We mark the zero emissions milestone by driving two EVs from the big-selling Kia stable to the Christmas market in Lille – and back…
The automotive world has changed massively since 2014. Since then, Kia has been leading the charge to a more planet-friendly future.
It’s amazing to think that Kia’s first step into the electric car market was just 10 years ago with the first-generation Soul EV.
With a battery of just 27kWh and a claimed range of 132 miles, the Soul EV was a solid, if quirky, debut electric car.
A decade later, and the brand is now one of the big players in the zero emissions market, currently offering four models – the Niro EV, EV3, EV6 and EV9.
And that’s just the start of the journey. By 2027 Kia is planning to offer nine EVs.
To mark the occasion, I joined a team of other motoring journalists and members of the Kia UK PR team on a celebratory trip to Lille – in the heart of French Flanders. A chance to sample two acclaimed Kia electric vehicles for extended periods – the EV3 and EV6 – and to experience driving and charging in France.
Our adventure started at Biggin Hill in Kent for an early morning rendezvous, followed by a 60-mile drive down to Folkestone to catch the Le Shuttle.
Our wheels for the first leg of the journey were the recently facelifted Kia EV6, which was crowned European Car of the Year in 2022.
When it was launched in 2021, it was Kia first’s electric-only vehicle with a 300-mile plus range. The futuristic fastback is now a common sight on our roads, and early in 2024 it was treated to a mini makeover.
The latest version can travel further and charge faster, thanks to a new battery pack. Styling tweaks and technology updates complete the refresh.
The new battery (up from 77.4kWh to 84.0kWh) increased the EV6’s maximum WLTP range from 328 to 361 miles.
Outside, it gets a more dynamic front end. Inside, it still comes with dual 12.3-inch displays, but the updated model gets Kia’s latest software and graphics, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is now wireless.
The centre console also features a fingerprint authentication system, which allows users to start the car without a smart key or digital key. Elsewhere, there’s a slightly squared-off steering wheel and the cockpit as a whole has a classier look and feel. It also now boasts the latest safety and drive assist features.
Our EV6 (an all-wheel-drive GT-Line S) was in its element cruising down the 60 miles to the Eurotunnel and then meandering up to Lille from Calais. The scenic 77-mile route made little impact on the range and we arrived with more than 50% charge left.
Powerful, comfortable, whisper-quiet and as smooth as ever, the EV6’s 480-litre boot swallowed up our luggage. Had we have been carrying passengers, two adults would have been perfectly content in the back.
The weather was cold and damp in Lille, but will didn’t let it dampen our spirits – and we had plenty of time to investigate.
The centre of Lille is fairly compact and packed with independent shops, big brands, restaurants, bars and cafes, so there no shortage of things to do.
And, of course, at this time of the year it’s worth strolling over to the Christmas Market (also known as the Village de Noël de Lille) at Place Rihour, where you’ll find gift ideas, Christmas decorations, plus festive food and drink.
Around the corner in the Grand Place, you can go for a ride on the giant Ferris wheel before checking out the Christmas grotto.
We were back on the road the following morning – this time in the recently launched Kia EV3.
Looking not unlike a pint-sized EV9, the EV3 is a distinctive and impressive 100% electric compact SUV, which is sure to be top of many wish-lists in 2025.
Spacious, easy to drive and rammed with the latest tech, it comes with two battery options – 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh – delivering claimed ranges of 270 and 375 miles respectively.
Our Long Range was an effortless joy to drive back from Lille. Our route down included a stop-off at a hypermarket at Hazebrouck for Christmas treats, plus a quick charge at an Ionity station just off the A25 near Steenvoorde.
For the record, a 10-80% charge takes 31 minutes (at 150kWh). We only needed to get back up to 60% for our drive back to Biggin Hill, so 15 minutes was enough.
Interestingly, the cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at Ionity was €0.59 (less than 50p), compared to 74p in the UK.
The EV3’s big 460-litre boot, complete with adjustable floor (the area below is ideal for crushable items such as bread and pastries), easily managed our cabin luggage-sized cases, plus boxes and bags full of festive booze and gifts.
Less than a week after my brief first drive in the EV3, it was a great opportunity to spend some quality time behind the wheel, and it didn’t disappoint.
We arrived back at Biggin Hill with more than 30% charge left, and if nothing else, it reinforced my belief that the EV3 is going to be the go-to electric vehicle for many families.
The entry-level Standard Range is competitively priced from £32,995, while longer range versions start at £35,995. The revised EV6 range starts at £45,575, and it’s better than.
Whether you choose an EV3 or EV6 – or a Niro EV or EV9 for that matter – you won’t be disappointed. And remember, all Kia cars come with a generous seven-year warranty, so there’s peace of mind too.
Joyeux Noël
