US-built 2025 Kia EV6 debuts with more battery, NACS port, and a fake gear shift
Kia has debuted its updated EV6 with several updates including a bigger battery, a NACS charging port, and a fake gear shifter for the GT model. Better yet, the model will now be produced in Kia’s plant in Georgia, offering easier access to US tax credits.
This morning at the LA Auto Show, Kia is introducing some big updates to its popular EV6 model.
The EV6 was the first of Kia’s cars released on the E-GMP platform, which it shares with Hyundai. E-GMP cars have been quite popular, with both Kia’s EV6 and Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 selling very well in the US.
In particular, Kia’s EV6 has exceptional fast charging speed, enabling the car to charge from 10-80% of charge in just 18 minutes.
But despite it already being one of the better EVs out there over the last 3 years of its sales in the US, Kia improved it this morning with some mid-cycle updates.
The updated model has some front and rear design changes (making the car 0.6 inches longer), new wheel designs and “enhanced premium interior touches” – like additional sound dampening material – to go along with new features across all trim levels.
Perhaps the biggest headline feature is a larger battery, with 63kWh on the base model and 84kWh on the larger battery – both around 7kWh more than the 2024 model. The 84kWh battery now has an improved 2,700lb towing capacity.
Trim levels have been split into the base 63kWh Light RWD model, three separate 84kWh trim levels each with a choice of RWD or AWD (Light LR, Wind, and GT-Line), and an AWD-only GT trim.
The GT trim gets a 25hp bump to 601hp, though other models stay the same with 167hp for the single-motor smaller-battery models, 225hp for RWD large-battery models, and 320hp for AWD large-battery models.
The EV6 GT model will also get one of the headline features we’ve seen in the popular Ioniq 5 N – a new “Virtual Gear Shift” feature which “enhances driving immersion by simulating gear shifts with visuals, engine sound effects, and a tactile sensation through motor torque adjustment.”
This basically simulates the feeling of driving a manual gas car, rather than an EV – so in exchange for making your car objectively slower, you can get some silly noises and have a more complicated driving experience.
I expected to hate it, and while I still do think it’s silly and unnecessary and most people will leave it off most of the time, I was impressed by how far Hyundai took it (to the point where you can’t even go past 20mph in “first gear” – the car will just whine at you and make you upshift first). We haven’t gotten to try it out in the EV6 yet, but I’m expecting it will be a similar experience. If nothing else, it is a fun party trick.
Going back to the charging point, charging will now be even easier as the 2025 Kia EV6 will have a native NACS port. This is one of the first non-Tesla vehicles to have a native NACS port, alongside Hyundai’s offerings. Most other vehicles plug in through adapters so far, though in the next year or two we expect to see more native ports show up.
A NACS port means the EV6 will have access to Tesla Superchargers without an adapter (though now you’ll need a CCS adapter to use CCS stations… but those are readily available). The charge port has also been relocated to the left rear (on non-GT models), the same place it appears on Tesla vehicles, which should make it easier to fit into Supercharger stalls, especially non-V4 stalls with short cables.
Finally, the EV6 is embracing North America in another way, by moving production of the vehicle to Georgia (except the GT trim level). This is a result of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which incentivized companies to move EV manufacturing to the US.
These laws have led to $210 billion in investment and 240,000 EV manufacturing jobs (and counting) in the US. And producing the EV6 in the US means Americans will have an easier time getting access to the US EV tax credit, saving themselves money on one of the best EVs out there (that said, you could still access it through leasing, but now buyers will have more options).
But there’s a bit of a damper on this move, as just last week, Dumb & Dumber (nevermind, they’re both Dumber) announced that they’re going to try to kill the EV tax credit, making cars more expensive for Americans and disincentivizing these positive moves for US manufacturing. So those jobs building some of the hottest cars on the road today might be back in jeopardy because of an ignorant reality TV host’s inescapable compulsion to cause inflation and kill jobs for Americans. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
To get more specifics on the EV6 and see what’s changed, Electrek will be roaming around the LA Auto Show today, checking out the newest of what Kia has to offer, and we’ll update you if we find out anything new.
If you’d like, you can use our affiliate link to get in touch with your local dealers about the Kia EV6, and try to be one of the first in line to get the newest iteration of one of the better EVs on the road.
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![Hyundai's new IONIQ 6 already looks like a major upgrade on the road [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Hyundais-new-IONIQ-6.jpeg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hyundai’s electric fastback is getting a fresh new look. Just a week after unveiling the redesigned IONIQ 6, we are already getting our first look at it out in the real world. Hyundai’s new IONIQ 6 was spotted driving in Korea, and from the looks of it, this could be a major upgrade.
Hyundai’s new IONIQ 6 looks sleek on the road
Launched in 2022, Hyundai’s “Electrified Streamliner” was expected to challenge the Tesla Model 3 as one of the few electric sedans on the market.
Prices start at under $38,000, and with up to 342 miles of driving range (EPA-est), the IONIQ 6 arrived as one of the most efficient EV options. A Boston Consulting Group report last year even found it to be the only EV that met buyers’ price, range, and charging expectations.
