Kia Philippines officially launched its entry into the country’s fledgling electric-vehicle (EV) market, the EV6 crossover, on March 21, 2023.

The EV6 was first unveiled locally at the Philippine International Motor Show on September 2022.

There is currently one variant, the EV6 GT-Line, which costs ₱3,788,000. Kia Philippines said it will import an initial batch of 50 units.

The EV6 can use a charging-station network set up by charging options manufactured by Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (part of the Ayala Group) and its partner Greenstrum, along with an expanding charging system network provided by Ayala Land.

Kia Philippines is managed by AC Motors, also a subsidiary of the Ayala Corporation.

“It is truly our honor to introduce this latest innovation by Kia: A sustainable car with zero emissions, and a step toward Kia’s ambitious yet important transition into a future mobility solutions brand,” said Kia Philippines president Manny Aligada. 

“Our one true message to the public aims to open their eyes to the reality and potential of Fully Electric Vehicles, and that Kia PH is here to make EV ownership convenient, worry-free, and enjoyable,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ayala Corporation president and CEO Bong Consing said his company ensured that charging infrastructure was in place before launching the EV6.

“Our strategically located charging stations are proof of our commitment to electrification,” he said. “We are using the whole Ayala ecosystem to support the growth and adoption of EVs in the Philippines. We expect EV take-up to grow rapidly, and EVs to be the dominant transport technology in a few years.”

Consing said its charging network is part of its goal to achieve zero net greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050.

Sporty styling

The GT-Line features more aggressive styling than other EV6s and looks more sporty than its Hyundai IONIQ 5 sibling.

Up front, pointed headlights lead up to the car’s clamshell hood, with a fang-like lower bumper that’s also finished in gloss black.

The EV6’s side profile is very distinct – a raked windshield and a sharp roofline that slopes downward to the tailgate spoiler. The sporty flavor is accentuated by the standard 20-inch alloy wheels.

Out back, Kia’s EV looks like no other car, with its intricately designed LED taillights, steeply raked rear windscreen and pert rear bumper.

Plush cabin

The Kia EV6 GT-Line features a black interior with horizontal lines and gloss-black trim.

The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the 12.3-inch infotainment system are integrated into one unit that sits atop the dashboard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.

There’s also a panoramic moonroof that adds light and airiness to the cabin, along with neat features like power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control and wireless mobile-phone charging.

Loaded with safety tech

As expected from a car of this price, the Kia EV6 comes with a comprehensive active-safety suite.

It features:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning Detection

• Blind Spot Detection and Monitor

• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist

• Lane Keeping & Following Assist Technology

• Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go

• Safe Exit Assist

• 360-View Monitor

Kia Philippines also said the battery pack, which is mounted under the floor, enclosed and resistant to large water splashes.

And if water does intrude into the batteries, the car will automatically shut off the EV system if water exposure is beyond safety standards.

75% lower maintenance costs

The batteries power a rear-mounted electric motor that pumps out 229 PS and 350 Nm of torque.

Kia Philippines claims a maximum range of 528 km for the EV6 GT-Line, along with much lower maintenance costs than an internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.

“There is no need for engine oil changes, oil filters, spark plugs, and other lubricants,” the company said. “It is estimated that you will spend about ₱25,000 for 5 years in maintaining an EV6, versus ₱110,000 maintenance for a similar-sized ICE car over 5 years.

The carmaker also said all EV6s will come with:

• A portable charger

• 5 years/160,000-km vehicle warranty, whichever comes first

• 8 years/160,000-km HV battery system warranty, whichever comes first

• 5 years of free Preventive Maintenance Service

• 5 years of free 24/7 Roadside assistance

What do you think of the Kia EV6?

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