The all-new Kia EV6 brings long-range, zero-emissions power, high-tech 800V ultra-fast charging and distinctive crossover styling to the all-electric vehicle market. The EV6 is Kia's first car to be based on the company's highly advanced and dedicated architecture designed specifically for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
This pioneering crossover - the first BEV launched under the new Kia design philosophy 'Opposites United' - displays a future-oriented EV design characterised by high-tech details. It is powered exclusively by electric energy, with a choice of multiple long-range, zero-emissions powertrain configurations. The high-tech 800V charging capability means EV6 can go from 10 to 80 per cent battery charge in just 18 minutes, while the GT version, engineered to inspire consumers with exciting driving performance, will accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 260 km/h.
The EV6 is the first dedicated BEV designed and developed by Kia, based on the all-new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), and forms the first part of Kia's transition to the new era of electrification under the new brand slogan, 'Movement that inspires'.
The Kia EV6 also begins the mid-to-long term strategy for BEVs, plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) and hybrid electric (HEVs) vehicles to make up 40 per cent 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, Kia aims to grow its BEV sales to 920,000 units in 2030 and become a top global seller. Kia plans to strengthen its EV line-up with 11 BEV models by 2026, the first of which is the EV6. Of these 11, seven will be built on E-GMP architecture, and four will be derivative EVs based on existing models.
Dedicated architecture equals a dynamic BEV
Some years ago, Kia's design and engineering teams were posed with a challenge: create a BEV that has a leading zero-emissions driving range, ultra-fast charging, stylish form and a spacious, high-tech cabin. That was the first part to the challenge. The second element was to integrate all those critical attributes within a vehicle package that has power, performance and dynamism, in the process dispelling myths that BEVs are boring, and that they will signal the end of driving pleasure.
In March of 2021, Kia unveiled the EV6 to great global acclaim. The next-generation state-of-the-art BEV realizes a leading zero-emissions real-world driving range, ultra-fast charging technology, a cutting-edge design and specious high-tech cabin. In addition, from behind the wheel, the EV6 is a driver's car, combining power and performance with a dynamic and sporty drive.
Most BEVs are compromised in one form or another - be that limited driving range and long charge times, an incommodious interior space, bulky weight or poor driving dynamics. When Kia started to work on the EV6, our engineers were determined to set a new bar and provide customers with a vehicle that is the total package in this respect - a BEV with none of those compromises. With the EV6 Kia has proved that all drivers can drive long and far in a BEV, making it a sporty, fun and very engaging journey.
EV6 - no compromise on performance
By being conceived on Kia's all-new, state-of-the-art Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) - a dedicated BEV architecture - the EV6 delivers the very best characteristics and attributes of a fully electric car without compromise.
While many other BEVs currently on the market struggle with shortcomings that are associated with being developed on architectures originally created for cars running on internal combustion engines (ICEs), the EV6 has been optimized from the ground-up to be a full electric vehicle from the very start, taking advantage of the E-GMP's sophisticated tech and engineering foundations.
As a result, the Kia EV6 blends excitement with efficiency, responsive dynamics with rapid charging and power and pace with zero-emissions driving.
In true Kia form, the EV6 has been developed to continue Kia's sporty driving appeal, featuring direct steering responses, a highly agile ride, precise and linear performance and road grip that boosts the 'fun-to-drive' ethos. During the latter parts of the EV6 development program, a lot of the testing and final stage optimisation work was undertaken on public roads to make sure the end product successfully fused the different drive, ride and handling traits.
The dedicated E-GMP architecture ensures that the EV6 benefits from optimal driving characteristics thanks in part to a balanced weight ratio split of 53:47 - a leading arrangement for a BEV application. This has been achieved by placing the cutting-edge flat battery pack across the floor of the vehicle, spreading the mass and helping to optimise ride quality. It also gives the EV6 a low centre of gravity for a full electric vehicle, enabling superior performance especially on captivating and bendy roads.
Based on a clean-sheet design from the very start, the Kia EV6 also overcomes other inherent drawbacks that challenge the ride and handling characteristics of many BEVs currently on the market, including overly aggressive acceleration pitching and throttle response. Highly innovative hydraulic bushings that connect the rear subframe to the main body of the car help to further enhance the EV6's driving performance and offsets the overall weight typically associated with fully electric vehicles.
The Kia EV6 performs optimally in different driving environments and situations thanks to its four advanced drive modes - Eco, Normal, Sport or Snow - which the driver can select by the touch of a button. Attributes such as torque mapping, steering, ESC and energy consuming systems are managed by the vehicle's intelligent drive tech to provide the most suitable driving experience at all times.
For AWD EV6 models, a Disconnector Actuator System (DAS) always ensures a smooth transition between RWD and AWD modes without the need for manual switching. The rear acts as the main driveline with the front running when needed. The system automatically adapts depending on the driving conditions and driver input.
