for the EV6 is its 800V ultra-fast charging abilities and can up to 80 percent in as little as 18 minutes. Drivers can add 60 miles (97km) of range in under five minutes when plugged into a 350kW ultra-fast charger.
Kia has also used a variety of eco-friendly materials including PET recycled plastics, floor mats and seat coverings. One EV6 vehicle contains the equivalent of 107 500ml PET bottles.
The Carbon Trust, who are independent experts that measure and certify the environmental footprint of organisations, measured the total greenhouse gas emissions for the EV6 using the PAS2050 Standards.
The Carbon Trust’s robust product assessment covers emissions from the extraction of raw materials through to the end-of-life of the product and is measured in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).
The Carbon Trust ‘Carbon Measured’ label validates the accuracy of these measurements and provides customers with independently reviewed information about the carbon impact of their purchase. It’s good to see carmakers getting their vehicles independently tested proving the depth of their approach to sustainability.
Sangdae Kim, Kia head of strategic business planning division, said: “This is important validation of a broad range of measures we are now taking to reduce the carbon footprint of a vehicle throughout its lifecycle.
“As we introduce more electrified models to our line up over the coming years, we will step up our sustainability efforts and ensure we are achieving high levels of transparency when it comes to environmental impact.
“It has been great to work closely with the Carbon Trust to achieve the Carbon Measured label as one of our first steps to implement new sustainability initiatives.”
The new Kia EV electric car is available to pre-order now. UK customer deliveries are expected from October this year for Air, GT-Line and GT-Line ’ models. Prices start from £40,895.
