All-electric Kia EV6 could make PIMS 2022 debut

MANILA: With a week to go before the 2022 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), Kia Philippines said it will do what we predicted it might do — unveil the car upon which Kia started to reach its goal to sell 880,000 electric cars by 2030, the EV6

In its Facebook page, Kia Philippines posted a still that shows only the silhouette of the Kia EV6. “Get ready to be inspired. Philippine International Motor Show September 15-18, World Trade Center #KiaPhilippines #MovementThatInspires,” the company captioned its teaser.

Previously, we made the assumption that the Kia EV6 is a potential candidate to be an event showcase because PIMS 2022 will be distinguished by "efficient and sustainable mobility." The Hyundai Ioniq 5 made by Kia’s parent company and the completely-electric EV6 have similar foundations. Is there a chance the EV6 will follow the Ioniq 5, which Hyundai's local arm claimed it may introduce to PIMS in 2022?

Now we have our answer.

The Kia EV6 crossover — which generates long-range, zero-emission power, has 800V ultra-fast charging capability, and wears distinctive styling — was formally introduced to the world in 2021. The EV6 is the first Kia car to utilize the company's new battery-electric vehicle architecture (BEVs).

Hidden in the teaser released by Kia Philippines is the Kia EV6's aesthetic that displays a future electric vehicle design accentuated by cutting-edge accents and features. It’s the first exclusively built BEV constructed in accordance with the new Kia design ethos, "Opposites United," which is motivated by the contrasts seen in both nature and humanity.

This new visual identity has a divergent combination of sculptural shapes and edgy style elements.

To keep up with the modern era, the Kia’s “tiger face” has been revamped into a "digital" version. The “digital tiger face” is partly formed by the daytime running lights (DRL) that exhibit a modern look, together with a sequential light pattern. The EV6 is also built with a low air intake to create a wider illusion on the front of the car and highlight its techy image.

The Kia EV6 offers a variety of engine combinations, including long-range (77.4kWh) and standard-range models (58.0kWh). The EV6 GT-Line series is offered in 2WD and AWD versions, and both long-range and standard-range battery packs are included.

The Kia EV6 was designed with 800V and 400V charging capabilities, which let it to charge its battery from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes. A total of 510 kilometers may be covered by the EV6 2WD 77.4KWh on a single full charge. The EV6 AWD version can go from 0 to 100 kph in 5.2 seconds and produces a maximum torque of 605Nm. A 168kW electric motor is coupled to the 77.4kWh battery pack, while the AWD models have two electric motors that provide a combined 239kW.

 

It also features vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality that makes EV6 a power source on wheels to support everything, from electrical appliances, devices, tools, to recreational equipment.

Matched to the sharp exterior styling and long range of the Kia EV6 is a smart interior. Kia’s interior designer shed light on why the EV’s interior looks the way it is.

“People are first attracted by the exterior of cars, but they eventually fall in love with the interior — where they spend most of their time. So, designing an inspiring space for the EV6 was the most important thing for us. We believe EV6 can inspire customers by boosting their creativity.”

So the interior of the crossover motivates the passengers, starting with the cutting-edge curved infotainment screen. Modern, lightweight relaxation seats that were built from 111 recycled plastic water bottles are provided for passengers. A head-up display system that uses augmented reality (AR) to project driving information onto the windscreen into the driver's line of sight is also installed in the car.

The EV6 is also the first Kia BEV to include the new active sound design (ASD) technology, which includes a 14-speaker Meridian surround audio system. The ASD feature alerts the driver about the vehicle's speed through aural feedback.

The many cabin storage spaces, including the boot compartment that can hold 520 liters of cargo, also help to make the cabin useful and convenient. The volume rises to 1,300 liters when the second row seats are folded. Additionally, the car has a front trunk that, in 2WD models, can hold up to 52 liters of additional goods and 20 liters in AWD models.

Since its launch, the Kia EV6 has won praise from award-giving organizations and adventurers since its release. The crossover has taken home a plethora of design honors, including coveted Car of the Year accolades. The EV6 has received such high accolades from the public that it was decided to set a new record-setting voyage of 5,800 kilometers in it.

Kia must be confident in its electric crossover that it decided to make a hot version of the nameplate. With a dual-motor e-AWD powertrain that drives all four wheels, the 2023 Kia EV6 GT — which was first seen next to high-end supercars — raises the bar for performance for the already powerful EV6 family.

A front-mounted 160kW motor and a rear-mounted 270kW motor are each powered by an energy-dense 77.4 kW Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese battery pack, resulting in a total output of 576 horsepower and 546 lb.-ft. of torque.

Not only does the 2023 Kia EV6 GT cater to eco-conscious drivers, it also aims to please keen ones, too.

By pressing a button on the steering wheel, the EV6 GT's motors, braking, steering, suspension, e-LSD, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems are tuned to operate at their highest aggressive levels in GT Drive Mode. Using My Drive Mode, drivers can also design settings specifically customized to their personal driving tastes.

There’s still no word about the specifics of the EV6 model that Kia Philippines will bring to PIMS 2022, whether the company has plans of selling the vehicle, or the appearance will be its avenue to gauge the public’s opinion on the car.

Either way, the Kia EV6 showcase at PIMS 2022 is another sign that we Filipinos can get closer behind the wheel of zero-emissions motoring.

Photos from Kia

Also read: What to expect at the 2022 Philippine International Motor Show