The Kia EV6 is effectively a sportier looking version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Both are built on parent company Hyundai’s new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The interior to the EV6 is also slightly more ‘traditional’ looking than the Ioniq 5. As this platform is shared by Hyundai, Kia and Genesis, intending buyers may wish to compare the Kia EV6 with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60.
Like its sibling the Ioniq 5 the EV6 also offers Vehicle to Load functionality (V2L) which means camping trips or family picnics in the countryside can easily be 240V powered using an adaptor plugged into the charging port.
The EV6 is built in South Korea and was released in Australia in early 2022. The EV6 initially released here is the ‘Long Range’ version with rear wheel or all-wheel drive options.
The EV6 has a 77.4 kWh battery – up from 72.6 kWh in the Ioniq 5. However, the Ioniq 5 will likely be upgraded to this larger battery later in 2022. A smaller 58 kWh ‘Standard Range’ battery version of the EV6 is expected to be released here at a later date.
The EV6 offers up to 11kW AC charging and an amazing 233kW maximum DC fast-charge rate. At this DC rate it can recharge 100km of range in just over 4.5 minutes.
Kia EV6 Variants
| Variant | Battery (kWh) | WLTP Range (km) | Real World Range (km) | Power Output (kW) | Torque (Nm) | Plug Types (AC/DC) | Max Charge Rate (AC/DC) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air 2WD | 77.4 | 528 | 471 | 168 | 350 | Type 2/ CCS2 | 11/233 | $72,590 |
| GT Line 2WD | 77.4 | 504 | 450 | 168 | 350 | Type 2/ CCS2 | 11/233 | $79,590 |
| GT Line 4WD | 77.4 | 484 | 432 | 239 | 605 | Type 2/ CCS2 | 11/233 | $87,590 |
| GT | 77.4 | 424 | 378 | 430 | 740 | Type 2/ CCS2 | 11/233 | TBC |
DRIVING RANGE
Australian test standards are currently in a state of flux with the Green Vehicle Guide2 (GVG) showing some vehicle driving ranges using either the old (and highly over optimistic) European NEDC test cycle figure or the newer European WLTP test cycle figure. Worse still, for recent additions to the Australian market the GVG often gives no data at all! Around town the WLTP figure is the best guide for range. If you’re doing outer suburban or regional driving use the US EPA figure.
Using the WLTP range a two-wheel drive EV6 with the 77.4kWh battery should be capable of a return trip from the Melbourne GPO to Warrnambool on Victoria’s south coast, provided the heating or air conditioning aren’t heavily used. For this sort of trip a top-up charge at a 7kW AC wall charger (which will provide approximately 45km charged/h) at the Winchelsea Hotel or a 10 min DC fast-charge at Waurn Ponds or Norlane is recommended. (For further charging options, see Plugshare.com).
CHARGING SPEEDS/REQUIREMENTS
Charging port
The EV6 is fitted with a CCS2 socket allowing it to charge via Type 2 AC chargers2 as well as CCS2 DC fast-chargers.
The EV6 can be charged at any AC EVSE, however an adaptor will be needed to use the (few) remaining older EVSEs fitted with Type 1 (J1772) plugs.
AC charging
Like all new EVs sold in Australia the EV6 is fitted with a type 2 AC socket as part of the CCS2 AC/DC charge plug system.
Charging rates:
Single phase: maximum of 7.4kW (32A)
Three phase: 11kW (16A per phase)
Charging speeds and times vary on the capacity of the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) it is connected to and the chosen battery size.
DC fast charging
The EV6 uses the CCS2 DC fast-charge connector and can charge at up to 233kW.
This connector is fast becoming the majority DC fast-charge connector type in both Australia and overseas.
Kia EV6 Time to Charge (hrs)
| Battery size (kWh) | 15A 1 phase (3.6kW) | 32A 1 phase (7.2kW) | 16A 3 phase (11kW) | DC Fast Charge (50kW) | DC Fast Charge (350kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77.4 | 21.5h | 10.7h | 7h | 1.6h | 18m |
HOME CHARGING CONSIDERATIONS
To get the shortest home charging time for an EV6, an 11kW three phase AC EVSE would be needed.
However, depending on your existing power supply and/or charging needs, a lower rated EVSE may only be practicable, or needed. (See notes below). Lower capacity EVSEs will increase charging times, as shown in table 1 above.
The EV6 also comes with a Mode 2 portable EVSE for plugging into a 10A power point. Charging an EV6 with this EVSE will take around 33 hrs for a 0 – 100% charge.
Find more info about EVSEs on our FAQs page.
Kia EV6 Specifications
| Cargo space (litres) | Cargo Space with rear seats folded (litres) | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Width with mirrors (mm) | Height (mm) | Tow Rating (braked / unbraked) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 690 | 1322 | 4680 | 1890 | 2152 | 1545 | 1600/750* *AWD only |
