When Kias are beating Ferraris and Lambos off the line and priced lower than premium sedans, you know something special is happening.
Kia flew us out to the desert landscape outside of Las Vegas to drive the new GT version of the popular EV6. We’ve been anxiously waiting on this one for awhile and finally got to sample the delicious speed and handling of Kia’s new flagship vehicle.
KIA EV6 GT specs:
We like to get the good stuff out of the way first:
576-HP or 430kW (160kW front motor and a 270kW rear motor)
0-to-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 161 mph
77.4 kWh battery
Larger diameter disc brakes (15-inch front / 14.2-inch rear) w/quad-piston front calipers
800V Charging system: 10-80% in 18 minutes under right conditions
Racing-inspired sport bucket seats and neon green dash accents
And the bad:
206 miles of range (EPA)
Charging and Range
The GT retains the fastest charging in the industry, like other Kia EV6/ E-GMP 800V vehicles, at nearly 300kW. But the range you get with those same kWh on EPA cycle is shockingly almost 50% lower than the most efficient 310 Mile EV6 variants at just 206 miles. That’s due to the heavier motors, bigger tires and its overall optimizations for speed rather than range.
Kia however pointed out that the EPA test required them to spend half the time in its least efficient mode and would be changed next year to yield them a significantly higher number. In real life, if you are on a trip you probably aren’t testing the 0-60 times and top speed (like I was on this trip). I can confirm it is the least efficient E-GMP platform vehicle I’ve driven which is actually impressive since I just reviewed the Genesis GV60 with a paltry 235 miles.
So what that means is that you will probably get about 230 or so miles of real range and a 20 minute stop at an EA 350kW charging station will give you 70% of that back or around 160 miles between stops optimally. That’s not a bad road trip.
(Note: Like with every other EV driving junket, no fast charging demonstrations or opportunities were offered. We’d love if this became part of the experience since it is something consumers want to know about.)
EV6 GT’s Need for Speed
Everything in this car is directed at pumping energy toward those large motors. Kia tells us they put the motor of the RWD 160kW EV6 in the front of the GT and then threw an even bigger 270kW motor in the back. That gives it around 100 more horsepower than either the Tesla Model Y Performance or the Mustang Mach-e GT performance. It also allows it to be the fastest of the three while still coming in at an impressive $8,000 price savings.
But why keep the competition strictly in the EV field? Kia smartly brought out some choice ICE supercars with more pizazz than acceleration a year ago for a drag:
That means that the EV6 GT gets to 60mph faster than the Ferrari Roma and the Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder RWD. We got the top speed over 125mph fairly quickly and Kia says the GT tops out at 160mph. Kia made a video vs. some middle of the road supercars from supercar brands:
Kia’s EV6 GT performed well in its own video, only getting beaten slightly by the McLaren 570S which is a feat in itself.
Kia EV6 GT right on track
We know the GT goes from 0-60 fast but how did it perform on the track?
In my limited track experience, it did exceptionally well. My most recent trip to the track before this was the Porsche Taycan GTS (and that was admittedly another level of craziness) but the EV6 GT and its slick 21-inch tires performed admirably, hitting speeds well over 100mph while keeping me firmly in control.
The stiffened suspension, huge brakes and 21-inch tires really shined here. Cornering was fun and the car could take more Gs than my body wanted. It also slowed down alarmingly fast with those huge brakes which were often not needed against the .4 Gs of regen coming from all 4 wheels.
Perhaps most impressive was the lack of sound, inside and outside of the car. As others rounded the track all you could hear were screeching tires and whooshes of wind.
