PIMS 2022: Kia PH previews EV6, launching in 2023
After a little tease as well as eventually confirming its appearance at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), Kia Philippines has unveiled the EV6 for the Philippine market with a preview. It is set to be officially launched early next year.
While Kia Philippines has not yet announced how much the EV6 will cost once sales begin, they did announce that it will be priced below Php 4-million which is about right for the segment. The Kia EV6 is built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) of Kia’s sister company, Hyundai. That means it rides on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 which is also previewed at the 8th PIMS.
“Today, we begin our deliberate participation in the Electric Vehicle market as we move into the inflection point,” says Kia Philippines President Manny Aligada. “Our event now is not simply another model introduction but also signifies Kia’s commitment to realizing our social responsibility through our 3S activities – sustainable mobility, sustainable energy, sustainable planet. Sustainability is a future not just for Kia as the Ayala group has committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This is a guideline Kia believes in and is a focal point in our business. Sustainability is our move to protect the greatest source of inspiration, nature,” he adds.
In terms of styling, the Kia EV6 wears the brand’s latest “Opposites United” design language. While it lacks the brand’s signature tiger-nose front grille, it still looks sharp with its LED headlights which are connected by a slim grille, combined with its sleek side profile and futuristic rear design.
Inside, the EV6 shows off its premium-looking interior with its wraparound design and large dual screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. It also features a two-spoke steering wheel. Kia also says that it has the space to rival midsize SUVs thanks to its 2,900 mm wheelbase.
As for its powertrain, the Kia EV6 is powered by a 77.4 kWh high-voltage battery pack, paired to an electric motor that produces 229 horsepower. Maximum torque is pegged at 350 Nm and Kia says that it can go from 0 to 100 kph in 7.3 seconds. In addition, the EV6 should be able to travel more than 500 km in a single charge.
The Kia EV6 for the Philippines will also be equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). This should include features like Safe Exit Assist (SEA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA).
As for customers’ charging options, every Kia EV6 sold will come with Kia In Cable Control Box (ICCB) charger while a home wall-mounted charger can be purchased and installed by the brand’s local affiliate, Greenstrum.
Again, the Kia EV6 is set to be launched in the Philippines early next year. It will be priced below Php 4-million.