What’s it like to live with an electric vehicle day-to-day in Australia? We took the popular Kia EV6 out for a full week of real-world driving to find out. From city traffic to coastal getaways and suburban errands, here’s how the EV6 fared—battery life, comfort, charging convenience, and driving dynamics included.
Table of Contents
- Overview: The Kia EV6 at a Glance
- Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Test Week
- Real-World Range and Efficiency
- Charging Experience: At Home and On the Road
- Comfort, Tech, and Everyday Practicality
- Final Verdict: Who Is the EV6 Best For?
- FAQs
1. Overview: The Kia EV6 at a Glance
The EV6 is Kia’s flagship electric vehicle—a stylish, tech-packed crossover built on Hyundai Motor Group’s e-GMP platform.
Specs tested:
- Model: Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD
- Battery: 77.4 kWh
- Range: ~484 km (WLTP)
- 0–100 km/h: ~5.2 seconds
- Price: Around $87,000 drive-away (as tested)
2. Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Test Week
Day 1: First Impressions and Setup
- Home charger installed prior to delivery
- Car delivered with ~75% charge
- Paired phone, set up Kia Connect app, and explored the cabin layout
Day 2: Commute and Errands
- 36 km round-trip work commute
- Multiple stop-starts around the inner city
- Smooth acceleration, regenerative braking intuitive
Day 3: Highway Drive and DC Charging Test
- Round trip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains (~190 km)
- Stopped at Penrith for DC fast charge: 20% to 80% in 19 minutes
- Excellent highway manners and road comfort
Day 4–5: School Runs and Groceries
- Multiple short trips (5–12 km)
- Used vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature to power a laptop at a park
Day 6: Coastal Cruise
- Scenic drive to Kiama (~270 km round trip)
- Impressive cornering for an SUV
- Returned home with 12% battery
Day 7: Recharge and Reflect
- Overnight home charge back to 100%
- Reviewed weekly energy use via Kia Connect
- Final impressions noted below
3. Real-World Range and Efficiency
Across 890 km driven over 7 days:
- Average consumption: 16.8 kWh/100 km
- Estimated real-world range: ~460 km
- Minimal range anxiety with planned routes
Weather: mild autumn conditions, mix of highway and city driving
4. Charging Experience: At Home and On the Road
Home Charging:
- Wallbox 7.2 kW charger installed (adds ~40 km range/hour)
- Full overnight charge easily achievable
Public Charging:
- Used 350 kW charger once—excellent speed
- Found chargers via PlugShare and Chargefox apps
- Charging network adequate but limited in some suburbs
5. Comfort, Tech, and Everyday Practicality
Interior & Drive:
- Spacious cabin, great visibility, firm yet comfy ride
- Dual 12.3-inch curved displays and responsive infotainment
Tech & Features:
- Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist
- Wireless charging pad, heated seats and steering wheel
Storage:
- 490L boot (rear), plus front trunk (small but handy)
- Fold-flat rear seats for larger loads
Standouts:
- Quiet ride, premium finish, futuristic design that turns heads
- V2L system ideal for camping and portable appliances
6. Final Verdict: Who Is the EV6 Best For?
The Kia EV6 blends long-range capability with comfort, performance, and futuristic flair. It’s ideal for:
- Commuters and families wanting low running costs
- Long-distance drivers with access to charging
- Tech-savvy owners who value advanced features
It may not be best for:
- Households with no off-street parking or home charging access
- Buyers wanting a traditional SUV ride height
7. FAQs
🔋 How much does it cost to fully charge the EV6 at home?
Roughly $18–$22 depending on your electricity rate.
🚘 Is the EV6 a good family car?
Yes—ample room, great safety tech, and smooth drive quality.
⚡ What is the fastest way to charge it?
Use a 350 kW DC charger for 10–80% in ~18 minutes (conditions permitting).
We road test the Kia EV6 for a full week across Australian roads. Real-world EV performance, charging, comfort, and verdict on daily usability.