The 2026 Kia EV4: Bold Style, Big Range, and Everyday Practicality

If you're on the hunt for a sleek, high-tech electric sedan, Kia's got something exciting in store. Meet the all-new 2026 Kia EV4, a stylish and forward-thinking EV that's set to shake up the compact sedan segment. Even better? It's arriving soon at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, where you'll have the chance to check out its cutting-edge features, impressive range, and standout design in person!

A Perfect Balance of Size and Space

Built on Kia’s advanced E-GMP platform, the EV4 is designed to offer the best of both worlds—compact enough for city driving yet spacious enough for everyday practicality. At 186.2 inches long, it's slightly bigger than a Honda Civic sedan but features a 111.0-inch wheelbase, putting it on par with larger models like the Accord. 

That means plenty of legroom in the back and a generous 17-cubic-foot trunk for all your cargo needs. While a hatchback version will be available in Europe, the U.S. market will focus on the sleek and stylish sedan.

High-Tech Interior with a Modern Touch

Step inside, and you're greeted by a futuristic, driver-focused cabin that takes cues from Kia’s EV3. A massive 30-inch digital display stretches across the dashboard, combining a 12.3-inch driver display, a 5.3-inch climate control panel, and another 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment and settings. The premium fabric finishes add a touch of sophistication, while the available GT-Line package brings extra flair with 19-inch wheels and aggressive front and rear accents.

Fast Charging, Smart Tech, and Built for Adventure

The EV4’s 400-volt electrical system ensures quick and efficient charging. Plug into a Level 2 charger, and you’ll get a steady 11 kW charging rate. Need a faster top-up? DC fast charging can juice up the 81.4-kWh battery from 10 to 80% in just 31 minutes. Even the smaller 58.3-kWh battery charges up nearly as fast, hitting the same mark in about 29 minutes. And thanks to Kia’s vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, the EV4 can power everything from camping gear to household appliances—perfect for road trips or unexpected power outages.

Performance That Keeps You Moving

Under the hood, the EV4’s 201-horsepower front-mounted motor delivers a smooth and responsive ride. The larger battery variant is estimated to go from 0 to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds, while the smaller battery model shaves it down to 7.4 seconds. If you’ve driven the Kia Niro EV, expect a similar experience—it hits 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, so the EV4 should feel just as quick and lively.

Long-Range Confidence

Range anxiety? Not here. The larger battery version is estimated to deliver around 330 miles of range based on adjusted EPA calculations, making it a great pick for road trips or long commutes. The smaller battery still packs a punch with an estimated 225-mile range, ensuring plenty of efficiency for everyday driving.

Designed for the Road Ahead

Beyond just numbers, the EV4 is built to offer a smooth, fun, and engaging drive. Its responsive handling and aerodynamic design help maximize efficiency while keeping the ride comfortable, whether you're cruising through city streets or hitting the highway for a weekend getaway. Kia’s E-GMP platform ensures a balanced and confident driving experience, so you can enjoy every mile behind the wheel.

Arriving Soon!

Production for the U.S.-spec EV4 is already underway in South Korea, with first deliveries expected by the end of the year. With bold styling, innovative tech, and impressive efficiency, the 2026 Kia EV4 is set to make a big impact in the EV market. The future of driving is almost here—get ready to experience the EV4 at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis! 

KIA EV3: Compact, Current-Powered, and Leading the EV Revolution

What a transformation EVs have undergone—from niche trailblazers to the forefront of the eco-driving movement! But something has been missing: an entry-level EV that checks every box. That’s about to change with the arrival of the EV3, a true game-changer coming soon to Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis. 

KIA EV3: A Bold Step for Affordable Electric Mobility

The KIA EV3 takes the same bold design language seen in the larger EV9 and shrinks it down to a more compact, yet undeniably futuristic package. Think of it as a small crossover that’s practical, fun, and built to spark a new wave of EV adoption.

