Kia claims its new electric vehicle, the EV6 will deliver the best ownership experience by making the electric lifestyle a viable option for day-to-day mobility. It says the EV6 has removed the perceived barriers that prevent many from making the switch to electric, with a 528 kilometre range, ultra-fast 800v charging and bidirectional battery technology.
The EV6 boasts rapid charging times, long range, lots of interior space and can even act as a portable battery pack to charge electrical appliances or other electric vehicles. It is built on the brand’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which despite compact exterior dimensions, offers class-leading space inside.
The EV6 has a long 2.9 metre wheelbase and minimal front and rear overhangs which means it has cabin space similar to larger vehicles. It also introduces a world first multi high-speed charging system which provides EV6 drivers with access to 800V ultra-fast charging and more mainstream 400V fast charging without the need for any special adapter or additional on-board charger.
Stopping at an 800V charger tops up the EV6’s battery from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes with a maximum power of 239 kilowatts. When EV6 stops at a more mainstream 400V charger, the EV6 uses an inverter to convert the 400V current coming from the charging station into 800V so it can charge the battery at the maximum power provided by it.
The EV6 boasts a long-range (77.4kWh) battery pack that can travel up to 528 kilometers, which is similar to the distance from Belfast to Bantry on a single charge. Kia claims less frequent charging removes one of the most significant barriers to EV ownership.
The EV6 will indicate when its charge is low and using dynamic POI’s and real time availability status, the driver will be guided to the nearest charging station with the onboard navigation system.
Kia’s relationship with Ionity offers EV6 customers access to reduced kWh prices at over 400 high power charging stations across 24 European countries via the Kia Charge solution. The Ionity network uses the leading European charging standard CCS (Combined Charging System) and is sourced by 100% renewable energy meaning EV6 drivers can travel emission-free and carbon neutral.
Kia has also developed an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) which allows up to 3.6kW of power to be transferred from the vehicle battery to other devices.. This vehicle to load (function allows occupants to charge electrical items on the go, such as a laptop, or home appliances using an outdoor V2L gender connector.
Vehicle to vehicle charging is also possible whereby power can be transferred to another electric vehicle, for example in an emergency, with the use of an In-Cable Control Box cable. EV6 own’s battery is preserved by ensuring state of charge does not fall below 20% at which point the vehicle-to-vehicle charging is disabled.
Carzone - 22-Jul-2021