Unveiled in 2021, the EV6 is Kia’s first all-electric vehicle of the modern era. The compact crossover offers bold styling backed by quick acceleration and athletic road manners. It offers up to 310 miles of range on a full charge and various options for recharging the battery.
Home charging for the EV6
Like most electric vehicles, the Kia EV6 can use both Level 1 and Level 2 home charging capabilities, according to KBB. To charge an EV at home, you can pay for the cost of a dedicated charger and the electricity used to charge the battery.
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120V wall outlet and is the slowest way to recharge an electric vehicle. It is best for providing a “slow” charge or to keep the battery full. As a primary means of charging, it could take several days to recharge a Kia EV6 battery that was almost completely discharged.
Level 2 charging uses a 240V connection similar to an electric dryer or electric oven. The extra voltage allows for much faster recharging than a Level 1 system and is the recommended type of charger for home use. Kia does not provide a level 2 charger with the EV6, but a licensed electrician can install one.
Charging at home gets a bit tricky for people who live in multi-family homes like apartments or condos. Many complexes are installing charging stations, but unless you have your own garage, it’s unlikely you’ll have a charger installed. If you’re interested in purchasing an EV, talk to your property manager or condo association about charging options.
Public charging for the EV6
Public charging networks have become increasingly common in recent years. It is not uncommon to see public chargers in supermarket parking lots, restaurants, office parks and other places. Various apps can help you locate a public charger, including Kia’s Connect app. Most public networks offer level 2 charging and can accommodate a wide range of electric vehicles. The Kia EV6 uses a CCS input port, which is common.
Level 3 DC fast chargers offer the fastest charge times and can charge a Kia EV6 battery to 80% capacity in less than 30 minutes. These chargers use DC voltage and are often located near highways.
What is the autonomy of the Kia EV6?
According to Green Car Reports, the Kia EV6 has an EPA-estimated range of 310 miles on a 77.4 kWh battery. As with gasoline vehicles, real-world numbers may vary based on weather and driving conditions.
How fast does a Kia EV6 charge?
Kia claims that the EV6 can recharge up to 80% of its battery capacity in just 18 minutes with a DC fast charger.
Using a level 2 home charger, recharging a 77.4 kWh battery takes about 7 hours. This estimate assumes the battery is down to 10% of range and the Level 2 charger uses a 240-volt charger on a 40-amp circuit.
Level 1 charging takes much longer. On average, a 120v connection adds 9 miles of range per hour. Assuming the battery is in the 10% range, it could take more than 34 hours to fully charge.
Does the EV6 come with free charging?
Kia EV6 owners receive 1,000 kWh of free charging through Electrify America over a three-year period, which equates to approximately 4,000 miles of driving. Electrify America offers several commercial and retail products for electric vehicles, including a mobile app and home charging kits. They also offer membership pricing plans for their Tier 2 and Tier 3 network of public charging stations.
Is the Kia EV6 a good electric car?
Kia was not the first company to introduce an electric car, but it has quickly become one of the pioneers in this field. The EV6 was the first of many electric vehicles that Hyundai and Kia plan to launch. Car and Driver called the EV6 “affordable, lively and easy to use.” Edmunds summed up his review by saying that it’s “worth a look if you’re looking for an electric SUV that puts driving pleasure first.”
The drawbacks are minor, but many reviews mention a lack of trunk space. Edmunds also noted that it’s not as comfortable as other electric vehicles on the market. The EV6 competes with the Volkswagen ID.4, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. It compares well to the competition and is a good choice for people looking for a stylish and fun-to-drive electric car.
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