With the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) law now in place, we can expect automakers to usher in their respective electric vehicles in the country. One of them is Kia with its EV6.
We got a glimpse of the electric crossover during the Philippine International Motor Show before. But now, we got to drive one, thanks to the invitation from AC Motors. After spending a good chunk of the day behind the wheel of the Kia EV6, I can say that this crossover gets me all giddy with electric mobility.
Let’s start with the design, and boy, you can miss that satin silver paint job that the media unit has. It’s definitely eye-catching – one that you won’t see every day. That’s not to say that the car’s whole design ethos is negligible; the whole styling just speaks otherwise. I love the lights, I love the attention to detail, and I love how Kia integrated the turn signals into a set of crystal-looking lamps underneath the taillights. The Kia EV6 is the sporty-looking half of the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), and it definitely looks the part.
The variant that will arrive locally is the Kia EV6 GT-Line Long Range. It’s the mid-spec trim of the global variant lineup, and its 77.4 kWh lithium-ion battery offers an impressive range of 528 kilometers on a single charge.
The vehicle can be charged using an 11 kW AC Wall Box, taking around 7 hours to charge from 10 to 100 percent, while a 50 kW DC Charger takes a little over an hour to charge from 10 to 80 percent. A 350 kW DC Charger will only take 18 minutes to charge the EV6 from 10 to 80 percent. Kia Philippines has yet to announce if customers will get free wall box installation for every EV6 purchase but by logic, they should.
Our test around Metro Manila totaled over 50 kilometers, with the vehicle only consuming 20 percent of its battery charge at the end of the test. This is actually the average driving distance that a vehicle owner takes every day, though our test includes some spirited drives, idle stops, and heavy traffic flow in the infamous EDSA and España. Of note, energy consumption varies per driving style and road situation, so your daily average as a driver might be different.
With an electric motor lodged at the rear axle, the Kia EV6 GT-Line Long Range generates 226 hp and 350 Nm of torque and has three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Despite the size (it’s wider than a Toyota Fortuner but shorter than a Honda CR-V), the EV6 doesn’t feel heavy to drive. It also has a one-pedal driving feature that allows you to pilot the car without lifting your foot entirely from the accelerator. It’s a nifty feat, actually, especially during stop-and-go situations.
The EV6 also features an Active Sound Design system, which provides a simulated engine sound that is broadcasted through the 14-speaker Meridian sound system. It has three sound options – Stylish, Dynamic, and Cyber – to enhance the driving experience. The vehicle has an assertive front end, 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, a power tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, the vehicle boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, a floating center console, a two-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters, and black suede seats with white leather accents.
The Kia EV6 GT-Line Long Range is set to make its debut in the Philippines in March, offering an exciting entry into the local electric vehicle market. As AC Motors Group is part of the Ayala Corporation, Kia PH benefits from the fact that will EV charging stations in key locations across Luzon are already erect at the time of this writing. This move highlights the Philippines’ preparation for the electric shift and Kia’s readiness to be at the forefront of the local EV industry.
Kia PH has yet to announce the EV6’s price tag and warranty inclusions. Last year at PIMS, the company stated that the vehicle will be priced under P4 million. But given the latest development under the EVIDA law, we’re looking at a lower figure, hopefully under the P3-million mark
The Kia EV6 GT-Line Long Range will be officially sold on March 21. And if you’re one that read up to this point, we’re sure you’re also excited as to what electric mobility has to offer to consumers.