Kia’s electric EV6 begins under $45,000, sales start this month

Surprised? The Korean automaker’s first dedicated EV will just barely qualify for Canadian green-car rebates

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Kia ’ s first dedicated battery electric vehicle, the eye-catching EV6 crossover, will arrive at Canadian dealerships this month at a starting price of $44,995, letting it squeeze just under the Canadian federal EV rebate threshold of $45,000.

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Buyers will have a total of five choices in trim levels. Amenities and that critical component, battery range, change along with the trims’ the price points.

The entry-level EV6, called “RWD Standard Range,” nets an estimated range of 373 kilometres on a full charge. Power comes from a 58.0-kWh battery with a 125-kW rear motor . Jumping up to $52,995, the RWD Long Range has a more impressive projected range of 499 kilometres, as equipped with a   77.4-kWh battery and a 168-kW rear motor . This model comes with a made-for-Canadian-buyers heat pump that boosts the climate control system and extends range.

The next model, the AWD Long Range, is $54,995. Buyers gain all-wheel-drive, of course, but a lose a bit in range versus the RWD Long Range, at 441 kilometres fully charged. Power set-up includes a 77.4-kWh battery with a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor .

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The final two models are the GT versions. Both are AWD and come with a range of 441 kilometres. The GT-Line Pkg 1, at $57,995, includes synthetic leather seating, ambient mood lighting, and a surround-view monitor. The $61,995 Pkg 2 includes an augmented reality heads-up display system, and power sunroof. These models are arriving later in the year.

An 800V fast-charging system will charge the EV from 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 18 minutes. The daring look of the EV6 is emblematic of Kia ’ s new “Opposites United” design philosophy, with a minimalist, futuristic appearance that looks unlike many crossovers today.