How the 2024 Kia EV6 Stands Out from the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y

The electric vehicle (EV) market is increasingly competitive, with automakers striving to offer models that blend performance, efficiency, and technology. In this environment, the 2024 Kia EV6 emerges as a noteworthy contender, especially when placed beside established players like the 2024 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Range and Charging: A Closer Look

The evolution of EV technology has put a spotlight on two critical aspects for consumers: driving range and charging speed. Tesla has historically set benchmarks in these areas, but the Kia EV6 demonstrates that it is a strong competitor, if not a leader, in these domains.

The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y offer commendable ranges in their respective categories. The Model 3 RWD version claims a range of 438 km, and its Long Range AWD version extends this to 548 km. The Model Y starts at 394 km for the RWD base model, with the Long Range and Performance versions offering 497 km and 459 km, respectively.

In contrast, the Kia EV6 presents a compelling proposition. Its Wind RWD variant boasts a 499 km range, giving the Kia electric vehicle more standard range than either the Model 3 or the Model Y. The EV6 is also offered in multiple all-wheel drive variants which all offer 454 kilometres of range, ensuring that even with all-wheel drive, the EV6 remains competitive and capable of meeting your daily driving needs.

Base Range Comparison: Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y

Charging and Value

While the all-wheel drive Kia EV6 offers slightly less range than the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range and the Model Y Long Range, this difference is minor in real-world scenarios. That’s because the 2024 Kia EV6 distinguishes itself with its cutting-edge 800-volt charging infrastructure, enabling charging speeds of up to 350 kW. This allows the EV6 to achieve remarkably faster charging times compared to its Tesla rivals, which max out at 250 kW.

• Level 2 Charging (240V): 7 hours 10 minutes for the EV6, compared to Tesla's 8 hours 15 minutes.
• Level 3 Fast Charging: The EV6 can go from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes at 350 kW, whereas Tesla models require 27 minutes for a similar charge.

Tesla vs Kia Side-by-Side Charging Comparison:

Charging Times Comparison Table

To understand the impact of the Kia EV6's advanced charging capabilities, it's essential to compare its charging times directly with those of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y in a real-world scenario.

Detailed Road Trip Charging Example

Let's explore a more detailed example to illustrate how these differences in charging time affect real-world usage during a 600 km family road trip. Because no model in this comparison can do the trip without stopping for a charge, we get a good idea of how the small range difference between the 2024 EV6 and its Tesla counterparts has no real impact.

Scenario: You depart with 100% battery charge aiming for a destination 600 km away, planning a charging stop when reaching 10% battery level.

Kia EV6 AWD:

• Initial Range: With a 454 km range, you'll need to recharge after approximately 408 km (90% of total range).
• Charging Stop: At a high-speed charging station, it takes 18 minutes to reach 80% charge, giving you an additional 363 km of range, more than enough to complete your trip with range to spare.
• Total Travel Time Including Charging: Approximately 6 hours and 18 minutes, considering the charging time and assuming an average speed of 100 km/h.

• Tesla Model 3/Y Long Range Scenario:

• Initial Range: With over 490 km of range, you can drive up to 440 km before stopping (90% of total range).
• Charging Stop: At a Tesla Supercharger, reaching 60% charge (enough to comfortably reach your destination with flexibility) would take around 19 minutes.
• Total Travel Time Including Charging: Approximately 6 hours and 19 minutes, factoring in the slightly longer drive before charging and the charge time, at the same average speed.

In other words, the charging speed advantage of the EV6 compensated for less range in its all-wheel drive variants. Of course, if we were doing this exercise with RWD models, the EV6 would arrive considerably sooner as it charges faster AND has more range.

Pricing and Value

Pricing is another domain where the Kia EV6 shines. The AWD models of the EV6 are priced starting at $61,662, offering a considerable saving over the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Long Range models, both starting at $65,988. Furthermore, the EV6 boasts more attractive financing options, with a 60-month financing rate of 4.99% compared to Tesla's 6.67%, and more flexible leasing options.

Leasing Options

Regarding leasing, the differences between Kia and Tesla further accentuate the value proposition of the EV6. While Tesla's leasing arrangements necessitate the return of the vehicle at the end of the lease term with options to buy it, Kia offers a more flexible approach with the EV6. This flexibility allows lessees to choose whether to return the EV6 and get another vehicle, or buy the vehicle at lease end. Such flexibility, combined with the lower financing rates and competitive starting price, makes the 2024 Kia EV6 an attractive option for consumers looking to enter the electric vehicle market without compromising on performance, technology, or value.

Space Comparison

The Kia EV6 does not just compete on technology and price; it also offers superior comfort and space:

• Front Leg Room: The EV6 provides more space than the Tesla Model Y, with 1,077 mm vs. 1,062 mm.
• Rear Head Room and Leg Room: Compared to the Model 3, the EV6 offers more rear head room (965 mm vs. 960 mm) and leg room (1,006 mm vs. 876 mm).
• Shoulder Room: Both front (1,468 mm) and rear (1,412 mm) shoulder room in the EV6 exceed that of the Tesla models.
• Cargo Space: The EV6 also leads with 691 L of cargo space, outpacing the Model 3's 595 L.

The 2024 Kia EV6 is a standout in the electric vehicle market, challenging the dominance of Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y with its impressive range, rapid charging capabilities, competitive pricing, and spacious interior. It's a compelling choice for anyone looking to transition to an electric vehicle, offering a blend of performance, value, and comfort that is hard to beat.