When people talk about EVs, “range anxiety” usually dominates the conversation. But after a full year with a 2024 Kia EV6, my family and I have faced a different challenge: mileage-limit anxiety.
In just 12 months, we’ve logged around 15,000 miles, putting us on track to exceed the 20,000 miles allowed on our two-year lease. That likely means a financial penalty down the road—but it also proves how much we enjoy this car. It’s my first all-electric vehicle, my wife’s too, and it quickly made our gas-powered Mazda 3 feel redundant. If the only real anxiety is driving it too much, that’s a solid argument for an electric future.
Charging: As Easy as Pumping Gas
One of the EV6’s standout features is its charging speed. Built on Hyundai-Kia’s E-GMP platform, it supports up to 350-kilowatt DC fast-charging, allowing a 10–80% charge in just 18–20 minutes. That’s on par with Porsche and Lucid, and far ahead of most mainstream EVs. Even at Tesla Superchargers, charging from low to 80% takes under 30 minutes.
Most of my charging is done at home, but when I do stop at a public charger, it feels like a normal fuel stop—quick, efficient, and rarely stressful.
Range: Better Than Expected
The EV6 Wind AWD has an EPA-rated range of 282 miles, but in real-world use, it often pushes closer to 300 miles on a full charge in moderate weather. Winter efficiency dips, as expected, but I consistently average between 2.5–3.0 miles per kWh in colder months and 4.0+ in summer.
Maintenance and Cost Savings
After a year, maintenance has been almost nonexistent—two tire rotations and windshield washer fluid refills, totaling under $150. Fuel savings are significant too. By avoiding around 663 gallons of gas, I’ve saved more than $2,000 compared to driving a gas car. Charging costs, including home charging and some fast-charging sessions, are well under $300.
Extra Features: V2L and Performance
The EV6’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function is more useful than expected. I’ve brewed coffee during a blackout and could even power parts of my home with the right setup. On the performance side, the dual-motor EV6 hits 0–60 mph in 5.1 seconds, making it the quickest car I’ve owned. Passing power is immediate, smooth, and genuinely fun
Tech: A Mixed Bag
Voice controls and EV-focused features like route planning and charging management are excellent. But the infotainment system feels dated compared to rivals with Google Built-In. Over-the-air updates are limited, and when my Kia Connect subscription expired after a year, I lost remote app features unless I pay $200 annually—a tough sell for a laggy app.
Quirks: Foggy Windows and Door Handles
The climate system struggles to keep windows clear in winter, making fogging a persistent issue. The flush-mounted door handles are also inconvenient on my version, requiring a firm push or pull to use. Newer EV6s fix this with power-deploying handles, but mine doesn’t have them.
Verdict: America’s Most Underrated EV
The Kia EV6 remains an underrated choice in the EV market. It shares hardware with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 but sells in far smaller numbers, despite offering a great blend of range, charging speed, comfort, and performance.
Yes, it has quirks—foggy windows, awkward handles, and dated software—but none are deal-breakers. After 12 months, I’d still pick it again. The EV6 proves that once you switch to electric, you don’t want to go back.
Now, with my lease running out next year, I’ll have to decide whether to return it or buy it outright. Given its real-world value and my experience so far, keeping it might just be the smarter move.