Kia EV6 GT on the road
Most people won’t spend a lot of time with their cars on a drag strip or on a race track and thankfully Kia had a lovely route through the Las Vegas desert planned for us. On the way to a depressingly depleted Lake Meade, we got to learn that the florescent Yellow “GT” button on the wheel was nothing to be messed with. If pressed while accelerating, a quick jolt of energy pushed you forward like getting rear ended. We also got to see some amazing desert in the Valley of Fire region nearby. It was hard not to push the car to its limits, especially since the speed limit for most of the ride was 45 miles per hour. But that gave us enough for some eye candy shots:
Electrek’s take:
I was pleasantly surprised at the performance of the EV6 GT, and not just the straight in line speed. It felt extremely solid on the track at 100mph speeds. It was fairly easy to drift, if that’s your sort of thing. It feels like a race car inside and out. That translates to lots of confidence on the roads, merging onto freeways and passing semis is a breeze. Turns are tight. It behaves like a $100K car.
But really this car is a brand exercise and I don’t think Kia is going to make a ton of these. Kia made several points of noting that it no longer saw itself as a value brand and noted its customers kept getting wealthier and wealthier over the past 30 years.
The EV6 GT replaces the Stinger as Kia’s halo car and indicates that Kia plans to run with premium vehicles like the Model Y’s and Mustang Mach-Es in the new world of high end and high speed electric vehicles.
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Chevy set a new EV range record going nearly 1,060 miles on a single charge in an optimized, but unmodified Chevy Silverado EV Work Truck that no one saw coming. No one, that is, except Chargeway founder Matt Teske. His EV route-planning map predicted the Silverado’s record-setting run with better than 99% accuracy – and he’s here to talk about it on today’s electric episode of Quick Charge!
We’ve also got a deep dive into what I think the biggest issue facing more widespread EV adoption might be, and a new solution from Blink Charging that might solve it.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec—makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure. Check out Retrospec’s viral city ebike, the Beaumont Rev 2, made with a vintage-inspired frame design and modern electric features, all for just $999!
The best part: Electrek listeners can get 10% off their next ride until August 14 with the exclusive code ELECTREK10 only at retrospec.com
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (most weeks, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news.
Got news? Let us know! Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.
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Aventon’s final summer sale gives the new Abound SR smart cargo e-bike its first discount to $1,799, more from $1,199
Aventon has launched its final summer sale through September 3 with up to $500 being taken off its e-bike lineup, including increased savings on legacy models, and two of its newest smart models seeing price cuts. Alongside the second-ever discount on the new Pace 4 Step-Through e-bike, we’re seeing the first cash savings on Aventon’s Abound SR Cargo e-bike to $1,799 shipped. This smart commuting solution has been fetching $1,899 since hitting the market at the end of 2024, with discounts having been placed on its predecessor model (currently down at $1,599). This is the first time we’ve spotted any savings being attached to this model, setting the bar for future discounts. Head below to learn more about it or to check out the full lineup of deals during this sale.
The new Aventon Abound SR e-bike takes all that we love about its predecessor and steps up the game with smarter features. To start, there is a 750W rear hub motor (1,188W peak) paired with a 733Wh battery (which you can conveniently unlock and remove without keys via the LCD screen) that provides you with up to a 60-mile travel range at up to 20 MPH speeds (that can be adjusted to 25 MPH). There are three riding modes available here, with the added Ride Tune customization letting you alter their performances to suit your preferences.
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There are some great structural features like the Tektro hydraulic disc brake system, the 8-speed Shimano Altus derailleur, and the rear cargo rack with an increased 143-pound payload, but what really makes this cargo hauler truly special is the large array of new features we’ve only seen on the latest releases. First, there’s the Sensor Switch tech, allowing you to choose between a cadence sensor and a torque sensor as you ride, as well as other in-ride functions like cruise control, a boost mode to increase power for steep hills, and even a hold mode when you’re on said inclines and don’t want the bike rolling backwards. Of course, there’s also the security measures in the form of a startup password, an integrated kickstand lock, and in-app geofencing settings, which cuts the power and sends you alerts should it ever leave your designated areas.
