The Kia EV6 in Albuquerque NM Promises Fuel Efficient Options

With the reveal of the EV6 crossover, Kia is upping its stake in the electric car race. Even though the Kia EV6 in Albuquerque NM isn't the company's first battery electric auto, it is the first model to rely exclusively on electricity for its power. The Kia Soul EV and the Niro EV were Kia's initial foray into electrics, and are offered with gasoline hybrid or gasoline-electric hybrid setups.

The EV6 will be available as a RWD or AWD model thanks to the new E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) on which it is built, as is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV. Kia plans to build six future EVs on the same platform, which it shares with Hyundai.

Power

A standard range 58-kWh or long range 77-kWh battery pack will send power to the rear-mounted or available front- and rear-mounted electric motors. According to Kia, the stronger battery pack on the rear-wheel drive EV6 will have a driving range of roughly 316 miles based on European testing estimations. We can expect a bit less on the EPA's more conservative estimation.

When outfitted with RWD and the small battery pack, the Kia EV6 in Albuquerque NM will deliver about 170 horsepower. When AWD is added the hp increases to 230, while choosing the larger battery pack will get about 220 hp in RWD and 320 hp with AWD versions.

For power enthusiasts, there's the EV6 GT, which is offered exclusively with AWD. The GT gets the larger battery pack of course, and puts out almost 580 hp from the two electric motors. This enables the sleek crossover to blast from 0 - 62 mph (0 -100 km/hr) in 3.5 seconds, and on to a 160 mph top speed, says Kia.

Although the driving range is pretty efficient for the class, Kia is making it better by using fast charging battery packs, just like the Porsche Taycan. The E-GMP underpinning uses 800-volt battery packs, which enable the EV6 to charge from 10% to 80% charge capacity in only 18 minutes! When the battery is charged up to over 35% capacity, the EV6 can tow about 3500 pounds as well. For buyers who want to get the most mileage out of the EV6, the car's regenerative braking system has six different modes which are utilized by the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Kia EV6 in Albuquerque NM: Styling

 

The similarities of the Ioniq 5 EV and the EV6 end when we start looking at the exterior design and interior style of the EV6. While the Hyundai uses a simple, kind of retro-futuristic look for the Ioniq, the Kia employs a bit more dramatic and sportier design. It's classed as a crossover, but it does have some hatchback nuances as well. From the side it resembles a longer, more aggressive Ioniq 5; it doesn't at all look like the current lineup of Kia's SUVs or crossovers. A floating roofline, sturdy fenders, taillights that reach across the width of the body, and low-mounted headlights bring an athletic look to the EV6.

Moving into the cabin of the new Kia, you'll find a driver-centric dash with two 12-inch, high-definition curved screens rising from it; one for infotainment and one in front of the driver. An Augmented Reality Head-Up Display projects a virtual display on the windshield, giving you all the important info for a safe and easy trip all the way to the end. These and the included advanced driver assist features will receive over-the-air updates according to Kia.

Another feature that's sure to please are the seats, which are offered with top quality vegan leather, suede, or fabric that's constructed from recycled PETS. An eye-catching combination of both dark and light materials inside brings a posh atmosphere to the interior of the Kia EV6 in Albuquerque NM.

You can expect the EV6 in American dealerships in the second half of this year or possibly early next year as a fresh 2022 model. Until then, if you have questions don't hesitate to contact us at Fiesta Kia, located at 7400 Lomas Blvd NM in Albuquerque.