Introduced in 2021, the EV6 is Kia’s first all-electric vehicle of the modern age. 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 several options for replenishing the battery.  

At-home charging for the EV6

Like most electric vehicles, the Kia EV6 can utilize 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’s best for providing a “trickle” charge or keeping the battery topped off. As a primary means of charging, it could take several days to recharge a Kia EV6’s battery that was almost fully depleted.   

Level 2 charging uses a 240v connection similar to one for 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 you can have one installed by a licensed electrician.

Home charging gets a little tricky for people who live in multi-family housing like apartments or condominiums. Many complexes are installing charging stations, but unless you have your own garage, it’s unlikely you have a charger installed. If you’re interested in buying 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 the past few years. It’s not unusual to see public chargers in parking lots at grocery stores, restaurants, office parks, and other places. Several 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 EVs. The Kia EV6 uses a CCS inlet port, which is common. 

Level 3 DC fast chargers offer the quickest charging times and can charge a Kia EV6’s battery to 80% capacity in less than 30 minutes. These chargers use direct current voltage and are often located near highways.  

What is the range of the Kia EV6? 

According to Green Car Reports, the Kia EV6 has an EPA estimated range of 310 miles with a 77.4 kWh battery. Like with gasoline-powered vehicles, real-world numbers can vary based on weather and driving conditions.   

How fast does a Kia EV6 charge? 

Kia claims the EV6 can replenish up to 80% of its battery capacity in as little as 18 minutes using a DC fast charger.  

Using a Level 2 home charger, replenishing a 77.4 kWh battery takes about 7 hours. This estimate assumes the battery is down to 10% range and the Level 2 charger uses a 240-volt charger on a 40-amp circuit. 

Level 1 charging takes significantly longer. On average, a 120v connection adds 9 miles of range per hour. Assuming the battery is down to the 10% range, it could take over 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 period of three years, which is good for about 4,000 miles of driving. Electrify America offers several retail and commercial products for EVs, including a mobile app and home charging kits. They also offer membership pricing plans for their network of public Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations.  

Is the Kia EV6 a good electric car?

Kia was not the first company to introduce an electric car, but they have quickly emerged as one of the front runners in the field. The EV6 was the first of many EVs that Hyundai and Kia plan to launch. Car and Driver said the EV6 is “affordable, lively, and easy-to-live-with.” Edmunds summed up their review by saying it’s “worth a look if you’re looking for an electric SUV that prioritizes driving enjoyment.“

Drawbacks are minor, but many reviews mention the lack of trunk space. Edmunds also noted that it’s not as comfortable as other EVs on the market. The EV6 competes with the Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Chevrolet Bolt EUV. It stacks up well against that competition and is a good choice for people looking for a stylish and fun-to-drive electric car.