Electric Vehicles (EVs) are coming and there’s nothing we can do about it other than start to embrace innovation and new EV models that are coming down the pipeline from about every automaker that’s currently in business. Kia is one manufacturer that plans on being a frontrunner in bringing mainstream EVs to the market such as the 2022 Kia EV6, a sporty sedan-crossover-hatchback mix that’s claimed to have some stunning performance.
The Kia EV6 will be one of a few vehicles to set forth a new lineup of “EV-named” vehicles for the brand where they have planned as many as 11 new EV models by 2026. The EV6 will be the first of many that touts a sleek exterior and an inviting cabin that’s versatile to the point that it may recapture some SUV/crossover buyers.
The Kia EV6 will feature a 300-mile range and quick charging from an 800-volt system to get as much as 210 miles of range within 18 minutes if you find the proper compatible DC fast charger. Yeah, that’s a lot of volts, in fact, the rear axle single motor of the EV6 will power the rear wheels or be coupled with an additional motor at the front axle for all-wheel-drive and push as much as 576 horsepower.
We must note that Kia has not stated any pricing figures for now, but we have an educated guess. The top-end configuration of the EV6 is claimed to reach 60 mph in just under 3.5 seconds and has a price estimated around $55,000 for starters. Though, there will be a standard RWD model that we suspect will start around $45,000 and hit 60 mph from a standstill in about 5.1 seconds.
Surprisingly, the Kia EV6 will have a long wheelbase, similar to that of many midsized 3-row crossovers making way for plenty of passenger volume and comfortable seating for five. Inside of the Kia EV6 will be a cabin that slightly departs from the traditional sense of Kia vehicles that we see today. There will be some floating elements within the center console with clever storage areas. The floor will be flat thanks to the battery architecture and as much as 28 cubic feet of storage behind the back seat when it is upright and open up to 54 cubic feet with it folded down.
Connectivity will be on par with what is available today on the automotive market incorporating a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12-inch color gauge cluster. The infotainment unit will include updated voice commands and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration with wireless smartphone charging and over-the-air updates that may apply to certain EV drivetrain functions.
There’s all the expected advanced and active safety features and a new level of driver-assist tech that comes standard in addition to having a few available features like remote parking assist.
The Kia EV6 will be joined with its not-so-distant relative of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 before it goes on sale for the 2022 model year and starts shipping as early as January 2022. Buyers will also have the confidence of a 10-year battery warranty to curtail those concerns of replacing an expensive EV battery.
