Kia EV6 2026 News

New reports out of the US say Hyundai and Kia may be forced to significantly reduce their EV footprint as volatile trade winds bite.According to industry source Automotive News, the upcoming and heavily updated Ioniq 6 will be forced to be offered in just one variant, the Ioniq 6 N, as opposed to an expanded line-up.Conversely, Kia has been forced to indefinitely shelve its performance-oriented EV6 GT and EV9 GT, at least for the US market.This is because the Korean-built models will fail to be competitive enough in light of the US administration’s continued tariffs, which would add significant costs to the models once delivered in the USA. Models built locally, like the rest of the EV6 and EV9 range would not be affected.When contacted for potential impacts for Australian production, a Hyundai Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide its plan to launch the Ioniq 6 N would proceed as planned toward the end of April this year, and while the brand was considering further additions to the line-up, it was too early to say whether these plans would be impacted by tariff movements at HQ.Meanwhile, a Kia Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide that as it stands right now supply of the EV6 GT and EV9 GT would continue for the Australian market, and would remain unaffected by tariffs overseas.Locally, the range-topping Kia EV9 GT costs $129,250 before on-road costs, while the EV6 GT starts from $99,660 before on-road costs.Interestingly both brands also said at this stage they would not be affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as vehicles sourced by each brand did not pass through the region for the Australian market.It seems a case of right-hand drive production insulating both automakers from wider impacts to the left-hand drive market, which is largely determined by demand coming out of either the USA or China.However, many other automakers will continue to pull back on EV plans due to the removal of subsidies in the US, and rising demand for hybrids the world over.Volkswagen for example is pivoting to range-extender hybrids in China and the US, where the tech will underpin its just-launched ID.9X large SUV, and its new range of big ladder frame 4x4s from rebooted Scout Motors.Meanwhile a range of Chinese brands, like MG’s IM luxury arm, Leapmotor, Geely, and Deepal are all rolling out range-extended hybrid powertrains across their range.Hyundai Group itself will invest in the tech, with executives frequently hinting the brand will pivot to a range-extender set-up for the highly anticipated Hyundai Ute, as a significant point of difference from its Kia Tasman cousin.While it is yet to be confirmed, it seems to be a logical next step for the brand, as many brands are betting on hybrid technology for the future of larger models in big left-hand drive markets like the US and China.Despite headwinds, Hyundai is also one of the few automakers standing by its hydrogen plans. Many are shying away from the potential diesel-replacing technology due to its massive upfront technology costs in a challenging financial environment.Stay tuned on more of both Hyundai and Kia’s plans in 2026 as they defend their hard-fought sales position in Australia from the meteoric growth of Chinese rivals like BYD, Chery, and GWM.

This car could hunt down the Model Y.Kia has unveiled an updated version of its EV6 all-electric large SUV, which has received a serious boost in some key areas.It now starts (before on-road costs) from $72,660, rising up to $99,660, equating to a $70 increase across the four-deep range. It remains a cheaper alternative to some of its electric rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which is built on the same platform. The Ioniq 5 starts from $76,200 after its range underwent a significant restructure, cutting the cheapest variant, which started from under $70,000. The EV6 is more expensive than the Tesla Model Y, which was the best-selling EV in 2025.The base Model Y starts from $58,900, with more expensive variants priced at $68,900 and $89,400, before on-roads.But it is significantly cheaper than luxury alternatives such as the Audi Q6 e-tron, which starts at about $100,000.The EV6 continues to be offered in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive specs, which all receive a bigger 84kWh battery compared to the 77.4kWh unit in the previous model. Driving range has received a boost of more than 50km in rear-wheel drive variants, up to 582km in the Air and 560km in the GT-Line, according to the WLTP testing cycle.The all-wheel drive GT-Line’s range is now 522km (up from 484km), while the range-topping dual motor GT variant offers 450km of range — a 26km increase.This means the EV6 boasts more driving range than comparative base and range-topping variants of the Ioniq 5.The rear-wheel drive EV6's driving range is significantly more than a base Model Y, albeit at a significantly higher cost.The all-wheel drive variants still trail comparative Teslas.The EV6 is available with two new wheel designs, which are 19-inch and 21-inch sizing, depending on the variant.Its exterior design has been given a sleeker, coupe-like overall look, with sharp creases in the body work.On the inside, there is a new steering wheel and updated centre console.The car has a 12.3-inch digital driver display and 12.3-inch central touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard across the range. It will now be able to receive over-the-air software updates to implement bug fixes more quickly, bringing it into line with other EVs.Kia has said the updated EV6 will hit showrooms imminently.2026 Kia EV6 pricing Australia

Sales of some electric cars (EVs) in Australia have hit a roadblock.

Australia electric car owners are about to realise the full potential of their vehicles.Power giant AGL has announced a new Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) trial to allow EV owners to power their homes and be paid to send power back to the grid.V2G technology allows electric vehicle owners to use the energy stored in their vehicles to power their home or send power back to the grid to earn credits during periods of peak demand.Electric car batteries are typically about five times the size of conventional home batteries, which could deliver huge potential for Australians.When paired with roof-top solar, V2G technology could allow some to effectively live off the grid.AGL Head of Innovation and Strategy Renae Gasmier said: “To unlock the full potential of their electric vehicles, owners need to think about them as more than cars, but rather as home batteries on wheels. The typical electric car battery can store enough energy to power the average home for around three days.”The new technology was green lit last year when Federal Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced Standards Australia has signed off on a new protocol allowing the technology to be approved for use in Australia.This streamlined the process for car and charging device manufacturers to get their vehicles approved for V2G use.“Vehicle to grid charging is now ticked, enabled under the law of the land and will become a reality before Christmas, in the real world,” said Bowen at the time. “Possible today, technically possible today, thanks to these changes, but next couple of months, an opportunity for the companies to get their registrations in and get it happening.”Currently V2G is only being trialled in South Australia, but AGL opens it up nationwide by bringing in all major national electricity market Distribution Network Service Providers.AGL has joined forces with BYD, Hyundai, Kia and Zeekr to make the service available to select vehicles.Owners of a Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 9 and the soon to be launched updated Ioniq 6 can take part.Kia’s EV3, EV6 and EV9 can also be part of the trial.Kia Australia boss Damien Meredith said: “Amid cost-of-living pressures, this unlocks the potential for Kia EV owners to transform their cars into mobile energy assets. Bi-directional charging is a game-changer, and we look forward to help introduce V2G to the Australian market on a much larger scale.”Hyundai Australia chief Don Romano said the trial will be able to show Australians its electric cars can do far more than just drive.BYD Atto 3 with some modifications is currently eligible with the plug-in hybrid Shark 6 ute and Sealion 6 a possibility further down the line.Zeekr currently has three electric vehicles on sale, the X small SUV, 7X mid-size SUV and 009 people mover. It is unclear which Zeekr vehicles can take part in the trial.

Sorry, Swifties. While we appreciate the cultural phenomenon that is singer/songwriter, artist and philanthropist Taylor Swift, this is not a paean to a great pop star, but, rather, a reference to the year that marked Japan’s stellar ascension as the biggest threat to the established carmakers of that time. Their fear was existential as well as actual.