The 2023 Kia EV6
This document provides essential tips and operational guidance for the 2023 Kia EV6, covering various features to enhance your driving experience. For more detailed information, please refer to the Owner's Manual, Multimedia System Manuals, Features and Functions Guide, and Quick-Start Guide supplied with your vehicle.
Voice Recognition and Bluetooth
Using Voice Recognition
To improve Voice Recognition (VR) performance, consider these phone contact modifications:
- Use full names (first and last) instead of nicknames or single-syllable names.
- Avoid special characters, emojis, and hyphens in contact names.
- Use full words instead of acronyms or all-caps words.
- Spell words completely; avoid abbreviations.
- Wait for the beep before speaking commands.
- Speak in a natural, moderate tone with clear pronunciation.
- Minimize background noise (e.g., open windows, loud A/C) for better accuracy.
- The system may have difficulty with certain accents or uncommon names.
Press the TALK button and say "Help" for a list of available commands.
Pairing or Connecting Your Phone with Bluetooth
- Initiate pairing via "Device Connections" on the infotainment display or the steering wheel "CALL" button if no phone is paired.
- Accept all requests for phonebook download and auto-connection on your phone during pairing.
- Refer to the vehicle manuals for pairing subsequent phones, as steps may vary by infotainment system.
- If auto-connection issues arise:
- Reboot your phone.
- Update your phone's operating system.
- Remove the Kia device from your phone's Bluetooth list and your phone from the vehicle's list, then re-pair.
- Ensure Bluetooth is activated on your phone.
- If contacts are not downloading:
- Verify contact entries are correct and stored in supported categories (HOME, MOBILE, WORK, iPhone). Some categories (MAIN, PAGER, OTHER) may not be supported.
- If the contact list exceeds the display limit, contacts may download partially. Ensure only the "phone contact list" is selected for download, not social media or email contacts.
Phone operating systems change frequently, affecting Bluetooth compatibility. For questions, contact your Kia dealer or Kia Consumer Assistance at 1-800-333-4542.
Other Bluetooth Tips
- Bluetooth reception depends on carrier coverage and phone signal strength.
- Ensure the listening volume on your device is turned up when streaming audio via Bluetooth.
Smartphone Connectivity
Apple CarPlay
Connect your compatible iPhone via Apple CarPlay on the infotainment display to make calls, send texts hands-free, access apps and music, and use Siri for navigation.
To connect Apple CarPlay: https://youtu.be/98TNWMOQfdU
Android Auto
Connect your compatible Android phone via Android Auto on the infotainment display for music, dialing, navigation, and more, controllable via voice commands and steering wheel controls.
To connect Android Auto: https://youtu.be/sTR4KotSOzU
For models with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: https://youtu.be/oUXXuAZAOEI
Kia Access App
Your phone and vehicle must have a strong cellular signal to use Kia Connect (formerly UVO link). If not, remote commands may be delayed or fail.
- For Remote Start or Remote Start with Climate Control, all doors, hood, and trunk/liftgate must be closed and locked. These features operate for approximately 10 minutes.
- The quickest way to get an accurate vehicle status is by refreshing the app or web portal.
- Activate Remote Start features a few minutes before entering the vehicle to pre-condition the interior.
- To preserve battery, Kia Connect will not function seven days after the ignition was last turned off. Restart the vehicle with a key fob to re-enable Kia Connect.
Feature Videos
View videos on your mobile device by scanning the QR code or visiting:
Scheduled Charging
Set charging times via the infotainment system's Vehicle Settings (EV > CHARGING AND CLIMATE) or the Kia Connect app. The app also helps locate charging stations and displays charging status.
Reminder: Charging will only begin at the scheduled time if the charger is plugged in.
To deactivate Scheduled Charging temporarily, press the CHARGING button [A].
Charging Connector Auto / Lock Mode
Configure the charging connector to lock or unlock while in the charging inlet via Vehicle Settings (SETUP > VEHICLE > ECO VEHICLE > CHARGING CONNECTOR LOCK).
Emergency Release: If the connector won't unlock, use the emergency release lever inside the trunk. Open the cover [B], remove it, and pull the lever [C] to unlock.
Note: The Emergency Release Lever is located on the right side panel inside the liftgate.
Charging Your Electric Vehicle
AC Charging or Level 2 Charging
The recommended charging system is an AC Charger or Level 2 Charger (240-volt/50-amp), providing a full charge in approximately 9 hours. These can be installed at home by an electrician or found at public stations.
Reminder: Charger shapes and usage may vary by manufacturer. Refer to Section 1 of the Owner's Manual.
