FRANKFURT: Kia is getting ready to launch its first dedicated electric car, a crossover with a high-range, fast-charging setup designed for more than urban commutes.
The EV6 is the Korean automaker's first electric car to be designed as an electric from the ground up. Until now, Kia's electrics have mostly been rejigged petrols and diesels.
In terms of looks, the EV6 is styled as a sporty crossover with some estate leanings. With its 4.68 metres in length and 2.90-metre wheelbase, it's set to be unusually spacious on the inside.
Together with the Hyundai Ioniq5, the EV6 is based on a new group platform and is scheduled to go on sale in the second half of 2021. Kia has not yet named a price, but given the pricing for the sister model at Hyundai, the EV6 is unlikely to be available for less than US$45,000 (RM187,000).
From the start, the EV6 will be available in four performance levels. With rear-wheel drive alone it will have 170 horsepower, and as a four-wheel drive with two engines it will have 235, 325 or 585 hp. This means it can reach speeds of up to 260kph.
Kia also offers two battery options and lets you pick between 58 or 77.4 kWh. This should enable standard ranges of up to 510km.
Because the batteries use 800-volt technology, the EV6 can draw the power for 100km in just 5 minutes at a fast charging station, and it can also charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just over a quarter of an hour.
