[This article was first published on www.hardwarezone.com.sg]
Kia's highly anticipated EV6 has finally arrived on our shores. If you don't know what the EV6 is, here's a quick primer.
This is the brand's flagship EV and it's based on the company's new dedicated electric platform called the E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform).
One of the highlights of this platform is support for 350kW fast charging. Kia says the EV6 can get from 10% to 80% charge in just 18 minutes. Rivals like Tesla and Porsche both require around or at least 20 minutes.
While that undoubtedly sounds fantastic, the problem is that the fastest chargers on our island currently top out at 150kW. 350kW chargers are rare.
Not only that, they are reportedly very expensive to build and maintain, so it remains to be seen how many of them will find their way to Singapore.
Still, there are other things to like. The interior looks like a sensible mix of old and new with two large 12.3-inch displays and dedicated climate controls. Boot space, with the seats up, is 520 litres.
The styling is amiable too with most people considering it to be quite handsome. It somehow manages to look sleek yet muscular. I suspect this has to do with the lines around the fenders.
The EV6 will be available in two variants here. There's a standard-range single-motor version and a long-range dual-motor version called the GT Line.
The former has a single electric motor producing 170hp and 350nm of torque and has a battery capacity of 58kWh which is good for around 528km (WLTP).
The latter has dual electric motors producing 325hp and 605nm of torque which is enough for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.2 seconds. This model has a larger 77.4kWh battery but because of its added performance, has a slightly shorter range of 506km (WLTP also).
The EV6's keenest rival is arguably Tesla's Model Y. While the Telsa offers more practicality in terms of carrying capacity, the EV6 counters with a more traditional interior that some drivers will appreciate.
The Kia EV6 is available now. The standard-range single-motor version is priced at S$253,999 while the long-range dual-motor version is S$288,999. Prices include COE.
[Source article: hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-news-kia-ev6-compact-suv-ev-electric-singapore-price-specs]