Jackery’s Explorer 300 power station is a compact companion keeping your personal devices running for $169
By way of its official Amazon storefront, Jackery is offering its compact Explorer 300 Portable Power Station for $169 shipped, beating out its pricing directly from the brand’s website by $70. While it carries a $279 MSRP from the brand, it keeps down at a $259 full price tag here at Amazon, with discounts having kept the costs even lower between $199 and $169 over 2025, with a one-time appearing $159 low back during Prime Day. Aside from that short-term discount, you’re otherwise looking at another shot at the best price we have tracked, which gives you an easy-to-manage compact backup power solution with $90 in savings ($110 off the MSRP). Head below for more on this model and its bundle options.
Streamline your water system with smart controls through Rachio’s 8-zone sprinkler controller at $169
Amazon is now offering the Rachio 3rd Gen 8-zone Wi-Fi Smart Sprinkler Controller at $169 shipped. While it may carry a $230 MSRP, we’ve been seeing it keep down to $200 at full price here at Amazon. Aside from the short-term Prime Day discounts, which first took the price down to $165 before falling to $160, this is the best rate we’ve seen since mid-March. While it’s gone as low as $143 in the past, you’re still looking at a solid $31 off the going rate ($61 off the MSRP) that lands it among the best prices we’ve tracked in 2025.
Take advantage of up to 50% off this pro-grade 80V Greenworks cordless cultivator at a new $175 low
Amazon is offering the Greenworks Pro 80V 10-inch Cordless Cultivator at $174.99 shipped, which beats out its tool-only option that is sitting $75 higher in price. While this package carries a $400 MSRP, which is where it’s currently priced on the brand’s direct website, it is now 50% off the price we have been tracking on Amazon since the spring and is now at the lowest price we have tracked all-time.
Get a budget-friendly commute to your college or work on Gotrax’s APEX XL e-scooter at its $235 low
Amazon is offering the Gotrax APEX XL Electric Scooter at $234.90 shipped. While it carries a $349 price tag, we’ve been seeing it keep more at $320 at Amazon lately, with discounts having mostly kept the costs above $243, with one previous fall to this same rate at the end of July. That low price is coming back around here, with the 27% markdown cutting $85 off the going rate for the best price we have tracked – and just in time to cover any last-minute back-to-school commuting needs.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
The PV5, Kia’s first electric van, was “unboxed” after arriving in parts of Europe this week. After opening pre-orders in new markets, the PV5 is ready to take on the world.
Kia’s first electric van unboxed in Europe
It’s not just a futuristic-looking electric people mover, but the PV5 is the first van from Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business.
Kia opened pre-orders for the PV5 in the UK earlier this year, starting at £32,995 ($44,000). Now, it has officially arrived in a few more European markets.
The PV5 went on sale with pre-orders opening in Germany, France, Belgium, Sweden, and other global markets. In Germany, the PV5 Passenger is priced from €38,290 ($45,000) or €249 per month. In France, it starts at €39,550 ($46,300).
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Kia Sweden posted a video on social media of the PV5 arriving on a car carrier with the caption “Unboxed, washed, and ready to face the world!”
Kia’s electric van is available in Passenger (for everyday use) and Cargo (for businesses) with various seating options.
The PV5, Kia’s first electric van, arrives in Sweden (Source: Kia Sweden)
The PV5 Passenger is offered with two battery packs: 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh, rated with WLTP ranges of 179 miles and 249 miles, respectively. Although it has the same battery pack options, the Cargo variant is rated with ranges of 181 miles and 247 miles.
During its PV5 Tech Day last month, Kia announced plans to launch seven PV5 body types, including a Light Camper, an Open Bed (similar to a pickup), and a premium “Prime” version.
Kia PV5 tech day (Source: Kia)
After launching the PV5 in its home market, Kia will begin delivering the vehicle in Europe and other global markets over the next few months.
For those in the US, Kia has yet to say if it will launch the PV5 in the States. It was spotted testing in the US again last month, but it would face hurdles due to Trump’s tariffs on imported vehicles from South Korea.
Kia builds all PBVs at its Hwaseong EVO plant in South Korea. The plant can produce up to 150,000 units a year. In its first full sales year, Kia aims to sell around 3,000 to 4,000 PV5s. Kia will expand its electric van lineup with the larger PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029.
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