The third P3 Charging Index compared the charging time and “refuelled” range of 21 electric vehicles in the premium, mid-size and compact classes. The Kia EV6 emerged as the overall winner with a new record value.
The “P3 Charging Index” determines the real charging speed of current electric vehicles. The Kia crossover not only outperformed all the competition. The tested EV6 with a 77.4 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive was also the first vehicle to exceed the ideal value of 1.0 in the index. This value corresponds to an electric vehicle’s ability to charge power for 300 kilometers of real-world range within 20 minutes. The EV6 charged energy for 309 kilometers, achieving a new record value of 1.03. The P3 Charging Index is compiled by the independent international consultancy P3 Group and was published for the first time in 2019 to give users of electric vehicles a meaningful, everyday comparison value for real-world charging speed.
Relation of charging power and consumption decisive
With the help of the consumption and charging curves of the vehicles, the recharged kilometers can be mapped over the required charging time. This enables a more accurate assessment of the fast-charging behavior of the vehicles. As stand-alone values, neither the maximum charging power nor the consumption are decisive for the long-distance capability of an electric vehicle. Only their relationship provides the electric car driver with information about how much charging time he needs to cover a certain distance. For this year’s P3 Charging Index, a total of 21 vehicles were tested and three categories were formed for the first time: Compact class (BAFA net list price up to 35,000 euros), mid-range (up to 65,000 euros) and luxury class (over 65,000 euros).
800 volt technology decisive
In this category, the EV6, which is classified in the mid-range, beat out Hyundai Ioniq 5 (0.91 / 272 km), BMW i4 eDrive40 (0.78 / 235 km) and Tesla Model 3 (0.74 / 221 km), among others. And no model in the luxury class came close to the values of the Kia Stromer. Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ (0.92 / 275 km) took first place here, ahead of BMW iX xDrive50 (0.91 / 273 km) and Porsche Taycan GTS (0.90 / 271 km). Decisive for the overall victory of the Kia EV6 was not only its 800-volt charging technology but also its high energy efficiency. In terms of power consumption, for which the P3 Charging Index is based on the values determined in the ADAC Ecotest, the Kia EV6 can boast the lowest values of all mid-range and luxury models alongside the Polestar 2.
Kia EV6 is Europe’s “Car of the Year 2022”
Launched at the end of 2021, the EV6 is the first Kia model designed exclusively for battery drive and is based on the new E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) electric platform. The just under 4.70-long crossover with a range of up to 528 kilometers is available with rear- and all-wheel drive and offers a power range of 125 to 239 kW (170 to 325 hp).
The E-GMP platform of the KIA EV6 enables relaxed travel thanks to fast charging and comparatively low consumption
What does it mean?
With the E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) electric platform, the Hyundai Group has hit the jackpot. With its long range battery and fast charging capability, long distances are no longer daunting.
Text: Thomas Kanzler/Vision Mobility
Pictures: Anett Tobies
