Kia 'EV6' First Reveal: "Leap to the World's Best Electric Vehicle Company"

by Lee Changhwan

Published 30 Mar.2021 17:00(KST)

Kia's First Dedicated Electric Vehicle EV6 Unveiled
Pre-Orders Start Tomorrow, Scheduled for Release in the Second Half of the Year, Purchase Possible in the Mid to High 30 Million KRW Range Considering Subsidies
"We Will Leap to Become the World's Best Electric Vehicle Company Using EV6 as a Stepping Stone"

Kia EV6

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] Kia has unveiled the first model of its dedicated electric vehicle EV series, ‘The Kia EV6 (The Kia EV Six, hereafter EV6),’ and announced its ambition to become the world’s leading electric vehicle company. Pre-orders for the EV6 will begin on the 31st, with a planned domestic market launch in the second half of the year. Considering subsidies, it is expected to be available for purchase in the mid-to-high 30 million KRW range.

On the 30th, Kia held the ‘EV6 Digital World Premiere’ event online. The EV6 symbolizes Kia’s new brand slogan, Movement that Inspires, and is Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle presenting a blueprint for next-generation mobility. It was built on Hyundai Motor Group’s electric vehicle platform, E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform).

Sung Ho-sung, President of Kia, said, "The EV6, symbolizing Kia’s new transformation, was designed to inspire customers on every journey with dynamic design, advanced cutting-edge technology, and thrilling performance. Additionally, it embodies Kia’s commitment and efforts toward eco-friendliness in every detail, including manufacturing processes and materials, to provide sustainable mobility solutions."

Kia EV6

Kia’s New Design Philosophy Opposites United Reflected

The EV6 is the first dedicated electric vehicle to reflect Kia’s new design philosophy, Opposites United, inspired by the harmony between nature and humans.

Opposites United means combining mutually contrasting concepts to create new designs that did not previously exist. It encapsulates Kia’s design philosophy to open the dawn of the future mobility era and envision progressive designs that exceed consumer expectations.

The front of the EV6 features a ‘Digital Tiger Face,’ a reinterpretation of the traditional Tiger Nose grille suited to the electric vehicle image, harmonizing with the daytime running lights (DRL) to give a more sophisticated and dynamic impression.

The interior design of the EV6 incorporates Kia’s new design philosophy throughout, aiming to provide customers with a completely new and innovative space based on the differentiated interior space unique to electric vehicles.

In particular, the low and wide placement of the high-voltage battery under the body and a wheelbase of 2,900mm, exceeding that of mid-to-large SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles), maximize the usability of the interior living space.

The panoramic curved display, widely arranged centered on the driver, along with the slim dashboard, makes the vehicle’s interior appear more spacious. Additionally, the floating center console conveys a futuristic sensibility.

Kia EV6

Maximum Driving Range Over 510km Based on European Measurement Standards

The EV6 is equipped with a 400V/800V multi rapid charging system that can utilize various charging infrastructures.

The multi rapid charging system uses the vehicle’s drive motor and inverter to boost the 400V voltage supplied by the charger to an optimized 800V for the vehicle system, enabling stable and fast charging.

Using the 800V ultra-fast charging system, it is possible to charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes, and with only 4 minutes and 30 seconds of charging, the vehicle can travel over 100km (based on WLTP standards), significantly improving charging efficiency.

The EV6 is offered in two versions: a Long Range model equipped with a 77.4kWh battery and a Standard model equipped with a 58.0kWh battery.

Paired with a 160kW-class electric motor mounted on the rear axle as standard, it can travel over 510km on a single charge based on the European WLTP certification. According to domestic measurement standards, it is known to be capable of traveling over 450km.

Additionally, by adding a front motor, the EV6 offers both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. When selecting the all-wheel drive option, the combined maximum output is 239kW with a maximum torque of 605Nm, enabling confident driving even on rough terrain.

Kia EV6

High-Performance GT Model of EV6 Also Unveiled

The electric vehicle dedicated platform E-GMP, which forms the basis of the EV6, has the advantage of modular configuration allowing various model configurations for different purposes. Based on this, a high-performance version equipped with a 430kW dual motor was developed to satisfy customers who seek driving pleasure.

The resulting EV6 GT model delivers a maximum output of 584 horsepower (ps) and a maximum torque of 740Nm (75.5kgf·m). It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds, with a top speed limited to 260km/h.

This is the fastest record in Korean automotive history, and the EV6 GT model is expected to offer customers dynamic driving performance never experienced before.

Albert Biermann, Head of Kia Research and Development, said, “The EV6 GT model was developed based on Kia’s technology to enable confident control and dynamic handling under any driving conditions. With the EV6 GT, you can have both eco-friendliness and high performance.”

Kia EV6

Domestic Pre-Orders Start March 31

Kia will begin domestic pre-orders for the EV6 on the 31st. Pre-orders will cover the entire lineup, including the Standard, Long Range, and GT-Line models scheduled for release in the second half of the year, as well as the GT model planned for release in the second half of next year.

The starting prices for each EV6 model are expected to be approximately 49 million KRW for the Standard, mid-50 million KRW for the Long Range, high-50 million KRW for the GT-Line, and low-70 million KRW for the GT. (Before electric vehicle tax benefits, based on a 3.5% individual consumption tax / final prices and tax benefits after pre-order schedules will be announced later.)

Considering the individual consumption tax benefit applied to electric vehicles (up to 3 million KRW) and purchase subsidies (12 million KRW / based on Seoul city), the Standard model is expected to be available in the mid-30 million KRW range, and the Long Range in the high-30 million KRW range.

The company explained that customers who pre-order the EV6 and take delivery within the year will receive a welcome charging point benefit worth 300,000 KRW to enjoy the EV6’s advanced charging experience.