“15,000 inspection,” we say on the phone, “according to the display, we’re already 523 kilometers over it.” When service manager René Peitzker (39) checks the papers, he says: “No, he has to come to us every 30,000 kilometers or two years.” We reply, “Now that we’re here, why not jack us up?” So we spend two hours in the workshop.
Sven Bahrs (41) is the head of the lifting platforms, before he presses the button and lets the electric Kia boot up, he pushes a dongle into the cockpit. As with all modern cars, he will not work with a screwdriver or ratchet, but with a tablet. “There are 45 readable control units in this car,” he says. Then he drives it up.
Kia EV6: Rear brake needs special attention
Master Bahrs walks up and down several times, looking very closely at the battery casing with the lamp. It has 77.4 kWh and is enough for more than 400 kilometers if we drive a lot in the city and recover braking energy. After 300 kilometers on the Autobahn, you have to recharge your batteries. If the disguise shows signs of enemy contact, such as a curb, then things get tricky.
Workshop manager Sven Bahrs checks the battery cover. Nothing should be there!
Everything is fine with our Kia, no scratches. Otherwise Bahrs would have unscrewed the floor paneling immediately. Everyone is allowed to do this in the Kia dealership, because everyone has level three, the highest level of training for electric cars. And even more: “We can penetrate deep into the battery with our tester and control each block and each cell individually.”
The check costs around 300 euros at the end
In the end, the bill is 301.43 euros, for the “correct” inspection with air conditioning maintenance it would be 431.51 euros. So that we won’t be in the pits too early in the future, Bahrs is readjusting the system: every 30,000 kilometers or two years is enough for an e-car.
Kia EV6 AWD
• Power 239 kW (325 hp)
• Battery capacity 77.4 kWh
• L/W/H 4695/1890/1550 mm
• Trunk 490-1300 l
• 0-100km/h 5.2
• Top 185 km/h
• Consumption (WLTP) 17.2 kWh/100 km
• Range 506 km
• Price from 52,890 euros
The new everyday test from AUTO BILD
Our 100,000-kilometer endurance test has been in existence for decades – with final total disassembly. It will stay that way, but we will also introduce the everyday test. This is less about long-term quality and more about suitability for everyday use. The concept: Various testers drive the cars in their everyday lives for a longer period of time. They then evaluate some of the six categories in detail – and all with our clear heart rating. In this way you can find out exactly whether a car might also suit your everyday life.
