Kia Ups its EV Game with Brand New EV6 Electric Crossover

Today Kia officially unveiled it brand new electric crossover based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the Kia EV6.

Following the recently unveiled Hyundai Ioniq 5, which is also underpinned by Hyundai’s new E-GMP electric platform, the Kia EV6 presents with similar specs. 

The new electric crossover from Kia, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, offers a flexible electric powertrain that allows for several choices of motor and battery pack configurations. The Kia EV6 will also come equipped with the a 800v system capable of DC fast charging at 350 kW.

The Kia EV6 can be configured with two battery pack options, 77.4 kWh and 58 kWh and will be offered in single motor rear-wheel drive or dual motor all-wheel drive.

According to the Korean automaker, the most efficient version, equipped with the 77.4 kWh battery pack and single rear-wheel-drive motor is capable of achieving “over 510 kilometers from a single charge” on the WLTP cycle. This means its EPA estimate should be close to a single charge range of 250 miles.

Kia however, unlike Hyundai and its Ioniq 5, will offer even more power in the form of a GT version of the EV6: “Equipped with 430kW dual motors, the EV6 GT takes electric performance to another level. With a maximum 740Nm torque, the AWD GT version accelerates from 0-to-100 km/h in an eye-watering 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 260 km/h (preliminary development targets). With the addition of electronic-Limited Slip Differential software to the EV6 GT version only, drivers will enjoy confident control and dynamic ride and handling in all conditions.”

President and head of R&D division for Hyundai Motor Group, Albert Biermann, commented on the EV6 GT: “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. With our dedicated EV platform, there is no need for compromise between inspiring spaciousness and performance.”

The EV6 will also offer Kia’s latest driver assistance systems and connectivity features and will be capable of towing items up to 3,500 lbs as long as it’s charged at least 35%.

In regards to its desing, senior vice president and head of Kia Global Design Center, Karim Habib stated: “EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centred, progressive design and electrified power. We strongly believe EV6 is a compelling and relevant model for the new EV era. 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.”

According to the automaker, the EV6 will “go on-sale in select global markets starting from the second half of 2021.” No price has been confirmed at this point for the electric crossover.

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