The KIA EV3 is redefining the standard for affordable electric commuters. With its spacious interior, user-friendly features, and impressive efficiency, it’s tailored for everyday drivers seeking a stylish and practical option with a reasonable range. Slated for a 2026 U.S. release, the EV3 is set to make a bold statement in the entry-level EV segment. 

Design and Features: Compact with a Punch

At a size between the KIA Niro and KIA Soul, the EV3 is built on a dedicated electric platform. This allows for a flat battery under the cabin, maximizing interior space. More like a tall hatchback than a traditional "crossover," it’s the perfect vehicle for city commutes without sacrificing practicality. 

The EV3 will come with two battery options: a 58.3 kWh battery capable of more than 250 miles of range and a larger 81.4 kWh battery that pushes over 300 miles on a single charge. Fast charging is a breeze with its 400v architecture, charging from 10 to 80 percent in just 31 minutes at a DC fast charger.

Practical Power with Everyday Performance

The KIA EV3 features a single motor generating 201 horsepower and 209 lb-ft of torque, delivering a balanced and efficient performance for everyday commuting. Perfectly suited for city driving, it achieves a 0 to 60 mph time of just over 7 seconds, ensuring a confident and responsive ride. The upcoming all-wheel-drive model promises even quicker acceleration, adding an extra layer of capability to this versatile EV. 

Inside, the KIA EV3 is a showcase of modern design and functionality. With a spacious and customizable cabin, the rear seats can adjust for comfort, and the front seats even offer a “relaxation mode” for those who want to catch a quick nap during their commute. The interior uses eco-friendly materials, and the center console can even transform into a multifunctional table, adding a unique touch of convenience.

Tech and Comfort: Cutting-Edge Meets Practical

The EV3 takes technology to the next level with its dual 12.3-inch screens, seamlessly integrating infotainment and controls into a sleek, modern dashboard. For those who crave a hands-on feel, physical buttons for heating, parking, and other key functions are conveniently within reach. Add in heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and ambient mood lighting, and you’ve got an interior that’s designed to elevate every drive. 

Three trim levels—Air, Earth, and GT Line—will likely offer different colors and features, further enhancing the appeal of the EV3.

Driving Experience: Practical and Fun

The KIA EV3 shines as the perfect companion for urban commuting. Its nimble design and easy maneuverability make it a breeze to park, while responsive steering and advanced braking systems ensure a smooth and confident ride. Designed for an engaging driving experience, the EV3 features one-pedal driving and regenerative braking paddles, adding a dynamic and interactive touch that makes navigating the city truly enjoyable. 

The EV3 is designed to handle everyday driving with ease and confidence, making it a practical and enjoyable choice for urban commuting. While the EV6 caters to those seeking high-performance excitement, the EV3 shines as a compact, fun-to-drive electric vehicle perfectly suited for daily adventures.

Potential Flaws and Real-World Considerations

The KIA EV3 brings exciting advancements to the EV market, supported by KIA's long warranty and commitment to improving battery technology. While EV ownership includes considerations like range, charging options, and battery efficiency in cold weather, the EV3 is designed to address these with modern solutions. With DC fast charging and innovative technology, it represents a confident step forward in the evolution of electric vehicles. 

KIA’s partnership with Tesla’s NACS (North American Charging Standard) means that future EV3 owners will have access to a wider range of fast-charging stations, making long-distance trips more feasible.

Conclusion: The KIA EV3 is Worth the Wait

The KIA EV3 delivers an impressive blend of practicality, versatility, and electric performance. With its thoughtful design and innovative features, this compact EV is positioned to stand out as a compelling option for modern drivers.

Meet the KIA EV3: compact, powerful, and designed for the future. With electric vehicles taking over, this stylish and capable ride is primed to make a statement in the U.S. market. Get ready for a next-level driving experience that’s built to impress! 

