The electric vehicle market in India is witnessing rapid growth, with options ranging from budget-friendly hatchbacks to high-end luxury EVs. However, one concern still looms large for buyers: range anxiety. While electric cars are widely used for city commutes, long-distance travel is still under debate due to uncertainties around charging infrastructure and real-world performance.
To test these concerns, we took the Kia EV6 facelift on a Delhi-to-Jaipur weekend trip, covering nearly 500 km, to see whether a single charge is enough for such a journey.
Kia EV6 Facelift: What’s New?
Kia launched the updated version of the EV6 facelift in India earlier this year. The new model comes with:
-
A larger 84 kWh battery pack compared to the earlier version
-
A refreshed design and interior updates
-
A single all-wheel drive (AWD) variant with a claimed range of 663 km (ARAI-certified)
Priced from Rs. 65.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the EV6 facelift promises both luxury and practicality, but how does it perform in real-world driving?
Quick Summary
Feature / Test Result |
Details |
|---|---|
Model Tested |
Kia EV6 Facelift AWD |
Battery Capacity |
84 kWh |
Claimed Range (ARAI) |
663 km |
Real-World Range Achieved |
~550 km |
Distance Covered (Delhi–Jaipur–Delhi) |
485 km |
Starting SOC |
97% |
Ending SOC |
10% |
Charging Capability |
350 kW DC fast charging (10-80% in 18 mins) |
Price (Ex-showroom, India) |
Rs. 65.90 lakh onwards |
Official Website |
The Start of the Journey: Delhi to Jaipur
Our drive began with the EV6 charged to 97% state of charge (SOC). Hitting the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, the EV quickly proved its capabilities. With minimal traffic and smooth tarmac, the journey started comfortably in Eco mode with regenerative braking at level 2.
The EV6 facelift also offers a premium cabin experience with updates like:
-
A curved twin-display setup
-
Redesigned centre console with ventilated seat controls
-
A newly designed steering wheel for better grip
-
Advanced ADAS features including lane-keeping assist
-
A head-up display for safer driving
On open stretches, the EV6’s performance shined, delivering the claimed 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The intelligent AWD system optimizes energy by not running both motors constantly, improving efficiency.
Efficiency on the Expressway
After the first 100 km, the battery dropped to 80% SOC, leaving an estimated 465 km of range. Driving conditions were ideal, and the EV6 returned an impressive 6.2 km/kWh efficiency.
At 261 km, we reached Jaipur with 48% SOC remaining, which indicated the EV was on track to complete the round trip without a recharge.
The Return Journey: Old Jaipur-Delhi Highway
For the return, we opted for the older highway route, which is shorter but far more challenging. Unlike the smooth expressway, this road had heavy traffic, rough patches, and diversions. Despite these challenges, the EV6’s suspension and ride comfort absorbed most bumps, while features like the blind spot monitor ensured safety in unpredictable traffic conditions.
Interestingly, this route had more charging stations compared to the expressway, though most were limited to 60 kW capacity. Still, the EV6 supports ultra-fast charging of up to 350 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in just 18 minutes if such infrastructure is available.
The Final Numbers
As night fell and the journey neared completion, the battery continued to drop steadily. At 20% SOC, the system issued a low-battery warning, suggesting a charging stop. However, with less than 60 km remaining, the trip was completed comfortably.
-
Total distance covered: 485 km
-
Battery left: 10% SOC
-
Remaining range at finish: 63 km
This means the real-world range of the EV6 facelift on a full charge is approximately 550 km a strong figure compared to its claimed 663 km.
Conclusion: Can the Kia EV6 Do a 500 km Trip on One Charge?
The Kia EV6 facelift proved itself as a reliable premium EV capable of covering 500 km on a single charge under real-world driving conditions. Range anxiety, while understandable, can be largely addressed with proper trip planning and awareness of charging stations.
With EV infrastructure in India steadily improving and vehicles like the EV6 offering long ranges and ultra-fast charging, long-distance EV travel is becoming increasingly practical. Beyond range, EV owners also enjoy benefits like lower maintenance, no pollution checks, and freedom from CNG or diesel-related hassles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the real-world range of the Kia EV6 facelift in India?
A. The EV6 facelift delivers approximately 550 km on a single charge, depending on driving style and road conditions.
Q2. How fast can the Kia EV6 be charged?
A. Using a 350 kW ultra-fast charger, the EV6 can charge from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes. On standard 60 kW chargers commonly found in India, charging takes longer.
Q3. Does the Kia EV6 qualify for toll exemptions on expressways?
A. Currently, there are no toll exemptions for EVs on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Normal toll charges apply.
Q4. How does the EV6 handle Indian road conditions?
A. The EV6 offers a smooth ride, advanced suspension, and ADAS safety features, making it well-suited for both expressways and uneven roads.
Q5. What is the price of the Kia EV6 facelift in India?
A. The starting price is Rs. 65.90 lakh (ex-showroom).
For More Information Click HERE