DC Fast Charging or Level 3 Charging
DC Chargers ("Fast"/"Ultrafast"/Level 3) are typically at public stations. They can charge an EV to about 80% in as little as 60 minutes. An ultrafast DC charger (350kW) can charge from 10-80% in approximately 18 minutes.
Reminder: Kia does not recommend primarily using DC chargers as it can reduce battery lifespan.
Regenerative Braking with Paddle Switches
The regenerative braking system recharges the battery when coasting or braking. Use the paddle switches to adjust the regenerative braking level (0 to 3), displayed on the Instrument Cluster [A].
- Pull the left paddle switch [B] to increase regenerative braking and deceleration.
- Pull the right paddle switch [C] to decrease regenerative braking and deceleration.
Paddle switches do not operate when:
- Both are pulled simultaneously.
- The brake pedal is depressed.
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC) is active.
i-Pedal
i-Pedal driving uses the accelerator pedal for both acceleration and deceleration. To activate:
- Pull the left paddle switch [B] to Level 3 regenerative braking.
- Pull the left paddle switch [B] again when Level 3 is set.
The i-Pedal indicator symbol will illuminate on the Instrument Cluster.
One-Pedal Driving
One-Pedal Driving enhances regenerative braking beyond Level 3, allowing the vehicle to slow down significantly by pulling the left paddle switch.
- Pull and hold the left paddle switch [B] while coasting to activate.
- Above 2 mph, releasing the left paddle switch [B] for less than 0.5 seconds returns to the previous braking level.
- Below 2 mph, One-Pedal Driving can stop the vehicle even when the paddle is released.
Reminder: The driver's seat belt must be fastened. Do not rely solely on One-Pedal Driving; always use the brake pedal when necessary and pay attention to road conditions.
Smart Regeneration System
This system automatically adjusts regenerative braking based on detected vehicles ahead and road conditions. Activate it in Vehicle Settings (SETUP > VEHICLE > ECO VEHICLE > SMART REGENERATION). "AUTO D" will display on the Instrument Cluster.
Pull and hold the right paddle switch [C] for over 1 second to toggle automatic regeneration. The minimum regenerative braking level in AUTO mode can be adjusted with the paddle switches.
Matte Paint Care
Follow these tips to maintain your vehicle's matte finish:
Do's and Don'ts
- Use only products specifically designed for matte finish paint; avoid products for normal paint.
- Do not use abrasive products like polishes or rubbing compounds.
- Avoid terry cloth, cloth, or paper towels. Rubbing vigorously can create permanent shiny spots.
- Do not use commercial car washes or their shine enhancement products, as brushes and towels can damage matte paint.
- Do not use mechanical cleaners or polishers.
- Remove foreign substances (insects, tar) with a soft applicator and mild solvent; soak the area before cleaning gently.
- Hand-wash with a soft mitt and mild cleaner safe for matte paint.
- Use microfiber cloths with an alcohol-based window cleaner for surface cleanup.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Indicators
The instrument cluster provides vital information about your EV:
- State of Charge (SOC) gauge [A]: Displays the high-voltage battery charge status.
- Power/Charge gauge [B]: Shows energy consumption (POWER) and regenerative braking status (CHARGE).
- Distance to Empty (DTE) [C]: Estimates remaining driving distance based on battery level, drive mode, and climate control settings.
Indicator Lights
- Ready indicator light: Illuminates when the vehicle is ready to drive. Blinking indicates a possible malfunction.
- EV Service warning light: Illuminates for malfunctions in the electric vehicle control system.
- Power down warning light: Illuminates when vehicle speed/performance is limited for safety.
- Charging indicator light: Turns green when the high-voltage battery is charging; turns off when not charging.
- High-voltage battery level warning light: Illuminates when the battery charge is insufficient.
- Regenerative brake warning lights: Illuminate when the regenerative brake system is not functioning correctly.
Energy Consumption
Energy consumption is influenced by maintenance, driving style, environment, weight, and aerodynamics. To reduce consumption:
- Use Scheduled Climate settings to preheat the vehicle.
- Maintain your vehicle regularly.
- Avoid "riding" the brake pedal.
- Use climate control sparingly; opt for the Driver Only setting.
- Keep tires inflated to recommended pressure.
- Travel light, removing unnecessary weight.
- Ensure proper wheel alignment.
- Avoid placing heavy items on roof racks.
- Choose moderate routes, avoiding excessively hilly or poorly maintained roads.
- Maintain moderate HVAC temperatures and utilize heated seats/steering wheel when available.
For more information, refer to Section 1 of the Owner's Manual.
