The new Kia EV6 brings long-range, zero-emissions power, 800V ultra-fast charging and distinctive styling to the crossover SUV market. The EV6 is Kia’s first car to be based on the company’s dedicated new architecture for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
This pioneering crossover – the first dedicated BEV launched under the new Kia design philosophy ‘Opposites United’ – displays a future-oriented EV design characterised by high-tech details. It is powered exclusively by electric energy, with a choice of two long-range, zero-emissions powertrains. 800V charging capability means the EV6 can go from 10-to-80 per cent battery charge in just 18 minutes.
The EV6 is the first dedicated BEV produced by Kia using the all-new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and forms the first part of Kia’s transition to the new era of electrification under its new brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires’. It 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.
“EV6 is the embodiment of the new Kia. It is born to inspire every journey, through bold design, progressive engineering, innovative technologies, and exciting electric performance,” Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President and CEO said. “EV6 also represents the beginning of Kia’s long-term commitment to sustainable mobility, accelerating the transition not only to clean transportation, but also products, materials and manufacturing.”
Opposites United: a design philosophy for all future Kia vehicles
The Opposites United design philosophy makes its debut on EV6 and influences the design of all future Kia models. The philosophy is based on five key design pillars: ‘Bold for Nature’, ‘Joy for Reason’, ‘Power to Progress’, ‘Technology for Life’, and ‘Tension for Serenity’.
Bold for Nature is based on interaction with nature, informed by the details, shapes and proportions found both in the natural and human worlds. This design pillar creates organic, yet technical structures and finishes for vehicle interiors; exterior designs are characterised by a combination of clear and simple lines with bold, ever-changing surfaces.
Joy for Reason focuses on the feel and ambience of Kia’s future vehicles. Future designs will fuse the emotional with the rational, creating vehicles that influence the mood of passengers, by relaxing and inspiring. It will also influence the adoption of new organic materials and more daring colours, expressing a sense of youth and playfulness.
Power to Progress builds on the brand’s current design strengths. By drawing on and developing the skills and expertise learned throughout Kia’s recent era of design-led transformation, the designs and layouts of the brand’s future products will continue to evolve. Future designs will draw on experience and creativity to invent and innovate new designs.
Technology for Life embraces new technologies and innovations to foster positive interactions between humans and machines. The brand’s future vehicles will adopt a next-generation in-car user experience (UX) through design, innovation, and advancements in lighting, feel and in-car connectivity – to help customers engage with their cars.
Tension for Serenity evokes the tension between opposing forces and creative contrasts and recognises the design equilibrium that comes from two opposing forces. It delivers striking design concepts that use sharp, highly technical details to create surface tension – and realise a harmonised, future-orientated design vision.
“We want our products to deliver an instinctive and natural experience that improves the daily lives of our customers. Our aim is to design the physical experience of our brand and to create original, inventive, and exciting electric vehicles. The ideas of our designers and the purpose of the brand are becoming more connected than ever, with our customers at the centre of what we do and influencing every decision that we make,” added Karim Habib.
Solid eco-credentials
Kia’s Plan S strategy puts electrification at the forefront of the company’s future and sets the foundations for a full product line-up featuring 11 new battery electric vehicles by 2026. The EV6 is the first model to be launched under this new strategy and sets Kia firmly on the path to becoming a leader in the popularisation of electric vehicles.
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