Kia America debuted the 2022 Kia EV6, its all-new electric crossover, in one of the most unfriendly places for electric vehicles: New York City. Here are 5 things you need to know about the all-new EV6.
Keep in mind that this was truly just a dog and pony show in Times Square. You might be able to order a 2022 Kia EV6 soon but you’re not going to be driving one until 2022. Expect info to dribble out in more detail from Kia in the coming months about price and performance.
Battery Technology
The EV6 features an energy-dense Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (80/10/10) battery pack available in two sizes: 58.0 kWh and 77.4 kWh. The low-mounted, underfloor pack delivers energy to both RWD and AWD electric motor layouts with varying horsepower at the front and rear axles.
EV6 Charging Times
The 2022 EV6 has the world’s first patented multi-charging system supporting 400v and 800v DC charging, which works on DC chargers with speeds ranging from 50kW to 350kW. The 800v DC fast charging from a 350-kW charger allows nearly 70 miles added in less than 5 minutes. That’s going to a long way towards eliminating range anxiety because you’ll be able to “top off” quickly if you’re trying to get home. You can also add 210 miles (from 10-to-80 percent) in under 18 minutes.
Kia EV6 Performance Numbers
The 2022 Kia EV6 offers up to 576 horsepower and an extended all-electric range (AER) up to a targeted 300 miles across several configurations (The AER for specific drivetrain configurations will be announced closer to the EV6’s on-sale date, according to Kia):
- RWD: 58.0 kWh battery with a 160kW rear motor yields 167 horsepower
- RWD: 77.4 kWh battery with a 160kW rear motor yields 218 horsepower
- AWD: 77.4 kWh battery with a 70kW front motor and a 160kW rear motor yields 313 horsepower
- Estimated zero-to-60 performance in 5.1 seconds
- AWD: 77.4 kWh battery with a 160kW front motor and a 270kW rear motor yields 576 horsepower (GT). It will have an estimated zero-to-60 mph time in less than 3.5 seconds but you can’t buy it for at least 18 months.
Smooth Ride Technology
The EV6 has the world’s first mass-produced integrated drive axle (IDA) for better ride comfort and handling, combining wheel bearings with the drive shaft to save weight. It also features a five-link rear suspension.
You Can Reserve One Soon
Kia is offering an EV6 First Edition available by advanced reservation starting June 3. It’s limited to only 1500 units but no word yet on when it will actually be available. Demand has been strong in Europe for the new EV6. It’s so strong that Kia has extended showroom hours.
It features dual-motor AWD and a 77.4 kWh battery along with augmented reality head-up display, remote smart parking assist, wide sunroof, 20-inch wheels, and premium 14-speaker Meridian audio system. The best part? You can get it in something called Urban Yellow with black seats.
What do you think? Has Kia unveiled something special and unique with the EV6? Are you willing to wait? Comment below.
Keith Griffin covers Hyundai and Kia at Torque News. He has been writing continuously about cars since 2002. Keith used to be a researcher/writer for US News & World Report, as well as numerous car sites, including Carfax and Car Gurus, and a contributor to The Boston Globe. Most recently, Keith was the managing editor for American Business Media. Follow Keith at @indepthauto on Twitter, on @LinkedIn and on his Indepth Auto Facebook page.