Kia’s EV6, which was launched only a few months ago, has already set a Guinness World Record. It surpassed Tesla. No doubt, Tesla is the world’s best electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. However, by covering more miles on a lesser charge than the Tesla Model S, Kia EV6 breaks Tesla’s record.
Undoubtedly, the Kia EV6 is a fantastic EV. But, that’s not to say it’s the best EV on the market. However, it’s certainly among the best in terms of charging speeds and autonomy.
The South Korean company’s mid-sized crossover has only been officially available for a few months. But it has already managed to outperform Tesla on a cross-country trip by covering many miles on very few charges.
Let’s take a look at how this happened and why it could strengthen the case for the EV6 even more.
New Record of KIA EV6
The EV6 made history by traveling 4635.7 km (2,880.5 miles) from New York City to Los Angeles. It covered the distance in just over seven days after being charged for nearly seven hours and ten minutes.
Previous Record of Tesla
With a charging time of 12 hours, 48 minutes, and 19 seconds, the Tesla Model S set a world record for covering the same distance. That means the Kia EV6 outlasted the Tesla Model S by nearly 5.5 hours.
More about KIA EV6
Although it is unclear that how many times and for how long they charged at each point. However, for reference, the Kia EV6 can quickly charge up to 350kw. This recharges up to 80% of the battery in 18 minutes, with a range of around 300 miles. This indicates that you could possibly get 240 miles of charge for 20 minutes of coffee-drinking relaxation. This means around 11 times you recharge the battery to reach LA from New York.
Remember that the EV6 is available in two different configurations. One is rear-wheel drive, while the other is four-wheel drive. It is powered by two types of batteries, one with a capacity of 77,4 kWh and the other with a capacity of 58,0 kWh. The first has a power output of 168 kW (228 CV) and a range of 475 kilometers. With a top speed of 260 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.
With this set of ratings, the Kia EV6 has cemented a strong position in the electric vehicle market. Keep in mind that the el SUV has 800 volts of technology and ultra-fast loads, whereas the common electric has only half.
The Kia EV6 has good proportions in terms of size, standing at 1.55 meters tall, 1.88 meters wide, and 4.68 meters long, with a wheelbase of 2.9 meters. It has a good interior space, as well as a baul with a capacity of up to 520 liters.
No doubt, it’ll be exciting to see how the upcoming Kia EV9 compares when it arrives sometime next year.
KIA EV6 Smashes Tesla
The Tesla Model 3 has varying battery capacities. It depends on where you look. However, with a comparable range, battery size, and performance, it looks that Kia EV6 can compete with its main rivals in the EV market.
It’s unclear how the Kia beat Tesla’s Guinness World Record so easily. Moreover, it is astonishing to know that the Tesla that previously set the bar wasn’t a Model 3, but a Model S. Indeed, it is a larger, heavier executive sedan than the Korean.
It’s unclear how the Kia beat Tesla’s Guinness World Record so easily. Moreover, it is astonishing to know that the Tesla that previously set the bar wasn’t a Model 3, but a Model S. Indeed, it is a larger, heavier executive sedan than the Korean.
The EV6 impresses not only with its successful cross-country journey, however, its high-performance GT Long Range variant with 577hp is also amazing. This is one of the most highly awaited aspects of this car.
Kia’s Vice President of Marketing, Russel Wager, remarked that:
The EV6’s record-setting run is the latest signal that Kia will be a leader in the popularization of EVs. All of Kia’s world-class engineering and experience in EVs will be applied in the move to electrification. The same attention to detail, design, quality, technology and driving dynamics that Kia has become known for will be found in every new electric vehicle we bring to market.
After Tesla, KIA is here
Undoubtedly, for the longest time, Tesla has been the EV showpiece. As the EV revolution sweeps the globe, more companies join the fray. And KIA’s model has set a high standard. KIA aspires to be the world’s leading EV brand. The EV6 is the first model introduced as part of KIA’s Plan S strategy to become a dominant player in the EV market. That means the show has only recently begun. More and better KIA EVs are on their way to competing with Tesla.
The Carbon Trust, a global climate change and sustainability consultancy, has also awarded the EV6 product carbon footprint certification as well as the ‘Carbon Measured’ label. This makes it the first Korean automaker to receive this qualification.
In light of the dramatic shift in the EV industry, Kia recently announced its intention to launch its fourth vehicle, the ‘Carens,’ in the Indian market rather than globally.
