EV6 the first of 11 new BEVs from Kia in next five years
Image 1 of 2
Sleator Kia executives Ollie Sleator (top) with the EV6, and Criostoir Sleator with the Sportage GT-line, at the Kia Dealer Conference in Powerscourt Hotel, Enniskerry. Photos: Matt Browne Matt Browne / SPORTSFILEImage 2 of 2
Ollie Sleator from Sleator Kia during the Kia Dealer Conference at Powerscourt Hotel in Enniskerry, Wicklow. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE *** Matt Browne / SPORTSFILEThe EV6, Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle, represents a huge leap forward in an electric journey that started in 2015 with the Soul EV, and it is the first of 11 all-new BEVs Kia are to launch by 2026.
The new car brings long-range, zero-emissions power, 800V ultra-fast charging and distinctive styling to the crossover SUV market, and it is the first Kia to be based on the company’s dedicated new architecture for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
This crossover – the first dedicated BEV launched under the new Kia design philosophy ‘Opposites United’ – has a future-oriented EV design featuring high-tech details.
It is powered exclusively by electric energy, and there is a choice of two long-range, zero-emissions powertrains; 800V charging capability means the EV6 can go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent battery charge in just 18 minutes.
The EV6 also kicks off the brand’s mid-to-long term strategy for BEVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and hybrid electric (HEV) vehicles to make up 40 per cent of Kia’s total sales by 2030, with an annual sales target of 1.6 million units for these eco-friendly models.
Kia aims to grow its global BEV sales to 880,000 units in 2030 and become a top global seller. EV6 is the first of 11 new global BEV models from Kia by 2026 – seven of which will be built on E-GMP architecture, and four will be derivative EVs based on existing models.
New Sportage
The new Kia Sportage is the first European-specific version of the SUV in its 28-year history, and the range now includes a plug-in hybrid variant.
Developed on a new architecture, the Sportage benefits from a high-tech engineering programme for European roads. It has also resulted in luggage capacity, headroom and legroom all substantially increased over the outgoing model, and it has best-in-class legroom for the second-row passengers.
Among the innovative technology breakthroughs are new-generation Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) for optimum comfort and superior safety levels at all times, thanks to continuous damping control in real-time. A new Terrain Mode gives the Sportage outstanding ride capabilities in conditions such as snow, mud and sand.
The new Sportage also leads the way in safety, featuring both passive and active high-tech systems – including Kia’s world-renowned comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
The new European version of the Sportage is an essential addition to the all-new fifth-generation family, of which the first member – a long-wheelbase variant – was unveiled in July.