From Dashboard to Dunks: Kia's In-Car NBA Display Themes Elevate Playoff Excitement

The excitement of the NBA is contagious, riveting, and always engaging with fervor! A-list teams such as Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York will be making their spirited way down the courts in this year’s end-of-season spectacle. The Pelicans-Thunder nightcap was surely the game to take note of over the past weekend, and Kia EV9 owners will now be able to personalize their vehicle’s cockpit with their favorite team’s logos and colors. 

This exciting form of self-expression is offered through the Digital Services and Features platform, with the fever-pitch and precise pivoting action of the NBA in mind. The over-the-air updates for Display Themes to EV9 began on April 9, with the driver-facing 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the AVN screen as the prime real estate for personalization. In the future, other Kia vehicles equipped with the Ultramodern Connected Car Concept infotainment system with Digital Features and Services OTA capability are expected to also be able to display these themes. 

Hues such as the iconic red, black, and white of the Chicago Bulls are available with a personalized instrument cluster and infotainment screen, along with the very cool welcome and goodbye videos for select EV9 trims. As the brand we love to provide and service so much here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis has long been committed to offering exciting themes and collaborations, the EV9 has been the first model to officially offer the NBA themes before the other models enjoy this currently court-crazed feature. 

The Kia Connect Stores Digital Features and Services are accessed via the owner’s app or Kia Owner Portal and will feature each team’s emblem and colors for $39.99. Other themes will soon be available, providing owners of great Kia models the chance to display their appreciation for America’s well-performing superstars on the court. Pivoting loudly and determinedly on the court has always been aspirational and nostalgic, as the classic 1986 film “Hoosiers” depicted an Indiana high school team beating the odds and going for the midwestern glory of the state championship. 

Even though the NBA now has a distinctive flair and has undergone a few quite modern advances, many Kia drivers possess the wholehearted admiration of ball players to render these offerings a tech-lover's triumph. Car and Driver claimed that the 2024 EV9 reigns supreme as “one of the first family-friendly EV options” and is thoroughly looking and performing like a slam dunk. It enjoyed a strong showing as an especially amazing driving vehicle in this size category, and an easy choice for their 2024 10 Best Trucks and SUVs. 

The mid-range Wind trim offers a huge value, stepping things up with the all-wheel drive powertrain which cranks out 379 horsepower. There’s an available Boost Mode that pumps up the volume on the peak torque output and provides quicker acceleration. A performance-oriented GT model will be added to the 2025 lineup while offering as much as 576 horsepower. The EV9’s second-row chairs offer the added comfort of heating, ventilation, and massaging. The EV9 also offers a pair of 12.3-inch screens: one for the gauge cluster and a second for infotainment. 

The Edmunds.com auto crew claimed after their test drive that the EV9 delivers “a luxuriously quiet drive and high-quality features that elevate every commute or jaunt alike.” Spacious, with plenty of features, and boasting a quick charge capacity, the 2024 Kia EV9 has proved its ability to have a sweeping and incredibly mesmerizing presence.

Heatwave Havoc: Kia EV9 Puts Performance to the Test at Legendary Davis Dam

So many of the world's deserts are intensely barren landscapes, but there are more thriving creatures living here than initially meets the eye. What seems like a very hot and sweltering environment can still see many thriving entities taking up residence, but it is still a habitat that can be quite punishing for any EV. California’s legendary Death Valley can reach over 120 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing chefs of all skill levels to fry eggs on the hoods of their favorite car models! 

Before a vehicle can effectively make it to market, it undergoes extreme testing to make sure that any of a slew of technical malfunctions won't take place. Solid powertrain performance and consistent battery power are two of the most important functions to keep an eye on when you notice a few strange mirages around you in the mix! For customers here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis who love every square inch of their exterior appeal, it also means making sure that the paint job will stand up to the inevitable test of time. 

The Newsweek.com auto review team agreed that guaranteeing on-point handling dynamics and adjusting the ride softness are two important boxes to check while making a vehicle appealing for North American drivers. Managing the way a vehicle performs during heavy load towing is also crucial to a vehicle’s hard-earned credibility badge for extreme temperatures and environments. The group effectively “doubled down” from the city of slots and sleight-of-hand, where the desolate desert sands meet the glitz and glamor of the Las Vegas Strip. 

