Photo: Kia/autoevolution
Kia’s latest software update for the EV6 and all-new Niro EV is all about making your all-electric driving experience even easier and more comfortable. The most prominent part of the update is the introduction of EV route planning, meaning the sat-nav system can now detect charging stations along your route and add them as waypoints automatically.
In turn, drivers can now travel longer distances without stressing too much about their EV’s state of charge, especially since the system will recognize if your battery levels are insufficient to reach whatever destination you’ve set out for. To avoid any unpleasantries, the system will alert you with plenty of time to spare, while also displaying a selection of charging stations in the vicinity.
Furthermore, to ensure optimal charging, your EV6 or Niro EV will even start the battery conditioning process automatically – if needed.
The algorithm in charge of this proposed route update takes into consideration not just state of charge, but also Live Charging POI (points of interest) info, and energy consumption based on topography, weather conditions, traffic, plus your driving style and the driving mode you’re currently in.
The new update will also prioritize frequently used charging/filling stations, which you can view by selecting Navigation > POI categories > EV charging/filling stations / Near current position. This data is then synchronized between the head unit and the application on your mobile device.
As for the UI updates, we’re dealing with new and improved icons and symbols, as well as various other adjustments for the menu structure, resulting in easier navigation and improved visibility.
It’s worth noting that certain MY22 vehicles which feature telematics are also eligible to get these updates via an over-the-air transfer – the campaign for this is already underway.
The EV6 is priced from $42,600, which will net you the entry-level Light (RWD) specification. If money is no option, you can go as high as $61,600 for a GT (e-AWD) model. As for the Niro EV, it’s more affordable with an MSRP of $39,550, resulting in the Wind specification. The Wave spec, meanwhile, is a $44,550 affair.
Furthermore, to ensure optimal charging, your EV6 or Niro EV will even start the battery conditioning process automatically – if needed.
The algorithm in charge of this proposed route update takes into consideration not just state of charge, but also Live Charging POI (points of interest) info, and energy consumption based on topography, weather conditions, traffic, plus your driving style and the driving mode you’re currently in.
The new update will also prioritize frequently used charging/filling stations, which you can view by selecting Navigation > POI categories > EV charging/filling stations / Near current position. This data is then synchronized between the head unit and the application on your mobile device.
What else is new?
Aside from the route planning, the Korean brand’s latest software update also includes a few other goodies, such as the introduction of Soundhound, a music discovery service. The way this works is the software will actually identify a song that’s being played on the radio and will download the title and artist information from the server. Sort of like a cleverer Shazam app.As for the UI updates, we’re dealing with new and improved icons and symbols, as well as various other adjustments for the menu structure, resulting in easier navigation and improved visibility.
It’s worth noting that certain MY22 vehicles which feature telematics are also eligible to get these updates via an over-the-air transfer – the campaign for this is already underway.
Great, sign me up for an electric Kia
Since the EV9 has yet to land in showrooms throughout the United States, buyers can only purchase the likes of the EV6 and Niro EV if they absolutely must have a battery-electric Kia.The EV6 is priced from $42,600, which will net you the entry-level Light (RWD) specification. If money is no option, you can go as high as $61,600 for a GT (e-AWD) model. As for the Niro EV, it’s more affordable with an MSRP of $39,550, resulting in the Wind specification. The Wave spec, meanwhile, is a $44,550 affair.
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