Although it seems that Tesla is unbeatable with the features and prices of its electric cars, the reality is that there are more and more new options that compromise its leadership. The latest to arrive is this model that costs half as much as a Tesla Model Y where it has already been put on sale, and of course, it is not at all short of features. Among other things it uses the best LFP battery in the world available today, and also because it offers up to 530 km of maximum range on a full charge. But there are also other sections in which it also stands out, such as its technological equipment.
The model we are talking about is the KIA EV5, which has already started selling from 19,000 euros at a direct currency exchange, although prioritizing China and South Korea – its market of origin. Now, this model is already confirmed for Europe, we will just have to wait a little longer to see it in our dealerships. Be that as it may, it is the brand’s first electric car that has a Blade battery manufactured by BYD which, as we already know, is by far the most advanced battery with this type of chemistry. At the very least, because of its high level of security, although it is not the only reason why this battery stands out.
The KIA EV5 costs half as much as a Tesla Model Y, but it reaches 530 km of range and has all the ingredients to reach the top
It is KIA’s third all-electric model that is based on the E-GMP platform, the same as the KIA EV6 and EV9. But it has a peculiarity, and that is that for this model a 400 V architecture has been used in its electrical system, instead of the 800 V of the sister models. However, it has versions with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, two ‘standard’ and one of them with great range using the simplest drive configuration.
The versions will vary depending on the market, but for now, it has already been announced with up to 310 HP of maximum power with all-wheel drive and reaching a maximum of 530 km of range under the WLTP homologation cycle. This long-range configuration is expected to use a battery with 88 kWh of energy storage capacity, although there will also be versions that use a 64 kWh battery. And, of course, they are more than interesting technical specifications to meet the expectations of this segment in which it fits.
In the cabin of the KIA Ev5, there is an infotainment system with a 12.3-inch diagonal screen that is fitted into the same module as another 12.3-inch screen, but which functions as a digital instrument panel. There is also a third screen, although in this case 5 inches, which is used to control the air conditioning system. The configuration that the South Korean brand has chosen for the interior of the KIA EV5 is not as simple as that of a Tesla Model Y, of course, but it leans fully towards minimalism and maximum elegance.
The fact is that this model, which we will see at what price it arrives in Spain, can be charged with a maximum power of ‘more than 120 kW’ according to the brand’s instructions, for a charge of 30% to 80% in a matter of so only 27 minutes. It is far from the 230 kW offered by the KIA EV6, and the only 18 minutes it needs to charge from 10% to 80%, but there are more than enough figures to be able to travel without complications. It remains to be seen, however, what configurations will be sold in Spain and the rest of Europe, and at what price this model ends up arriving here, compared to the 19,000 euros at which it is already available in other markets as an entry price. to the range.