The Kia EV9 was then towed to Bullhead City, Arizona, where the quite notable Davis Dam presides in the sun as one of the world’s most effective trailering test sites. As the review team cooled off, they let the EV9 soak in heat that was much more than 100 degrees! This ensured that all the electronics, high-tech driving aids, and suspension needed to perform under conditions gnarly enough to make people think twice about their model’s durability. It was now time to simulate a common yet very telling scenario in the very dry and consistent heat. 

As the battery had to crank out the juice in the type of climate that is fit for coyotes, desert sidewinders, and desert cottontails, it was now time to assess whether the climate control could effectively keep occupants comfortable. The Edmunds.com review team praised the 2024 Kia EV9 for being, “An excellent choice for families who are ready to transition into the electric realm, without having to compromise on anything.” Fast charging stations will get the battery from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes, which means you can spend much more time driving and less time waiting on long family trips. 

The GT-Line blasted up to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, an incredible stat for an EV this large. For the small children along for the ride, the EV9 has LATCH anchors and a rear tether top for each seat. Build quality, amenities, and quality of materials render the EV9 a commendable value when stacked up against other vehicles in its segment. Any new vehicle owner will also enjoy free fast charging to the tune of up to 1,000 kilowatt-hours on the Electrify America network. One verified reviewer who had just driven her new EV9 from San Diego to the mountains for a snow weekend claimed it was, “Amazing on every level, with an interior quality that made for an ideal and comfortable experience.”

2024 Kia EV9 Secures Federal Tax Approval, Making Eco-Efficient Dreams More Affordable

We had our eyes intently on the New York International Auto Show here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis this spring, where the Kia EV9 SUV made its star-studded and Earth-friendly debut! We are thrilled to announce that the EV9 will be produced at the West Point, Georgia plant, providing a sense of pride and stability for Americans that are the backbone of industry and our durable auto construction. Stateside production is one of the requirements to qualify for the federal tax credit, which also mandates that the vehicle in question costs under $80,000.

The West Point facility already produces the Telluride SUV, Sorento SUV, and very sharp K5 sedan. The EV9 has drawn a very specific segment with seating up to seven and a focus on making the cabin very luxurious. The dual display cockpit up front is equipped to receive very convenient over-the-air updates that provide the latest software. Taking cues from the earlier and slightly more pleasurable days of aviation, each seat inside the EV9 meets executive class standards. 

First and second-row passengers have the option of spreading out lavishly and being treated to “Relaxation Mode”. This offers high-powered USB-C outlets throughout the cabin, and power-operated leg rests to take a load off while the miles glide by. The EV9’s extended range model offers 300 miles of range via the 99.8kWh battery, which can charge from 10% to 80% in just 25 minutes with a public fast charger. This is the second model based on the E-GMP platform, and the West Point, GA facility will be reaping the benefits of a new over $200 million investment to make necessary preparations for assembly. 

The editors on staff at the Electrek.com blog are always in the know about everything regarding clean-sourced powered cars, and they claim that the EV9 will “hit the sweet spot of the market with its three-row electric SUV.”  The EV9 RWD Standard does 0-62 mph in 8.2 seconds, and the EV9 will also come with Vehicle-to-Load functionality through its Integrated Charging Control Unit. This will enable up to 3.68 KW of power outbound to assist users with charging laptops, tailgate party components, or camping equipment. 

One of the premier technology highlights for the EV9 is the Highway Driving Pilot system, which will enable conditional Level 3 autonomous driving in selected markets. 15 very high-tech sensors are consistently on alert to detect objects in a full 360-degree field of view, providing excellent assistance in accident prevention. The EV9 also introduces the Kia Connect Store, which enables customers to easily upgrade their digital features and various services immediately on demand. There is the very awesome ability to upgrade The Digital Pattern Lighting Grille by snagging up the “Lighting Pattern” feature, bringing an exciting nightclub and a very chill or alluring vibe to the drive.