In AWD mode, DAS is connected to improve vehicle power and driving stability. The drive connection to the front wheels can be engaged or disengaged within 0.4 seconds by attaching and detaching the clutch on the drive axle using a motor-type actuator. By switching to RWD mode, DAS technology increases fuel efficiency by preventing the drag load of the front wheel PE system and at the same time enables more dynamic and sporty driving. Driving range can be improved by about 8% with this system.
Further accentuating the EV6's favourable handling characteristics is a state-of-the-art damper setup that pairs a sporty drive with a level of comfort and refinement not usually associated with such agile cars.
The new technology incorporates the usual damper and suspension components, but also adds an additional piston to adjust the amount of pressure on the rebound disc stack, consequently allowing the rebound damping force to be based on the input frequency. This allows the rebound damping force to be adjusted dynamically based on the input frequency introduced into the damper by the unevenness of the road. This innovation delivers a solid and sporty ride at lower frequency inputs and a smooth and comfortable drive at higher frequencies. The technology especially comes to the fore when taking on dynamic snaking roads and, at the other end of the driving spectrum, when encountering pothole-ridden lanes and uncomfortable cobblestones.
The Kia EV6 also features the world's first mass-produced Integrated Drive Axle (IDA) that integrates the wheel bearing and the drive shaft into one part that transmits the motor power to the wheel. This integration prevents defects occurring in the drive shaft and wheel bearing connections, while improving ride and handling through an increase in axle stiffness.
Leading-edge safety and convenience systems
In case of an adjacent vehicle driving in close proximity, HDA 2 assists by adjusting the EV6's path, avoiding any possible risk of collision. Changing lanes is also now easier than ever. With the driver's hands on the steering wheel and above a certain speed, a click of the indicator stalk will automatically move the car into the corresponding lane.
The Kia EV6 features Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) systems to ensure lane changes are made safely every time. BVM acts as a second pair of eyes by eliminating the driver's left- and right-hand side blind spots by displaying a high-definition view within the EV6's fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster. BCA uses radar sensors to warn the driver of approaching vehicles, with the system activating the brakes if there's a risk of a collision during lane change manoeuvres.
Safely navigating junctions, particularly those that feature multiple lanes, can often be a stressful experience for many drivers. Kia's Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system now includes Junction Turning and Junction Crossing functions aimed at providing maximum preventative safety when navigating junctions. If the EV6's turn signal is activated, the system will warn the driver if there is a collision risk with an oncoming vehicle. Similarly, a warning is provided if there is a risk from vehicles approaching from the left or right when the driver is travelling straight across a junction. If either risk increases, the system will warn the driver and automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision.
Key to a vehicle's safety is the ability to see and be seen. To provide the very best levels of illumination, the Kia EV6 features the new Intelligent Front-lighting System (IFS), a technology that enables each LED to light independently to deliver a precise lighting experience. IFS allows the driver to travel with a permanent high beam without any risk of dazzling oncoming traffic. A front view camera featuring vehicle recognition technology automatically dims or brightens each individual LED, enhancing the driver's forward vision while protecting oncoming traffic from glare in real-time.
Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) add to the ADAS systems keeping the driver safe on the road. DAW determines the driver's attention level by analysing their driving pattern and time on the road. The system will recommend a break via a warning message on the cluster display when the driver's attention level falls below '1' on the 5-point scale. ISLA 'reads' road signs and navigation system information to inform the driver of the current speed limit and other key driving information. When activated, ISLA will use a visual and audible warning to alert the driver to a change in road conditions.
Manoeuvring made easy
Parking and other potentially tricky manoeuvres are made easier with Surround View Monitor (SVM). Cameras display a 360-degree view around the car, with the display conveniently located on the EV6's infotainment screen.
Reversing out of a tight space is also made safer thanks to Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA). This high-tech system detects oncoming vehicles approaching from either side when reversing. Should a potential collision be detected, the system will automatically brake the vehicle.
For those tight parking spaces, drivers can call upon the EV6's Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) system to take the hassle out of parking entirely. RSPA is a feature that enables the vehicle to park itself autonomously, whether or not the driver is in the vehicle. Using surround view cameras and ultrasonic sensors, the EV6 can highlight a parking space of a suitable size and automatically steer itself into the space, with automatic control of accelerator, brakes and gearshift. What's more, RSPA can park the vehicle in both perpendicular and parallel parking bays.
Once parked up, if rear-seat passengers open the doors to disembark, Kia's Safe Exit Assist (SEA) system will automatically provide a warning and lock the door if an approaching vehicle from the rear side is detected within the EV6's blind spot, helping to reduce the risk of a collision and enhancing safety at the end of a journey.
For added convenience, the EV6 also features Kia's Smart Power Tailgate. By pocketing EV6's Smart Key and approaching the rear of the vehicle, the system will recognise the key and open the tailgate automatically, allowing easy and convenient access to the boot, a boon for those whose hands are full. Keyless entry with touch-sensitive entry button and programmable driver profiles make every interaction with EV6 convenient and intuitive.
Every aspect of the EV6 has been designed to promote driver convenience and make EV ownership a viable option available to all. With Kia's seven-year warranty and outstanding position in the market, EV6 will fundamentally change the EV landscape.
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