Kia America made an announcement on Wednesday stating that the starting price for the 2023 Kia EV6 will be $49,795, which includes a $1,295 destination charge. This price increase effectively makes the entry point for the automaker’s flagship electric vehicle $7,100 higher than the 2022 model. The Light base trim, which previously started at $42,695 including destination, has now been discontinued and replaced by the Wind RWD trim.
Although the price hike due to Kia’s adjustments in the EV6 base models is significant, it is accompanied by a substantial increase in range. The former entry-level EV6 had a range of only 232 miles per charge, while the new Wind RWD model can now travel up to 310 miles. This 78-mile range boost translates to approximately $91 for every extra mile of range. Is this enhancement sufficient to justify Kia’s price increase? That’s for you to decide.
It should be noted that in the current climate, where electric vehicles remain significantly more expensive than their combustion engine counterparts, the overall change is not well-received. The availability of an affordable electric car like the EV6 was welcomed, but now there is one fewer model on the market. Additionally, the EV6 is not eligible for the $7,500 tax credit due to the current guidelines of the Inflation Reduction Act, indicating a potentially steep cost for prospective owners.
Kia spokesperson James Hope informed The Drive that the decision to discontinue the base model of the 2022 EV6 was based on “strong sales and consumer demand.”
For those interested in the higher-end models, such as the 576-horsepower GT trim, a $1,000 increase applies to all 2023 models of the stylish EV. As a bonus, buyers will receive 1,000 kWh of complimentary charging at Electrify America charging stations.
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