The EV9 boasts an aerodynamic coefficient of .28, which was achieved through the implementation of a 3D sculpted under-body cover, aerodynamic wheels, and air curtains that are expertly situated into the front bumper. The GT-line trim features sporty styling adjustments to the wheels and roof rack, bumpers, along with the addition of a more dynamic choice of colors. In keeping with the laurels of Kia’s “Opposites United” design strategy, the interior of the EV9 uses important cues from nature, wise use of materials, and balance between humans and the environment. 

9 Kia Models Celebrate Early Spring Excellence in Car and Driver Editor’s Choice Awards

9 Kia models were named to the 2023 Car and Driver Editor’s Choice Awards list this year! The 2023 Kia Sportage, Sorento, Carnival, Niro Hybrid and PHEV, K5, Soul, Rio, EV6, and Telluride were selected from over 400 models that the editors put to the test. The design, craftsmanship, and quality that our customers have come to love here so much at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis shone through strongly with these wins, instilling even more confidence in our world-class line.

This latest honor comes just after the 2023 Kia EV6 and 2023 Kia Telluride were ranked on Car and Driver’s prominent 10Best Trucks and SUVs list. The EV6 also recently enjoyed a premiere accolade as the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by the North American Car of the Year jury. The criteria that allowed for final selection included Car and Driver’s instrumented testing, the vehicle’s true purpose and mission, and how they ranked in the segment up against competitors. 

There is simply so much to love about these great models! There is something for drivers with every need, purpose, and demeanor, with just one-third of the winner’s circle we’ll put in a temporary spotlight:

The 2023 EV6 doles out its own characteristic and segment-leading impression with its long driving range, exhilarating driving dynamics, and excellent technology features. Also toting a #1 rating from the U.S. News staff for the EV category, the EV6 offers comfortable seating for five, and stellar safety ratings to boot. Its available dual-motor AWD setup is powered by the 77.4 kWh battery, resulting in a robust 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. Getting up to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, this is also the most powerful Kia ever boasting Drift Mode! The EV6 GT is new for 2023 and cranks out 576 horsepower while excelling greatly in the thrill department. 

The 2023 Kia Telluride easily situates itself above the competition thanks to its generous standard features and a top trim level that provides an experience effectively rivaling SUVS twice the price. Its excellent V6, quiet cabin, and very confident handling give the Telluride a refined drive that is suitable to be on weekend duty for hauling camping or lake toys. The 2023 model received a refreshed grille, a new front bumper, and completely redesigned headlamps. The X-Line and X-Pro trims both are instrumental in offering up the Telluride’s hefty 5500-lb towing capacity.

The 2023 Kia Carnival is the ideal minivan for the drivers who are on the hunt for something logical, and starts out the hard bargaining for your family’s next trip by earning its Top Safety Pick accolade from the IIHS for coming out with top-scoring marks in every crashworthiness test. The 3.5-liter provides the ultimate inspiration and power source for the times when you “really need to get away”, and the LX and SX Prestige models can accommodate 7 passengers comfortably. The SX Prestige also adds the benefit of second-row VIP lounge seats, that can recline and slide along with leg extensions, a new “relaxation mode” for when it's needed most.

Kia EV6’s Exhilarating Performance + Sensible Connectivity Secures 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year

The Kia EV6 was named North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by the discerning members of the NACTOY jury, marking the second time in four years a Kia model has earned the honor. Since its introduction a year ago, the EV6 model has signified the refinement and sophistication that Kia EV engineering is known for.

This award proves that the EV6 is not only a practical choice for a daily driver, but also a massive success for electric vehicles as a whole. 50 automotive specialists from broadcast media, radio, online, and print sources tested vehicles while following criteria including automotive innovation, design, safety features, performance, technology, user experience, and overall value. 

