Meet Kia’s first-ever EV in the Philippine market—the Kia EV6.

The EV6 is Kia’s first car based on the company’s dedicated new platform for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centered, progressive design and electrified power that yields an output of 229 PS and 350 Nm of torque. It is a distinctive model that will define Kia’s future. Notable accolades include the 2022 iF Design Award, the 2022 Red Dot Award, the 2022 European Car of the Year, and the US Car of the Year.

According to Kia, the EV6 will cater to the discerning EV market, which expects a convenient and enjoyable user experience. With charging options manufactured by Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (part of the Ayala Group) and its partner Greenstrum, and an expanding charging system network provided by Ayala Land, all an environment-conscious owner has to do is get in and go for an exciting and worry-free drive.

Manny Aligada, President of Kia Philippines, said, “It is truly our honor to introduce this latest innovation by Kia: A sustainable car with zero emissions and a step toward Kia’s ambitious yet important transition into a future mobility solutions brand. Our one true message to the public is to open their eyes to the reality and potential of Fully Electric Vehicles and that Kia PH is here to make EV ownership convenient, worry-free, and enjoyable.”

“The global EV6 has three variants: the Baseline, the GT, and the GT Line.  Each one has its own specifications and features.  For the Philippine market, we chose to bring in the GT Line as its capabilities are best fit for Philippine driving conditions.  Among the three, the EV6 GT Line has the longest range at 528 kilometers, enough to bring you to Baguio and back with one full charge. Efficient it is indeed with its rear-wheel drive configuration.  Coupled with its i-Pedal feature, it has three modes of smart regenerative braking, allowing you to extend even further your driving range,” added Aligada.

At the center of the design philosophy of the EV6 is a new visual identity evoking positive forces and natural energy with contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes. This futuristic yet classy look is embodied by the elegant clamshell hood, which highlights the impactful exterior. The side profile displays a crossover-inspired silhouette, which is modern, sleek, and aerodynamic. A character line runs along the bottom of the doors, curving upwards towards the rear wheel arches to visually elongate the car’s profile.

The EV6 GT-Line offers a fully-electric, zero-emission powertrain configuration with a long-range (77.4 kWh) high-voltage battery pack. The EV6 can travel over 500 km on a single charge (based on the EPA rating). Even round trips to Baguio City from Metro Manila (251km) are possible and should quell anxiety concerns.

The EV6 is the recipient of the 5-Star Euro NCAP rating. Its safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning Detection, Blind Spot Detection, Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping & Following Assist Technology, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Safe Exit Assist, and 360-View Monitor.

The battery system (mounted low to the ground and on the floor) utilizes lithium-ion cells. These are enclosed and resistant to large water splashes. This casing system has been given an IP66 international rating. This rating is the most commonly used for electrical enclosures with plastic hinges and waterproof gaskets. The EV6 is also equipped with a water-sensing system. In the unlikely event of water intrusion, the EV system will automatically shut off if water exposure exceeds safety standards.

Meanwhile, the EV6 is also a game-changer in maintenance as it is much more cost-efficient than cars powered by internal combustion engines (ICE). There is no need for engine oil changes, oil filters, spark plugs, and other lubricants. It is estimated that you will spend about PHP25,000 for 5 years in maintaining an EV6, versus PHP110,000 maintenance for a similar-sized ICE car over 5 years. As an added capability, the EV6 is equipped with the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, which can be used during power outages or camping trips to power up gadgets and devices.

The EV6 GT-Line, with all its inclusions, is competitively priced at PHP3,788,000. It includes a portable charger; 5 years or 160,000-km vehicle warranty and 8 years or 160,000-km HV battery system warranty, whichever comes first; 5 years of free Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS); and 5 years of free 24/7 Roadside assistance.