Kia Unveils its First Dedicated Battery-Electric Vehicle
Lisa Steuer McArdle
· 3 min read
Kia
recently showed off the brand’s first dedicated battery-electric vehicle at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show.While Kia has technically released battery-electric vehicles before in the form of the Nitro EV hatchback and the Soul EV, those were based on cars that were also offered in a non-electric form.
The 2022 Kia EV6 is the automaker’s first car developed as an
electric vehicle
from the ground up, according to Motortrend
.
Features of the 2022 Kia EV6
The 2022 Kia EV6 is currently in pre-production, but so far it’s described as having a unique exterior and spacious interior that has plenty of storage and lighting, according to
Cars.com
, which had a chance to see the new car at the Chicago car show.The car is built on the same Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that will include a line of of new electric vehicles from Kia, with the company planning 11 new electric cars by 2026, according to
Car and Driver
. Kia says the 2022 Kia EV6 will have an 800-volt charging system that will allow the battery pack to go from 10 to 80% charge capacity in just 18 minutes.
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Interior and exterior
It’s hard to say what category the 2022 Kia EV6 fits in, but with all-wheel drive it’s like a SUV or crossover. Many
electric vehicles
fit into this category. There were many aspects of the new 2022 Kia EV6 that Cars.com reviewers enjoyed, especially the spacious interior. They noted the floor-mounted center console is not connected to the dashboard, which gives the front cabin a spacious feeling.
In addition, the car’s dual 12-inch displays are actually one continuous piece on top of the dashboard—and one is the instrument panel and the other is a touchscreen.
The Cars.com review says the interior does have some flaws, pointing out that the touch-sensitive controls are harder to use even though they do look futuristic.
And while there is more leg room in the back, the review explains that the high beltline and low roof make the backseat feel more enclosed. An adult’s knees may also be uncomfortable elevated because it does sit low in the back.
It’s important to note that it’s not currently known which interior features will actually be on the car once it’s on the market since it’s still in pre-production.
Look for the 2022 Kia EV6 next year
The 2022 Kia EV6 will be available in two battery sizes with either rear or all-wheel drives, and with single- or dual-motor powertrains. The new car is also expected to get a maximum 300-mile range estimate.
The car will vary in power with 167 horsepower to 576 horsepower on the GT model—the latter of which is estimated to be able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
Most of the car’s models will be available for sale in early 2022. A high-performance GT model is expected toward the end of next year.
The car’s price hasn’t been announced, but Car and Driver believes it will start around $45,000 and top out near $55,000.