Despite the impressive specs and unique new design, Hyundai’s electric car has failed to live up to expectations. Will a redesign spark some life into the EV?
Hyundai unveiled the new IONIQ 6 at the Seoul Mobility Show last week, with a few noticeable design changes. With a new ducktail spoiler, the profile is smoother and more natural-looking, which was one of the biggest complaints.
The front and rear are redesigned with slim LED DRLs and main headlamps. Hyundai claims it “enhanced every line and detail to make the IONIQ 6 simpler and more progressive.”
After the new model was spotted driving for the first time in Korea, we are already getting a sneak peek at Hyundai’s refreshed IONIQ 6 on the road.
The new video from HealerTV gives us a good look at the changes from all angles. The rear spoiler has been upgraded to have a sportier overall look. The new, slim DRLs are a good touch, adding to its aggressive face.
Hyundai also updated the interior with a redesigned steering wheel and better materials on the door trim for “a more premium feel.” Other improvements include a more functional center console and a larger climate control display.
A new IONIQ 6 N will finally join the lineup. Hyundai teased the sporty new N model with an even more aggressive design based on the RN22e Rolling Lab concept.
Although more details will be revealed closer to its launch, we expect other improvements pulled from the 2025 IONIQ 5, like an added NACS port and potentially even more driving range.
What do you think of the new IONIQ 6? Do you like the redesign, or is it still not enough? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV came in hot – and expensive – when it launched at the end of 2024 with no official rebate. But that’s just changed.
The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV starts at $66,990 including the destination fee. But the actual cost of this luxury muscle car is $78,680 including all the required packages.
And as of April 1, it now comes with a $6,500 National Retail Consumer Cash rebate.
Stellantis Financing continues to offer a special financing rate of 1.9% APR for 72 months, but unfortunately, that can’t be combined with the $6,500 rebate, so you have to choose one or the other.
If you’re interested in leasing a Charger Daytona EV, then you can get $7,500 in lease cash from Stellantis Financial. Stellantis also offers Chrysler employee pricing to the public, but it can’t be stacked with rebates. How employee pricing works is, dealer pricing is 5% below the dealer invoice and a $200 program fee, plus you can’t haggle over pricing.
CarsDirect notes that the 2024 model still has the best deals on a Dodge Charger Daytona EV, with four options on the table:
- 0% APR financing for 72 months plus $3,000 in bonus cash
- $7,500 National Retail Consumer Cash in addition to $3,000 in bonus cash
- $2,000 Conquest Bonus Cash deal in select regions like the West Coast
- $7,500 in lease cash plus $6,000 in bonus cash for those who want to lease
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the 2024 & 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV in stock.–trusted affiliate link
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Although the EV2 is Kia’s smallest EV, it won’t feel so small when sitting in it. Kia designed the open interior to give you an escape from the city. After sharing new details at Milan Design Week on Thursday, Kia gave us a closer look at the EV2 inside and out. The new interior design could see its way into future Kia EV models.
Kia EV2 interior is small but flexible
At Milan Design Week 2025, Kia held an exclusive exhibition for its upcoming EV models. The Concept EV2 was showcased alongside Kia’s first electric van, the PV5, and a rugged PV5 WKNDR concept.
Kia revealed new details about the EV2’s interior and what we can expect to see when it arrives. Inspired by a “picnic in the city,” the cabin is designed to feel as open and flexible as possible.
Like a balcony or porch, which offers a relaxing retreat from busy city life, Kia wants the EV2 to have a similar feel. Thanks to its flat-floor layout, the interior can open up with flexible seating. The second-row seats can fold up while the front seats slide up to provide an open space—you know, where you might want to have a picnic.
Kia added a few extras like integrated speakers in the headrest, portable door speakers, detachable seat cushions, extendable seats, and pop-up luggage dividers for your next adventure.
Even with the fun features, Kia focused on sustainability. The interior introduces environmentally conscious materials like Simplifyber Fybron™, AmpliTex, and biodegradable mycelium components.
Kia said the new design elements showcase its vision for future EV interiors. More details will be shared closer to the launch, but the EV2 is expected to include Kia’s new ccNC infotainment system.
As shown in the concept, the system features a curved display with dual 12.3″ driver and infotainment screens. Despite being an entry-level model, the EV2 will have advanced features like vehicle-to-load (VTL) to power up electronics or home appliances. It will also get smarter and more advanced over time with OTA updates.
Last month, we got our first look at Kia’s entry-level electric SUV on the road in Korea with a Soul-like design. Kia will launch the EV2 in Europe and other global markets next year.
Like other Kia electric models based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the EV2 is expected to arrive with a WLTP range of at least 300 miles (605 km). Although prices will be revealed closer to launch, the EV2 is expected to start at around 30,000 euros ($33,000), but that could change in another year or so.
How do you feel about the Kia EV2? Would you buy one for around 30,000 euros ($33,000)? Let us know in the comments. We should learn more soon. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.
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