The world’s biggest automakers are leading the charge to usher drivers into an electrified future. GM’s promise to phase out its petroleum-powered lineup by 2035 sent shockwaves throughout the industry, but don’t think the automaker’s biggest rivals were stunned by the announcement; quite the contrary. Automakers like Kia, Hyundai, Ford, and numerous others were already on board, which means your search for a “Kia dealer near me” will likely look different in the near future.
Around the same time that GM announced its Ultium Platform and its plans for a zero-emissions future, Hyundai Motor Group unveiled its Electric-Global Modular Platform or E-GMP. But what does any of this have to do with Kia? Like General Motors’ relationship with Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac, the Hyundai Motor Group is Kia’s parent company, which indicates the E-GMP is shared across the Kia and Hyundai lineups. That means drivers across Canada will soon see the E-GMP in action on models like the all-new 2022 Kia EV6.
A Look at the E-GMP
Thanks to Pinterest, there’s a growing community of DIYers passionate about repurposing old items into new, multifunctional pieces. With a bit of sanding and a coat of paint, a hideous dresser transforms into a beautiful piece you’d happily spend a small fortune on. And, if we’re being honest, if you’re a DIYer, you likely spent a fortune on the project anyway. Ok, Pinterest budget aside, you’re probably wondering what this has to do with Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform. We’re getting there.
The growing popularity of hybrids and electric vehicles pushed automakers like Kia to join the craze as quickly as possible. For years, that’s meant repurposing existing platforms designed specifically for internal combustion engines. This hasn’t been a significant issue for Kia as its hybrids are still among the most efficient and the most engaging to drive. However, repurposing a platform meant to accommodate an internal combustion engine isn’t a safe bet for the long haul. Why not?
Life is constantly evolving, and the automotive industry is no exception. Automakers must meet the growing demands from drivers who want greater efficiency, better handling, and state-of-the-art technology in their vehicles. GM’s Ultium Platform answers those needs for GM brands, while the E-GMP does the same for Kia and Hyundai. So, what exactly is it, and how is it better than repurposing an existing platform?
Modular and Versatile
Repurposing an existing platform saves money in the short term, but in the long run, it ends up costing automakers more because it limits the models they can produce. E-GMP solves this issue as a modular platform that can be adapted to sedans, SUVs, and beyond. Because of this, Kia significantly lowers the cost of building EVs and passes those savings to customers.
Beyond these savings, E-GMP is designed explicitly for battery electric vehicles. Internal combustion engines are heavy, large, and usually located at the front of the car––none of which is true for electric powertrains. GMP’s custom design maximizes space by using a longer wheelbase and mounting the battery under the floor. Vehicles built on the E-GMP have larger cabins that are more accommodating for passengers and cargo.
E-GMP is also lighter, with every part of its design carefully planned and maximized for optimal use. Many older electric vehicles that were based on gasoline-powered models had excess weight from structure that was designed to support the engine and other gasoline components. The lightweight design of the E-GMP platform delivers a better driving range, enhanced safety, and an engaging experience behind the wheel. All this, and you never have to spend money on fuel? Where do we sign?
E-GMP Takes the Stage: The All-New 2022 EV6
E-GMP makes its debut with the all-new 2022 Kia EV6. Designed under Kia’s latest “Opposites United” design philosophy, the EV6 introduced Canada to Kia’s bold plans for the future––plans to lead the world into a new era of innovation and electrification. The crossover is undoubtedly a good start with its modern design, exceptional capability, cutting-edge features, and remarkable efficiency.
The EV6 is instantly recognizable from the outside by its edgy design and what Kia refers to as its “Digital Tiger Face” front end. The sleek lines and high-tech details that characterize the exterior make their way inside, where the cabin is expansive and versatile thanks to E-GMP moving the battery under the floor. This spaciousness gives way to contemporary seating and curved dual infotainment displays that put all the information you need within reach, whether navigating the quickest route, returning a phone call, or getting the latest news updates. The EV6 even includes available high-tech features such as an augmented reality head-up display that points the way as you navigate unfamiliar roads.
Power and Range
The E-GMP’s flexibility and versatility take center stage with the EV6 delivering multiple powertrain options and exceptional performance and handling. The EV6’s modular platform means that you have a choice between a long-range battery pack or a standard-range battery pack. Kia also gives you the option of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive, the latter of which extends the EV6’s capability in harsh conditions and terrains.
When equipped with the long-range 77.4 kWh battery pack, the EV6 delivers a 499-km range, up to 446 lb-ft of torque, and a 0 to 100 km/h launch in 5.2 seconds. The standard range 58.0 kWh battery reduces acceleration to 6.2 seconds. Your choice between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive determines total horsepower and how many electric motors are paired to the battery pack. For example, the 77.4 kWh battery pack has 320 horsepower of electric motors powering the front and rear wheels on the all-wheel drive EV6, while the rear-wheel drive model relies on a single 225-horsepower motor to power the rear wheels.
As if this capability isn’t enough, Kia’s ingenuity extends even further. Knowing that frigid winter temperatures increase battery resistance and can dramatically reduce driving range for an EV, Kia equips the EV6’s battery with an eco-friendly heat pump that uses the heat from the vehicle’s electrical components to optimize the temperature of the battery pack. This ingenious solution makes it easy for drivers who live in Canada to say “yes” to adopting an all-electric lifestyle in the EV6.
Electrifying the Future
There’s a seismic shift occurring in the automotive industry, which likely hasn’t been seen or felt since the automobile’s debut a century ago. The petroleum-powered vehicles that have long served our needs as workhorses, chariots, family-haulers, and beyond are proving to be replaceable after all. Perhaps horses felt the same way when Henry Ford debuted the Model T in the early 1900s.
All joking aside, Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform is partly responsible for this seismic shift in the industry, as are models like the 2022 EV6. The E-GMP’s modular design makes it so versatile that it’s compatible with an array of models without forcing Kia to reinvent the wheel every time or repurpose an existing platform. Been there, done that, and Kia is moving on. The question is, “Are you along for the ride?” With models like the EV6, it’s hard to not wholeheartedly and excitedly jump on the EV bandwagon.
