Anticipation builds as Kia EV6 launch nears

The early 2022 arrival of the Kia EV6 promises to make the electric lifestyle viable for day-to-day mobility.

“The Kia EV6 will remove the perceived barriers that prevent many from making the switch to electric as it provides rapid charging times, impressively long range, segment-leading interior space and can even act as a portable battery pack to charge electrical appliances or other electric vehicles,” Kia New Zealand managing director Todd McDonald says.

“It is loaded with innovative technology and will establish itself as the new flagship of the range as we transition into an engaging and dynamic world of possibilities associated with electric mobility.”

Kia EV6 pricing and specification will be released in the lead-up to the launch, but people who would like to find out more are meanwhile invited to register their interest at EV6 pre-registration where a virtual test drive is also available.

The EV had its world premiere in March.

It’s built on the company’s new electric-global modular platform (E-GMP) which provides immediate advantages over adapting existing platforms designed to accommodate a combustion engine, Kia says.

A long 2.9-metre wheelbase and minimal front and rear overhangs provide cabin space similar to that of vehicles in larger segments.  Exceptional legroom of 1078mm at the front and 990mm at the rear ensures space and roominess for all passengers.

A bold, progressive design showcases contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes, embodied in a sleek and charismatic five-door cross-over.

“Recent homologation of the EV6 has also resulted in an updated WLTP range for the rear-wheel-drive ‘Long Range’ model, increasing possible range an extra 3.5% to 528km,” McDonald says.

“A full-charge range in excess of 500km means it’s possible for the EV6 to drive from Queenstown to Christchurch, Wellington to Hamilton or Auckland to Rotorua return – effectively making ‘range anxiety’ a thing of the past.

“If a small power boost is needed on a longer trip, the ultra-fast charging capability of the new model means it’s able to achieve a top-up charge of 100km in less than four-and-a-half-minutes, alternatively from 10% to 80% in just 18-minutes on a DC-system.”

The top-of-the-range GT model is equipped with 430kW dual motors and maximum 740Nm torque from its twin electric motors mounted front and rear, the AWD GT version accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 260km/h.

Importantly for many Kiwi families, the EV6 is also capable of towing up to 1600kg, provided the battery has more than 35% of charge remaining.

Kia has developed an integrated charging control unit (ICCU) which controls built-in bi-directional chargers, and the vehicle charging management system (VCMS).  The ICCU enables up to 3.6kW of power to be transferred from the vehicle battery to other devices.

This vehicle-to-load (V2L) function allows occupants to charge electrical items on the go, such as a laptop, or home appliances using an outdoor V2L gender connector.

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging is also possible whereby power can be transferred to another EV, for example in an emergency, with the use of an in-cable control box (ICCB) cable and the V2L gender connector.

“The addition of the new model to the Kia range reaffirms our objective to be the brand people think of when they consider sustainable, attainable, environmentally-considerate mobility solutions,” McDonald says.

“Going green is opening up a world of exciting and dynamic opportunities.”