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The all-new 2022 Kia EV6 electrifies the roadways of wine country this week during its national press introduction. The arrival of the brand’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) signals the U.S. launch of Kia’s ‘Plan S’ strategy that will deliver 11 all-new electrified models across the world by 2026.
Starting with the EV6, Kia’s EV lineup will carry a unique naming convention. The “EV” designation will be followed by a number that indicates the car’s position in the lineup.
The E-GMP modular platform maximizes development efficiency and enables the Kia brand to expand its dedicated EV portfolio across multiple vehicle segments – sedans, CUVs, SUVs – in a short time and with minimal complexity. The architecture provides an adaptable foundation with a long wheelbase and wide stance.
The EV6’s proportions unify Kia’s all-new “Opposites United” design language, which combines classic sports car inspiration with high-tech cues and a coupe-like profile. The EV6 has the same 114.2-inch wheelbase as the Kia Telluride, and compares with the width of a Ford Mustang Mach E and the wheelbase of a Tesla Model Y.
The EV platform also enables outstanding performance, Dual Motor e-AWD capability, and ultra-fast charging times. The vehicle delivers up to an EPA-rated 310-miles1 of all-electric range (AER), vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, and a flat-floor interior that utilizes sustainable materials throughout the cabin. The EV6 also offers a wide array of advanced driver assistance systems, adding an unprecedented level of connectivity and safety.
“The EV6 marks a new and transformative era in Kia electrification,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia North America, Kia America. “This innovative offering leverages the many benefits of its advanced platform to offer a level of technological excitement and convenience that will provide a superb ownership experience.”
In a first for the brand, Kia offered a special EV6 First Edition available by advanced reservation at Kia.com last summer. Limited to just 1,500 units, the EV6 First Edition sold out within 11 hours of being made available to order.
A few months later, in November of 2021, the EV6 captured a Guinness World Record, traveling 2,880.5 miles with the shortest charging time to cross the United States in an electric vehicle. During the seven-day trek from New York City to Los Angeles, the Kia EV6 was plugged in for only 7 hours, 10 minutes and 1 second, beating previous record holder, Tesla, by more than five and a half hours (12 hours, 48 minutes, and 19 seconds).
Initially, EV6 will be offered in Light, Wind and GT-Line trims. The Light trim will be offered in rear-wheel drive while Wind and GT-Line variants will be available in rear-wheel drive and Dual Motor e-AWD configurations. In addition, All EV6 buyers will receive a charging credit of 1,000 kWh, useable over a 3-year period. The EV6 is expected to go on sale in early 2022 in all 50 states.