About the Kia EV6
Tim R purchased this Kia EV6 new for $97,000 (including all on-road costs). Tim R would buy this car again because: “The Kia EV6 is a pleasure to drive with all the features I need and the capabilities that I require. As my first experience with an EV I cannot fault it and have no hesitation in recommending the EV6 to anyone who asks”
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
As a new model there have been a few minor electronic glitches but nothing that has had a significant impact on the operation of the vehicle. The glitches were rectified by the local dealer in a prompt and effective manner.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
I have owned the EV6 since new and have now done over 42,000km in just over a year. I live in a regional area and drive on both bitumen and dirt roads and the car is a pleasure to drive.
I have been approached by many people with questions of genuine interest about owning an EV in a regional area. Quality of build is excellent backed by a seven-year warranty and the cost of ‘servicing’ is negligible compared with my previous vehicle.
How has the purchase and aftercare experience been with your car?
After researching and reviewing details of EVs, including reviews of the EV6, I went to the local KIA dealer with an expectation of putting my name on a wait list but the EV6 was sitting on the showroom floor.
Beauty might be in the eye of the beholder but to me the EV6 has the ‘wow’ factor in the metal.
I was able to take the EV6 for a test drive and put a deposit down straight away. The dealership was excellent and it has been learning curve for both of us. Aftercare has been excellent.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
In terms of the EV6 price was not the ultimate determining factor it was more on features and the opportunity to purchase what to me seemed an excellent EV.
The EV6 has so far lived up to the hype and I enjoy the more standard car like features with instrument cluster in front of the driver doubled up with the HUD. The heated and ventilated seats are a great creature comfort.
The speed at which the EV6 can charge when on an ultra-fast charger is brilliant and as long as the chargers are available and operational when on the highway, charging is no big concern. Most of my charging is however done at home from solar.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
Performance-wise I cannot fault the car in terms of what I require it for. Living in a country area with average roads and many single lane roads the capabilities of the EV6 and for that matter most EVs, makes overtaking a far less dangerous proposition as long as you understand what the vehicle is capable of and closure speed v distance.
The difference between city driving and highway driving is obvious in an EV in terms of regenerative braking. Temperature, weather and terrain do have a more pronounced impact on an EV but you get to understand the characteristics of your car.
Living on the NSW/VIC border and driving to Melbourne occasionally as well as numerous trips to Newcastle the EV6 has been excellent. It works out at just over $40 in charger fees one way from 30km outside of Albury/Wodonga to Newcastle using the ultra-fast chargers.
Charging stops (two) are 15 -20 minutes max with the number of available chargers increasing all the time.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
I am not known for my handle on technology and there are probably many more features available in the car than I utilise. Safety wise all the technology you need is available in the EV6 but no matter how much technology is available it still comes down to the alertness of the driver at this point in time, no matter the vehicle.
I do like the mix of touch screen and adjustable dials. I also really like the information displayed in the HUD including directions when the navigation is engaged.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
To put things in perspective I am 196cm and 125kg and find the driving position very comfortable.
My head is close to the roof but I figure with a battery under the car the likelihood of the vehicle rolling is negligible. I am on the younger end of the boomer scale and have driven many vehicles ranging from a Mazda 121 to heavy buses.
My last vehicle was a 2013 Amarok dual cab, which I still have and has just clocked over 501,000km. The EV6 is a different beast and gives me a buzz every time I drive it.
I will admit a few unsuspecting ‘hoons’ have been left at the lights when I have accidentally slipped into sports mode. I have driven the EV6 in urban environments, highway, dirt road and mountain country and it is just a pleasure to drive.