EV Charge Transfer / Vehicle to Load (V2L)
V2L allows your vehicle's high-voltage battery to power external devices like home appliances, electric bikes, or another EV. The EV6 may have interior and exterior ports.
- The system automatically stops power supply if the battery discharges to a set limit. Adjust this limit in the infotainment system (Settings > EV > VEHICLE TO LOAD (V2L) > EV CHARGE TRANSFER SETTINGS).
- Interior Port: The EV POWER button must be on. Use the Smart Key fob's mechanical key to unlock the power outlet cover [B]. Check port indicators for power status.
- Exterior Port: Open the V2L connector cover [C], connect your device, plug the connector into the EV's charging inlet, and press the button on the connector [D].
Reminder: Maximum wattage is 1.9 kW (1,900 watts).
EV Mode - Infotainment System
The EV Mode on the infotainment system provides access to menus for available range, energy information, next departure settings, charging and climate control, V2L settings, nearby charging stations, and EV settings. Access EV Mode by swiping the Home screen and pressing the EV button.
- Available Range [A]: Shows estimated driving distance based on current location and charge. Displays range with Climate Control on and off.
- Energy Information [B]: Displays battery charge and electrical power consumption details.
- Next Departure [C]: Shows the set date and time for the next scheduled charge or climate control activation.
- Schedule Charging and Climate [D]: Allows setting charging and climate schedules.
- Vehicle to Load (V2L)/EV Charge Transfer [E]: Displays the battery discharge limit for powering external devices.
- EV Settings [F]: Allows adjustments for Winter mode, warnings, and EV Route settings.
Note: Estimated range is based on optimal conditions and varies with options, driving habits, maintenance, weather, and battery age. Battery capacity decreases over time and use. For more range information, visit www.fueleconomy.gov.
Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (HUD)
The Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (HUD) projects information from the Instrument Cluster and navigation system onto the windshield. In AR mode, it displays:
- Turn-by-Turn (TBT) navigation
- Traffic information
- Speedometer
- SCC set speed and vehicle distance
- Blind-Spot Safety information
- Highway Auto Speed Change information
- Lane Safety information
- Highway Driving Assist (HDA) information
- Lane Following Assist
- HDA system automatic speed setting
- AR Mode information (TBT, Lane Safety, Front Vehicle indicator, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Highway Lane Change)
Head-Up Display (HUD) User Settings
Adjust HUD settings via Vehicle Settings (SETUP > VEHICLE > HEAD-UP DISPLAY):
- Display Height: Adjusts the vertical position of the HUD image.
- AR Matching Adjustment: Adjusts the position of the augmented reality content.
- Brightness: Controls the intensity of the HUD display.
Highway Driving Assist (HDA)
HDA assists in adjusting vehicle speed on limited-/controlled-access highways/freeways. Highway Lane Change Assist can help change lanes if the turn signal is activated and the maneuver is safe.
- When HDA is active and conditions are met, the Instrument Cluster indicator [A] illuminates GREEN. If conditions are not met, HDA is in standby (indicator [B] is GRAY).
- When operating and lanes are recognized, lanes appear WHITE and the HDA indicator [A] is GREEN.
- If HDA is active, conditions are met, and SCC speed is set to the highway speed limit or lower, HDA enters automatic speed setting mode, displaying the set speed and "AUTO" in GREEN with an audible alert.
HDA operates under these conditions:
- Vehicle speed is below 110 mph or the highway speed limit.
- Driving on limited-/controlled-access highways/freeways.
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC) and Lane Following Assist (LFA) are active and operating.
HDA User Settings
To enable HDA, SCC, and LFA must be on. Access settings via SETUP > VEHICLE > DRIVER ASSISTANCE > DRIVER CONVENIENCE > HIGHWAY DRIVING ASSIST.
- Select HIGHWAY LANE CHANGE ASSIST to activate this feature.
- Adjust Warning Methods (WARNING VOLUME) and select DRIVING SAFETY PRIORITY to lower audio volume during HDA warnings.
Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC)
NSCC automatically adjusts vehicle speed for curves ahead using navigation system data. To activate NSCC, go to Vehicle Settings (Driver Assistance > Driving Convenience > Highway Auto Speed Change). When SCC is active on highways and NSCC is enabled, the NAV icon [A] illuminates WHITE on the Instrument Cluster.
When NSCC detects a curve and reduces speed, the NAV icon [A] turns GREEN. The vehicle may resume the set SCC speed after the curve.
Autoset: If the set speed matches the current highway speed limit, NSCC can automatically adjust to new speed limits.
Reminders:
- NSCC requires an active Kia Connect subscription.
- NSCC is only available on limited-/controlled-access roads and highways.
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