A local spokesperson for South Korean automaker Kia has confirmed that Australia will receive a slightly larger allocation of the 2022 EV6 crossover than previously announced, though reports of a “ramp up” in 2023 appear premature.
Kia Australia’s media and corporate communications manager, Alyson MacDonald, confirmed to The Driven that Kia was now expecting “around 700 units of EV6 this year”. This is an increase of 200 on the original announcement of 500 made at launch in February, and 85 more than the 615 announced in August.
“The production situation changes regularly, and along with the other considerations such as trim/colour combinations, shipping schedules, existing backorders a particular dealer could already have in place etc, it obviously makes it really hard to nominate a wait time,” MacDonald told The Driven.
However, MacDonald also warned that, “As a very generalised guideline, if you ordered one today, best to assume delivery could take up to 12 months.”
Through the first seven months since the Kia EV6 was launched in Australia, Kia has reported 426 cars as delivered to customers.
This number, however, like the expanded allocation, does not include the high-performance GT variant, which is due to arrive in Australian showrooms in December or January, and will boast a price tag nearing $100,000.
Additional reports from some outlets suggest that supplies of the EV6 can be expected to double in 2023, however, seem to be premature.
An unknown local spokesperson reportedly told CarExpert that Kia Australia is now “anticipating supply to ramp up next year” for the EV6 and grow to “over 100 per month” during 2023.
However, it is unclear if these reports are accurate or up to date. We will update as appropriate if we receive confirmation otherwise.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.