Kia has introduced its first vehicle based on parent Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated new platform for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The EV6, launched on the Kia Global YouTube channel, uses the E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) that enables long-range, zero-emissions power and 800-V ultra-fast charging.
The crossover SUV is also the first dedicated BEV launched under the new Kia design philosophy called “Opposites United.” It is powered by a choice of powertrain configurations, with the top GT version capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a Tesla-like 3.5 s, with a top speed of 260 km/h (162 mph). The 800-V charging capability enables a 10% to 80% battery charge in just 18 min.
The EV6 marks Kia’s transition to electrification as it begins its mid- to long-term strategy for BEVs, PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles), and HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles) to make up 40% of total sales by 2030, with an annual sales target of 1.6 million units. The brand aims to grow BEV sales alone to over half of that at 880,000 units in 2030. It is planning for 11 new BEVs by 2026, seven built on the E-GMP architecture and four based on existing models.
The EV6 “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,” emphasized Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President & CEO.
It will be produced in South Korea and go on sale in select global markets starting from the second half of 2021. Online reservations began on March 30th in some of those markets.
Exterior and interior design
Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy is said to take inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity, with combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes.
“EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centered, progressive design and electrified power,” said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center. “With EV6 we aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design by using a combination of sophisticated, high-tech features on pure and rich volumes while providing a dedicated EV aiming to define our future.”
Design highlights include a re-interpreted (and unrecognizable) Kia “digital tiger face” in front with daytime running lights including a sequential dynamic light pattern. A side character line running along the bottom of the doors curves upward towards the rear wheel arch to form the rear lights afterward. As with most passenger EVs, ultimate aerodynamic performance was a goal, with a prominent wing-type rear roof spoiler channeling air downward toward a raised lower spoiler, which sits atop the car’s unique rear light cluster.
The flat underfloor battery enables a versatile and spacious interior. Despite compact exterior dimensions, the EV6’s 2900-mm (114.2-in) wheelbase results in cabin space similar to those of mid-size SUVs. In European spec, vehicle length depending on trim is 4680-4695 mm (184.3-184.8 in), width 1880-1890 mm (74.0-74.4 in), and height 1550-1545 mm (61.0-60.8 in).
“People are first attracted by the exterior of cars, but they eventually fall in love with the interior—where they spend most of their time,” said Jochen Paesen, Vice President for Interior Design. “So, designing an inspiring space for the EV6 was the most important thing for us. We believe EV6 can inspire customers by boosting their creativity.”
One of the most striking elements is a high-tech curved infotainment screen and dashboard designed to give the interior an open feel. The slim, lightweight seats are covered in fabrics created from recycled plastics from the equivalent to 111 plastic water bottles.
The flexible interior packaging features 520 L (18.4 ft³) by VDA measurements of trunk space behind the second-row seats, which increases to about 1300 L (45.9 ft³). The front trunk provides additional storage of 52 or 20 L (1.8 or 0.7 ft³), for 2WD and AWD models, respectively.
Electric power and ultrafast charging
Among the EV6’s “multiple” powertrain configurations are 77.4-kW·h long-range and 58.0-kW·h standard-range battery packs. The “GT-line” is available with both packs, while the GT features only the long-range pack.
The 2WD 77.4-kW·h EV6/EV6 GT-line can travel over 510 km (316 mi) on a charge on the WLTP combined cycle, with a 168-kW/350-N·m (258-lb·ft) electric motor powering the rear wheels. For AWD models, with electric motors powering front and rear wheels, has maximum 239-kW/605-N·m (446-lb·ft) outputs enabling 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 s.
The 58.0-kW·h EV6/EV6 GT-line can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 s available on the AWD version. The 58.0-kW·h battery pack is paired with a 125-kW electric motor powering the rear wheels; for AWD models, front and rear electric motors produce a combined 173 kW and 605 N·m.
The GT takes electric performance to another level with the AWD model’s dual motors, with a combined 430 kW and 740 N·m (546 lb·ft), for a 3.5-s 0-100 km/h time, and 260 km/h top speed. The GT version also gets electronic limited-slip-differential software for better dynamic ride and handling.
All performance specs are preliminary development targets.
“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,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group.
The EV6 offers 800- and 400-V charging capabilities without the need for additional components or adapters. The car is capable of a high-speed charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 min on all variations or a top-up charge of 100 km (62 mi) of driving range in less than 4.5 min when pairing 2WD with the 77.4-kW·h battery option.
The car’s charging system is said to be more flexible than previous-generation BEVs due to its ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit), which enables a new V2L (vehicle-to-load) function capable of discharging battery energy and supplying up to 3.6 kW of power. It can operate a 55-in television and air conditioner simultaneously for more than 24 h—or charge another EV.
With more than 35% charge left in the battery, the EV6 can tow up to 1600 kg (3500 lb).
The car’s latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump scavenges waste heat from the car’s coolant system, ensuring that at -7°C (19°F) the car can achieve 80% of the range that would be possible at +25°C (+77°F).
The latest generation of Kia’s smart regenerative braking system is operated by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel so drivers can easily slow the car and recuperate kinetic energy to maximize driving range and efficiency. Depending on the desired level of energy recuperation, drivers can choose from six regenerative braking levels: none, 1 to 3, i-Pedal, or auto mode. The i-Pedal mode allows the car to harvest the maximum amount of energy and enables the driver to bring the car to a gentle halt without needing to push the brake pedal.
Connectivity and driving assistance
The EV6 introduces a suite of technologies that enhance safety, connectivity, and infotainment.
Inside, a curved display features thin-film panels with a structure and technology to reduce light impact. The driver’s instrument cluster and central infotainment screens are connected in one body of reinforced glass. Supplementing this is an AR (augmented reality) head-up display that projects onto the windshield base in the driver’s line of sight, providing info on the car’s ADAS (advanced driver assistance system), vehicle speed, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions.
The enhanced ADAS suite includes LFA (Lane Following Assist), which helps center the vehicle in a lane.
A more sophisticated feature is HDA 2 (Highway Driving Assist 2), which maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead and centers the vehicle in the lane when driving on a highway. If an adjacent vehicle drives in close proximity, HDA 2 adjusts the EV6’s path to reduce the risk of collision. Also, with the driver’s hands on the steering wheel and above a certain speed, a click of the indicator stalk moves the car into the corresponding lane.
RSPA (Remote Smart Parking Assist) helps remotely park or exit a parking spot with the driver operating the EV6 from outside the vehicle.
With SEA (Safe Exit Assist), when an occupant attempts to open the door to exit a stopped/parked vehicle, the system provides a warning if an approaching vehicle from the rear side is detected. It also helps keep the rear door closed through the operation of the electronic child lock.
Included is the latest version of Kia’s connected car system, now called Kia Connect (replacing UVO), which features a range of services and over-the-air updates. Accessible through the touchscreen, it allows users to connect with EV-related info like locations and pricing of charging points, vehicle charging status, plan smart charging schedules, and check the range radius based on the remaining charge.
A Meridian surround audio system is also available, a first for a Kia BEV. The immersive 14-speaker system features several of the British audio pioneer’s proprietary digital signal processing technologies for natural and authentic audio.