More than 19,000 EV6 models have been sold at Kia retailers nationwide, including the exhilarating 576-horsepower EV6 GT introduced last year. The EV6 delivers segment-leading performance, fast DC-charging capability, expertly sourced onboard power, and a sampling of today’s most innovative materials inside. The industry’s most useful connectivity features and Kia’s latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump are other components that have rendered the EV6 an example of the amazing things intense changes in the industry will yield. 

Kia’s design teams have seen to it that the EV6 is a critical part of the “Plan S” strategy to launch at least two battery-electric vehicles per year and offer 14 BEVs by 2027. Motor Trend praised the EV6 for displaying “futuristic exterior design along with quick recharging capability.” For 2023, the Wind RWD becomes the entry-level trim, and the extra-fast and aggressive EV6 GT model is now available. One thing that can be guaranteed with pride about the EV6 is that it simply does not look like anything else out there, with a cabin that is gleefully space-age and efficient. 

A huge priority for the EV6 was athletic driving dynamics, and the ability to move with excellent poise and precision on winding roads while smoothly on the open highway. Regenerative braking amazed drivers and technology enthusiasts worldwide when it was introduced, and now the EV6 provides the option to toggle between separate levels of the feature to meet the needs of your terrain. The 77.4 kWh battery is the power option that delivers the juice to either a rear motor or dual-motor AWD. EPA range is rated at 310 miles, with the AWD model hovering at around 280.

Under ideal conditions, this battery can add nearly 70 miles of range in under five minutes, which is an impressive feat among today’s current offerings. The 77.4-kWh battery can also enable vehicle-to-load capacity, which can provide power to additional offboard devices and appliances, rendering it an even more appealing weekend wanderer’s choice! Onboard charging options include a 12-volt socket, wireless charger, USB type-A port, and C ports in the second row. Trims on the higher end of things also offer a surround-view camera system and Meridian premium audio system. 

2023 Kia EV6 Boasts A-List Performance, Displays Leadership as “Agent of Future-Embracing Change”

Car and Driver last week described Kia as “a brand best known for low prices, long warranties, and liberal financing” that now has carefully created a machine with high-quality performance that can rival the best of the foreign competition. The amazing EV6 GT model is proof that engineering models that adapt to the electric revolution yet provide stellar daily driving performance is possible!

The GT model offers up to 576 horsepower with its futuristic muscles fully flexed! The GT mode opens the door to tons of possibilities, with an Eco mode that will dial things back a notch if needed. During the Car and Driver team’s testing sessions, the 320-horsepower EV5 GT-line hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, with the GT arriving there in just 3.2 seconds. 

The quarter-mile was tackled in 11.6 seconds at 119 mph, with a top speed clocking in at 161 mph. The EV6 also boasts three different audio themes that customize the volume and pitch for your favorite signature sound. We’d recommend the Dynamic mode, which is akin to a spaceship heading toward a faraway out-of-this-world destination.

Just a few trips out will leave you impressed with the quicker steering and tuned suspension with a firmer response, ushered into pavement-prone perfection with adaptive dampers. These also provide modes that intricately adjust the steering effort, accelerator response, damper tuning, and eLSD. This lucky crew was riding on Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 SUV tires, clinging fearlessly to the skidpad with .92 g of well-seasoned stick. 

The Drift Mode will surely become a TikTok star, bringing about its spinning ability that emulates the best of pony car classics and pleasing many who questioned electrification’s ability to produce its own excitement. During the 75-mph highway range test, the GT commandeered 190 miles, with a DC fast charger replenishing the juice from 10 to 90 percent in just 26 minutes. Sleek and boasting all of the best elements that forward-leaning scientific development offers, we are thrilled to see the EV6’s undeniable appeal shine through the constantly-changing presence of the unexpected. 

