South Korea’s carmaker, KIA, has begun the sales of its first all-dedicated electric vehicle – the EV6, in the country. Later this year, the new EV will be on sale in select international markets.
Since the mode’s premiere in March, the manufacturer has stated that they have already received over 30,000 pre-orders for the EV6 in South Korea alone. The deliveries will begin from next week, once the factory returns from its summer vacation, towards the end of August. The combined pre-booking figures for Europe and the US are about 8,800. As per reports, KIA intends to sell 13,000 units in its home country and about 17,000 worldwide this year.
The current price of the EV6 is between 47 million won to 57 million won. Still, with government subsidies, it can come down between 40 million won and 45 million won, depending upon the chosen variant.
EV6’s long-range variant popular
The EV6 is often compared with its contemporary, the Hyundai Motor’s Ioniq 5, also made on the same EV dedicated E GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform). However, the EV6 has a much longer range and is cheaper too. The E GMP ensures that there is increased range, ultra-fast charging and enhanced safety, alongside powerful driving performance, with a length of 4,680 mm, width of 1,880 mm and a height of 1,550 mm; and two battery options of 58 kWh and a long-range 77.4 kWh unit. The standard battery is suitable for a claimed range of 370 km, and the latter offers up to 475 km. Depending on the variant, the vehicle can come in wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches in diameter.
The EV6 has a long 2,900 mm wheelbase, minimal front and rear overhangs provide larger cabin space. It also has phenomenal legroom of 1,078 mm at the front and 990 mm at the rear to provide maximum comfort to all passengers.
The company was quoted as saying, “Nearly 70% of the customers who placed orders for the KIA EV6 picked the long-range variant. Another 24% of customers picked the GT-Line, which is a version with added design features.” Only 4% of the customers chose the standard variant.
The EV6 has a crossover-inspired body and a boxy stance. One of the unique designs lies in the tail lamps that stretch across in a curve, from one end to the other. The headlamps are sleek and offer a sturdy look. The top-of-the-line GT variant of the EV6 comes in painted brake calipers, adding the quirky and sporty element.
The car comes with an extensive charging network, segment-leading interior space, and even doubles as a portable battery pack to charge electric appliances or other electric vehicles. Each design is carefully incorporated to ensure ease of use so that EV ownership is accessible and viable for more people.
