Kia EV6 2022, all the details on the Canadian version
Kia is not at its first steps in terms of electric vehicle, it which has marketed the Soul EV since 2014 and, more recently, the Niro EV, two vehicles which have proved their worth in the kingdom of the electric. The manufacturer takes a new step and prepares to market EV6 2022, a first model assembled on a platform entirely dedicated to electric vehicles. Here are all the details on the Canadian version of the Kia EV6 2022.
It was during a special presentation that I was able to learn a little more about the Kia EV6 2022 and, above all, see a prototype. In order to situate you, the Kia EV6 is the counterpart of the IONIQ 5 at Hyundai; the two vehicles share the same platform and the same mechanical components. They are distinguished mainly by their design; the Hyundai is more like a wagon, the Kia, for its part, hesitates between an SUV and a wagon.
The Kia EV6 2022 will use the new global E-GMP platform which will serve as the basis for several of the group’s electric novelties. Kia is in the process of developing its S (Shift) electrification plan that will bring seven new electrified vehicles to Canada by 2025.
One set of batteries for Canada
The Kia EV6 will be marketed worldwide with two sets of batteries. In Canada, we will only be entitled to the long-range version of 77.4 kilowatt-hours, allowing it to travel some 480 kilometers. Kia Canada has decided not to retain the 58 kilowatt-hour package, noting that the majority of buyers will turn to the livery with the highest capacity anyway, as has been the case with the Kia Soul EV historically. According to Kia, buyers want maximum range in order to eliminate anxiety as much as possible.
Three versions, two of which offer the integral as standard
Three versions will be offered: EX, GT Line and GT. The EX version will be offered as standard in a rear-wheel drive version; all-wheel drive will also be offered with the addition of an electric motor on the front axle. As for the GT Line and GT versions, they will have two electric motors as standard and will both be equipped with all-wheel drive. The engine of the rear-wheel drive versions will develop a power of 225 horsepower; in the case of two-engine models, the output will be 320 horsepower. The GT version should offer even more power, 576 horsepower according to Kia.
Kia wants to offer a vehicle that has good range, but the manufacturer also wants to focus on fast charging. Thanks to its unique recharging architecture which supports voltages of 400 and 800 volts, it will be possible to recover 80% of the autonomy in just 18 minutes. The car’s charging system is compatible with stations from 50 to 350 kilowatts, and the car will be equipped with an on-board charger of 11 kilowatts.
Interestingly, the Kia EV6 will be able to supply any household appliance with electricity through its V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) system. An adapter plugged into the charging port provides a household outlet capable of delivering up to 1900 watts for your electronics, tools, or any other use. It will even be possible to charge another electric vehicle at a power of 1.1 kilowatt, the equivalent of a 110-volt charger.
On board, the car features a state-of-the-art dashboard featuring two driver-focused 12-inch high-resolution screens. Kia also mentions the addition of a head-up display device including augmented reality technology. Good news for audiophiles, a 14-speaker Meridian audio system will be offered; note that Meridian was only reserved for Jaguar and Land Rover in the past.
The Kia EV6 2022 will go on sale in early 2022. Pricing will be announced at a later date, but the automaker promises a competitive price bracket and offers good value in terms of equipment, which has been Kia’s strong suit for years.