EV6 Earns “Crossover of the Year” During Annual TopGear.com Awards

The fully-electric EV6 has earned “Crossover of the Year” in the 2021 TopGear.com Awards. Its unique style, dynamic performance, long electric range, and 800-volt ultra-fast charging all convinced the judges to name the EV6 the winner.

New owners will love its spacious, well-equipped and well-built stature. The EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated electric car, and represents the thrilling potential of the brand-new E-GMP Electric-Global Modular Platform. You’ll have the choice of long-range and standard-range battery packs, with the newly flexed EV6 GT model featuring the long-range variant only. 

The EV6 also features another first: it is our first electric vehicle offering the choice of two-wheel or all-wheel drive options, proving capable in even the most demanding of conditions. Electric power will develop more and more attractive packages that can breathe life into an experience that was once perceived as too rigid and limiting. Sport mode provides much faster throttle response and decidedly heavy steering characteristics.

The EV6 includes advanced driver assist systems and a large head-up display that lies over a large portion of the driver’s view, as well as a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the interior information portal, with a haptic bar on deck to tweak various temperature control elements. The driver with a heavy to-do list will love the space, quiet drive, and capability equipped with the powerful 800-volt bones that maximize the potential of any public charging station you can locate. 

Well-rounded and attractive, the EV6 is poised to win many more awards! Raising the bar for every EV in the future, the EV6 sends a strong message that simply being good enough will never be the best!

EV6 Sets Guinness Charging Record On Cross-Country Trip

During the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, it was announced that the production model EV6 beat Tesla in fast charging, and did so during a journey across the entire United States. The achievement was even recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records!

During the week it took to complete this task, the EV6 required only 7 hours, 10 minutes, and 1 second for fast charging, which officially beat previous record-holder Tesla by more than five and a half hours. The total driving distance was 2,880 miles, and the average charging stop was less than 20 minutes. 

The EV6 stopped for charging around 22 times, which would average once around every 131 miles. This Guinness World Record performance confirms the amazing potential of Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, and it’s impressive to note this was while using only the general charging infrastructure. Kia will no doubt continue its place and position as a recognized leader for electric development, as more vehicles will make the switch to an electric power source.

The Kia EV6 is a fairly large car, standing out in a sea of smaller offerings. Combined with its height and long roof, the EV6 enjoys a visually sporty stance, and the top-speed for the thrilling GT-line is 114 mph. The Motor Trend team loved the EV6’s sharp steering and linear front-end response, all while weighing in at 4,376 pounds. The ride is smooth and comfortable in any environment you want to take it!

The EV6-GT-line comes standard with lane keep assist, blind-spot warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and intelligent LED headlights. The EV6 almost drives itself, and you can fine-tune the responses to suit your own personal taste and drive. Six regenerative braking levels are offered on the EV6, ranging from zero-level to one-pedal driving, as well as an auto mode.

Kia EV6 Sizzles on All-New Platform With Modern Appearance That Is Sure to Turn Heads

As electrification becomes the norm throughout the auto industry, the EV6 has played a crucial role in re-inventing the brand and offering technology that will help to keep the entire planet vibrant and healthy for years to come.

Inside EVs featured the brand-new EV6, detailing just how fun and fast it is. Driving in Sport mode makes for an agile ride with a firm suspension. One of the elements that drivers say they will miss about the outgoing gas-powered models is the noise of the engine, and the Kia EV6 has taken that into full consideration during the design process, as Sport mode still gives an old-school roar.

Experienced EV reviewer Jack Scarlett had great things to say about the acceleration. Scarlett said off the line and during highway passing, the power is surprising for what some would have thought for a battery-powered vehicle. Getting 314 miles of range at a full charge, the Kia EV6 is more than efficient enough for the average commuter’s weekly demands.

An 800-volt architecture allows for ultra-fast charging. Another amazing feat is the fast-charging ability of the 250-kw unit, which can take you from a 10% charge to an 80% charge in just 17 minutes. The Kia EV6 rides on the Hyundai Motor Company’s Electric Global Modular Platform, which makes way for both rear and all-wheel-drive variants. 

