Exciting alternatives: Here are some possible substitutes to the Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 is the flagship electric vehicle from the South Korean car brand. Its arrival in the local automotive scene heralds the arrival of a strong contender in the segment thanks to a car that boasts decent range and various upmarket appointments.

At a glance, the Kia EV6 packs a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) mated to a one-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic technology. It draws energy from a 77.4 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery that offers an all-electric estimated range of approximately 528 kilometers (km).

Notable features flaunted by the Kia EV6 include its LED lighting setup, panoramic sunroof, 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 255/45R20 tires, standard rear spoiler, and power tailgate.

It also comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Meridian surround sound system with 14 speakers, seats covered in black suede and leather, a two-spoke leather steering wheel, and a wireless charging dock.

The Kia EV6 is offered in a single variant and is priced at P3.788 million.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Coming from Kia’s parent company, Hyundai, is the Ioniq 5. The four-door electric crossover offers features that make it a suitable alternative for those in the market for an electric vehicle (EV).

At its heart is an electric motor paired to a single-speed reduction gear transmission. Energy comes from a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with a maximum capacity of 72.6kWh. When it comes to range, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers 451km.

In contrast with the Kia EV6, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a boxier, more angled look. The same design cues can be found all around the EV, which gives the electric car a retro-modern appeal.

At its front is a pair of LED headlamps that are squarish in design. It is echoed by the Parametric Pixel LED taillamps found at the automobile’s rear. To each of its sides are flush door handles as well as a set of 20-inch Fractal alloy wheels.

Inside, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 gets a similarly-sized screen compared to the Kia EV6. That’s a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The latter offers Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity and is complemented by a Bose sound system.

Would-be owners can also expect to get a two-spoke leather steering wheel, leather seats, automatic air conditioning with dual-zone setting, as well as a wireless charging dock.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is offered in two variants: Standard and Long Range. They are priced at P3.068 million and P3.689 million, respectively.

MG4

MG launched the MG4 EV not too long ago. It’s also a great alternative for car buyers wanting to get into the electric car segment and help drive the change in our country’s automotive landscape.

It gets a powertrain setup that propels the electric vehicle from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in about 7.1 seconds. Maximum power is 200 horses with a maximum torque of 250Nm. Range anxiety should also be the least of its would-be owners’ problems since it can provide up to 435km of emissions-free driving.

As for style, the MG4 gets slim LED lights, a split-type roof-mounted rear spoiler, a duck-type spoiler under the car’s rear glass, and a set of 17-inch wheels with a two-tone futuristic design.

The cabin of the MG4 comes with a digital instrument panel, a 10-inch floating infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging dock.

It also comes with a two-spoke multi-functional steering wheel and sporty seats covered in a leather-like material.

MG is selling the MG4 in two variants: Standard and Lux. Price ranges from P1.468 million to P1.738 million. The MG4 is one of the cheaper, yet decent alternatives one can get when searching for an all-electric crossover.

BYD Atto3

BYD recently launched the Atto3 not too long ago. The Ayala-led brand — which also happens to run Kia here in the Philippines — revealed the enticing features that would make any early adopter switch to its electric offer.

Powering the BYD Atto3 is the world’s first mass-produced eight-in-one electric powertrain that combines the PMSM and transmission with other components to greatly optimize space and energy. On that note, the electric crossover makes as much as 201hp with 310Nm of electrified pulling power.

When it comes to range, the BYD Atto3 offers approximately 520km thanks to the BYD Blade battery, which is said to be one of the safest in the world.

Outside, the BYD Atto3 is dressed up with Chinky LED headlamps, a sleek and stylish rear end, 18-inch alloy wheels shod in 215/55R18 tires, roof rails, and a sunroof.

Greeting its occupants is a five-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system with a Dirac high-definition sound system with eight speakers, and a wireless phone charger.

It also has a three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel wrapped in leather, seats with perforation and covered in the same hide, as well as door handles that BYD said look like dumbbells, as well as air conditioning vents that look like dumbbell plates.

The BYD Atto3 comes in two variants: Dynamic and Premium. They are priced at P1.598 million and P1.798 million, respectively. It is also a cheap alternative for those in the market for a reasonably priced EV crossover. 

Final thoughts

The local EV segment is a budding category with various players offering different kinds of emissions-free cars. These are just some of the available alternatives for those who are looking for a substitute for the Kia EV6.

Get to know more about the latest EVs and the hottest EV news only here at Zigwheels Philippines.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV, Hazel Nicole Carreon, and Juan Paulo Papa

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