Kia EV6 long-term test review: report 7
We rate this electric SUV so highly that we named it Car of the Year. But does it continue to impress when you live with it every day?...
The car Kia EV6 RWD GT-Line Run by Allan Muir, managing editor
Why we’re running it To see whether the EV6 can live up to its status as our reigning Car of the Year and cement its place among the very best electric cars
Needs to Deliver on the promise of a long range and ultra-fast charging, while being comfortable and good to drive
Mileage 5545 List price £47,195 Target Price £47,195 Price as tested £45,370 Test range 278 miles Official range 328 miles
29 September 2022 – Put the kettle on
It’s not every day that I find myself in some remote location and feel the need to boil a kettle or make myself a toasted sandwich. Still, if the need should ever arise, my Kia EV6 can make that happen, because it comes with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapter that plugs into the car’s charging port and turns it into a mobile three-pin domestic socket.
Now, I’m aware that a few vehicles of a practical workhorse nature come with three-pin sockets inside that perform the same function, but it seems to me that having one on the outside of the car, within easy reach of the average domestic appliance’s cord, could be quite useful if you’re having a picnic in some idyllic spot. Of course, in order to indulge your cravings, you’ll need to have been well organised enough to bring the appropriate appliances and ingredients along with you on your outing, but that surely isn’t too much to ask in exchange for a lavish lunch.
As well as being able to power any electrical appliance fitted with a three-pin plug, the EV6 can top up another electric car via the same adapter. Admittedly, this is something that you’d do only in an emergency, because the charging speed is very slow and a top-up would therefore take a long time, but if you ever need to rescue a fellow electric vehicle (EV) driver and dispense just enough juice to get them to the nearest public rapid charger, this is how you’d do it. And thankfully, the EV6’s 77.4kWh battery is substantial enough that, within reason, it can afford to sacrifice some of its contents without leaving you in the lurch too.
The V2L adapter is fairly easy to use. You plug it into the charging port, push a button on the end to activate it, open the semi-weatherproof flap over the three-pin socket and plug in your device. As is the case when you’re charging the car’s drive battery, the charging port locks soon after (via the central locking) to prevent theft. Just a little while later, you’ll be enjoying the fruits of your labours. Hopefully without burning your fingers on a hot toastie maker like I did.
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