PIMS 2022: Kia to electrify PH market with the EV6

Kia Philippines has just shown it's ready to make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs). After giving the public a glimpse last week, the Korean automaker previewed the EV6 at this year's Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).

Serving as the brand's first-ever battery electric vehicle (BEV), it comes with a sleek and curvaceous exterior, a simple and modern-looking cabin, and a zero-emissions powertrain that promises to deliver instantaneous torque without guilt.

Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the EV6 is underpinned by the E-GMP platform, which allowed designers to give the EV6 a flat floor along with a more striking exterior and interior. Starting with the former, the EV6 features the brand's “Opposites Unite” design language which essentially shows the styling direction of future Kia models.

From its eye-catching LED headlights, floating roofline, full-width signature LED taillights, and massive turbine-style alloy wheels, the EV6 is a looker in any direction. Also worth mentioning is its distinct “Digital Tiger Face” which replaces the brand's well-known tiger-nose grille. Last but not least, who could miss that swept-back windshield and spoiler that further accentuates the vehicle's dynamic look.

Inside, Kia decided to keep it simple yet high-tech. The dashboard features a wraparound design that gives the interior a cocoon-like finish. The center console comes with a rotary-style gear selector, an engine start/stop button, as well as large cupholders. Meanwhile, the dashboard itself features two digital displays – one serves as the instrument cluster while the other is the touchscreen infotainment system.

Below the center screen are HVAC controls complete with haptic buttons for easier manipulation. Last but not least, the EV6 comes with a two-spoke steering wheel, a full-leather interior with a two-tone finish, and LED ambient lighting.

Powering the EV6 is a powerful electric motor that drives the rear wheels. Kia says the motor is rated to produce 229 PS along with a generous 350 Nm of torque. It's then paired to a 77.4 kWh battery pack which gives the EV6 a cruising range of 500 km on a single charge based on the EPA rating. Last but not least, the EV6 can go from 0 - 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds.

"The Kia EV6 has won many titles and awards including but not limited to 5-Star NCAP rating and the European Car of the Year. However, what thrills us the most besides these victories, is the absolute hospitality and enthusiastic acceptance of the EV6 from our customers all around the world as it gives us a strong signal that we are heading in the right direction. Kia’s vision to become a global leading eco-friendly mobility solution provider is not just our internal target anymore, but an achievable future that is strongly supported by our customers who feel exactly the same way we do about our future and environment and sustainability," said Joey Hong of Kia Asia Pacific.

Interested in getting the EV6? Sales of Kia's brand new EV will begin in early 2023 with a price below PHP 4,000,000. Charging options for the upcoming EV6 will come in the following; the Kia In Cable Control Box (ICCB) charger that comes with the vehicle; a home wall-mounted charger that can be purchased and installed by their affiliate, Greenstrum; and the growing number of malls and establishments that offer EV charging stations with Type 2/CCS2 protocol.

The Kia EV6 is on display at PIMS 2022 from September 15 to September 18. Guests will also be treated to the EV6 configurator and the V2L display which demonstrates the car’s capability to supply up to 3.6kW of power, enough to operate a 55-inch television and air conditioner simultaneously for more than 24 hours.