The regenerative braking system onboard the EV6 has six different modes that are operated from the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Going beyond great technology, anyone who has an appreciation for a car with stellar looks and above-average styling will love the low-mounted headlights, muscular fenders, floating roofline, and taillights that run across the entire width of the body. Inside you’ll find a driver-friendly dashboard that includes two 12.0-inch displays, and the high-class touch of vegan leather on higher-end trims. 

All-Electric EV6 Star of The Show During 73rd Emmy Awards Commercial

Kia’s first all-electric model paints a clear picture of what the future has in store for the brand we love to provide and support every day at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis. Not only is it destined to be a star on the street, it was also featured on TV during the Emmys and America’s Got Talent. These programs both highlighted some of the most dynamic and versatile talent in the nation today and allowed Kia to reach an audience that is primed for a sustainable EV future. 

The EV6 was featured in a spot titled “Writer” that closely followed a screenwriter through their brainstorming process. After several bouts of intense writer’s block, the writer gets in her EV6 to push the reset button and relocate her creative inspiration. Characters dressed as elaborate figures from the past appear as vivid hallucinations as she continues to drive, and driving the  eco-conscious sedan provided her with the creative juice she needed. 

The brand-new EV6’s lineup boasts configurations from 176 horsepower to 576 horsepower. The base model has a single electric motor that powers the rear wheels and a 58.0-kWh battery pack. Customers can also choose a rear-wheel-drive EV6 with the larger 77.4-kWh battery pack that will offer the longest range of any of the models. The front and rear electric motors together provide a total of 313 horsepower, and it gets up to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. 

The highest-powered EV6 model is the GT. This model sports the 77.4-kWh battery pack and totals 576 horsepower while reaching 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds. DC fast-charging ability will give the car up to 70 miles of range in just five minute and will also increase battery life from 10 to 80 percent charge in 18 minutes. The color combinations on the First Edition model are white with a green interior, yellow with a black interior, and matte gray with a black interior. The special edition includes All-Wheel-Drive and the larger battery standard and comes with other options such as a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch wheels, and a premium audio system.

Many drivers are excited about the EV6’s stylish looks. Not only is this bound to be an efficient and groundbreaking SUV, it has a talented team of designers and engineers crafting the design during development. Kia’s future is ripe with innovation, change, and urban-commuting practicality!

Soul EV Takes Home 2015 ‘MotorWeek’ Drivers’ Choice Award

The eco-friendly 2015 Kia Soul EV won the Drivers’ Choice Award from “MotorWeek,” a PBS show that analyzes trends, new products and new automotive technology. “MotorWeek’s” awards can be used as a car-shopping guide for new vehicle customers.

The 2015 Kia Soul EV impressed “MotorWeek’s” judges with its practicality, design, cargo space, interior room and rear seat leg room (more than other EV competitors). The Soul EV also has the best range in its segment at an EPA estimated 93 miles.

“'MotorWeek’s' Best Eco-Friendly Vehicle award is a great honor from a respected source and a powerful endorsement of the Soul EV’s unique blend of range, utility, style and value,” Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning for Kia Motors America, said.

The host and executive producer of “MotorWeek,” John Davis, noted the Soul EV’s higher power and range than its all-electric competition. He also noted that the Soul EV keeps the style of its gasoline-powered siblings. The Soul EV has a premium interior and standard amenities including navigation with eight-inch touchscreen, a 6.6kW on-board charger, CHAdeMO DC fast charge port, Rear Camera Display and a HVAC system that extends the EV’s range by minimizing energy draw.

Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis has a selection of 2015 Kia Souls waiting for their next owner. To learn more about the award-winning Kia Soul, call us today at 888-392-6606. As your St. Louis Kia dealer, we invite you to check out the Soul in person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler Kia, you can make your Soul purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, Mo., and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights Kia dealer.

Check out our 2015 Soul inventory!