The highly-anticipated entry of the Kia EV6 into the Philippines has finally been made official. After its unveiling at PIMS 2022, the EV6 and its supporting charging ecosystem will serve as the centerpiece of the Kia PIMS display, representing the brand’s pivotal shift into the electric vehicle market and the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Kia EV6 boasts style, function, safety, and high-technology
Based on the company’s dedicated new platform for battery electric vehicles (BEV), the EV6 is the first of its kind from the brand. As for what it has to offer, it prides itself on long-range, zero-emissions power, 800V ultra-fast charging, and distinctive styling to the crossover SUV market.
Aesthetically, Kia designed it to “evoke positive forces and natural energy”. Its style is a showcase of human-centered, progressive design and electrified power. It is a distinctive, impactful design that Kia has said will define the brand’s future. Looking at it from the side, it displays a modern, sleek, and aerodynamic shape. The rear displays a sloping C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert which appears to extend the window glass. Above this sits a prominent wing-type roof spoiler that channels air downwards towards a raised lower spoiler, which sits atop the car’s unique rear light cluster.
As for its interior, the EV6 comes with class-leading space. With Kia’s new platform, their new BEV features a flat floor and a spacious cabin thanks to the under-floor battery. The interior design benefits greatly from the application of Kia’s dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Despite the EV6’s compact exterior dimensions, its 2,900 mm wheelbase results in cabin space similar to many midsize SUVs.
Safety has also been top-of-mind in the production process. The EV6 offers class-leading levels of safety and convenience thanks to its enhanced suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Examples of which are Safe Exit Assist (SEA) which helps drivers avoid collisions with a rear side vehicle when exiting, Lane Following Assist (LFA) which helps center the vehicle in between road markings, and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) that will alert drivers about oncoming hazards when backing up.
For tech and performance, the EV6 GT-Line offers a fully-electric, zero-emission powertrain configuration with a long-range (77.4 kWh) high-voltage battery pack. Based on EPA ratings, the EV6 can travel more than 500 kilometers on a single charge. Putting out 350 Nm torque, the EV6 can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 7.3 seconds. The 77.4 kWh battery pack is paired with a 168 kW (229ps) electric motor that sends power to the rear wheels.
The Kia EV6 will be available in the Philippines in early 2023 and while no exact amount was given, the brand stated that it will be priced below PHP 4,000,000. For those who might be worried about keeping the charge up, charging options can be done with the Kia In Cable Control Box (ICCB) charger that comes with the vehicle, a home wall-mounted charger that can be purchased and installed by Kia affiliate Greenstrum, and the growing number of malls and establishments that offer EV charging stations with Type 2/CCS2 protocol.
Sorento, Carnival, Soluto, and Stonic displayed with EV6 at PIMS 2022
Kia goes full force at this year’s Philippine International Motor Show. With its entire lineup, and with the EV6 leading the charge, the Korean manufacturer looks to display its mantra of “Movement That Inspires”. Showgoers who visit the Kia booth will be treated to exciting features such as the Kia Vehicle to Load (V2L) Coffee Shop and an Interactive Motion Wall which is a digital art installation showcasing artistic interpretations of land, ocean, and air triggered by motion sensors.
Guests can also take a closer look at various details of the EV6 exhibits which includes its configurator and the V2L display which demonstrates the car’s capability to supply up to 3.6kW of power, enough to operate a 55-inch television and air conditioner simultaneously for more than 24 hours.
You can definitely say we’re smitten with the EV6, but we’ll reserve our final opinions for a later time. But that’s just us trying to ask for a test unit from Kia that we can review.
