# KIA's EV6 Proves That EV's Can Be Fun As Well As Practical *By James Hills — Updated March 2024* Like many advocates for electric vehicles, in the past I've been willing to look past the weaknesses and point to some day in the future when we'll finally "be there". Well I think we've hit that point and while EV's are still mostly limited to sedans and crossover-wagons, the future is bright for bigger vehicles too. Today though, we're talking about our experience taking the all-new Kia EV6 to Electrify Expo in Long Beach where we had a chance to meet with a variety of companies that are filling in the gaps that will ultimately make an EV practical for all prospective car buyers. So let's start with a bit of background about my history with Kia and EVs. I was part of the launch of their first mass-consumer EV - the Soul EV all the way back in 2015. At the time it was an exciting rarity to have a vehicle that didn't "look" like it was an EV. Competitors at the time were designed to attract a certain type of buyer who was willing to look past the significant weaknesses and pay more ... just for the right to look smug knowing that his car didn't use gas. ### Petrol and Adrenaline Guys Getaway In The United Arab Emirates Travel ideas in Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates for guys who love cars. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/UA8a283k_Tj2TLJ-lXYVCg.1105) ### Northwest Passage Expedition Cruises: Following The Wake Of Legendary Arctic Explorers Northwest Passage expedition: Follow Amundsen's legendary Arctic route aboard HX expedition ships. Experience polar bears and historic Franklin sites. Perfect for sophisticated adventurers seeking exc ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/UA8a283k_Tj2TLJ-lXYVCg.425) ### Cruise Plus - Cellular At Sea Seamless mobile data service for your entire cruise at sea, in port, and at destinations all for one low price. 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Frankly speaking, the experience of driving an EV is superior in almost every way except for the aural experience since we're are trained to think of the big throating V8 growl as a sign of power, instead of the whining of the electric motors as they spin up to speed. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. 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Now though, it's 2022 and across the board, we have an industry full of amazing EV products that are being brought to the market. Kia though continues to be an unexpected leader. If I had placed a bet back then I would have said Toyota, Nissan, or GM/Chevy would have been the ones leading us into the future but right now Kia and Hyundai are in the lead. Both the Niro EV and the new [EV6](https://www.kia.com/us/en/ev6) are excellent vehicles and at $41,400 starting MSRP (as low as $33,900 after Federal Tax Credit) for the EV6 is an incredible bargain that is packed with technology, drives great, looks sharp, and has a huge cargo hatch in back as well as ample second row space.   For moderately more you can get the model we tested, a GT-Line RWD, for $51,700 with plenty of amenities and specs including a 310-mile range, 800V multi-charging architecture that when connected to an ultra-fast DC charger can go from 10-80 percent charge (217 miles) in less than 18 minutes, 21 different Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Augmented Reality HUD and more. On specs alone, the EV6 proves that manufacturers are capable of delivering everything we've asked for to make EVs practical - space, range, tech, and price. Inside the cabin, the driving experience was good though I found road and wind noise levels to be higher than I'd prefer. However, this is not unexpected since EVs are still optimized to reduce weight where possible and range is a bigger selling factor than simply being ultra quiet. The only thing missing to make EV ownership fully practical is a more robust charging network.  On our trip to Electrify Expo we had no problem getting there and was able to use the charging ports in the Long Beach Convention Center parking garage. While slow, it's still about planning your journey and I originally projected to be there for several hours so I could get enough charge to make it back home (117 miles) without stopping. Unfortunately I decided to leave early and immediately realized my mistake once I got on the 5 headed home. Even this though isn't that big of a deal since we found a Walmart with a row Electrify America DC Fast charging stations and in about 37 minutes added over 80% charge, costing us only about $27. If you've never had a chance to drive an EV then I highly recommend that you check out one of the [upcoming Electrify Expo events](https://www.electrifyexpo.com/) when it comes to your city and/or plan to attend your local auto show when it comes to town. I can write another 1,000 words but the feeling of pure power pouring to the wheels with an instant torque response is something that you simply have to experience in person. ## Electrify Expo Dates: - Seattle - July 23-24 - NY - Aug 27-28 - Miami - Oct 8-9 - Austin - Nov 11-13 Plus, it's a great opportunity to see some other folks that are addressing the other aspects of electrification such as [Currently](https://www.currently.app/) who operates on a subscription model to deliver battery pack chargers to your work or home so that those of us who live in urban area without home chargers can be one step closer to EV ownership.  This review is obviously more of a narrative than a "review" but EVs are a different sort of beast where the challenge is "are we ready for EV or stick with ICE for another generation" as much as it is should I buy an [Kia EV6](https://www.kia.com/us/en/ev6) or a [Hyundai IONIQ5](https://www.unfinishedman.com/the-most-comprehensive-2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-review-specs-prices-pictures/). Thankfully, the answer is yes ... consider both ... and place them head to head with other crossovers that are still ICE. This is finally an EV that is less of a compromise and more simply a great choice if you are looking for an inexpensive, spacious, family car that is packed with tech and fun to drive! Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/mdtzDV4E7zZ9l7OTU07GFQ.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Published: 15 July 2022 Last Updated: 27 March 2024 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Is Your Money Better Spent on Lobsters and Beer Than a Week Glued to Cruise Ship WiFi? 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