EXPLORING THE LOIRE VALLEY IN THE ALL-ELECTRIC KIA EV6 GT |
As car enthusiasts and keen travellers, we were excited to embark on an all-electric road trip to the Loire Valley in the west of France, starting our journey in Le Mans with an all-electric high-speed train to Paris, where we picked up the star of our trip: the all-new, all-electric Kia EV6 GT.
An hour after our departure from Le Mans, we rolled into the imposing Montparnasse train station in the heart of Paris. Arriving at the Kia showroom, we were greeted by the sleek and striking design of the EV6 GT. The car’s new design language strikes a balance between opposing forces, taking inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity. The EV6’s visual identity evokes positive forces and natural energy, with a combination of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes that make it a moving piece of art.
A MOVEABLE FEAST
Under the hood, the EV6 is a fully electric vehicle (EV) that comes with a choice of multiple zero-emission powertrain configurations, including long-range (77.4 kWh) and standard-range (58.0 kWh) high-voltage battery packs. The GT version we had at our disposal is equipped with 430 kW dual motors and a maximum of 740 Nm torque, taking electric performance to another level. With its all-wheel-drive system, the EV6 GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in an impressive 3.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 260 km/h.
The Kia EV6’s 800V ultra-fast charging capability means that, if needed, we could charge the car from 10 to 80% in 18 minutes at one of the many Ionity 350 kW chargers located across France. However, with a range of 400 km, we had more than enough to make it to Orléans, the city where, in 1429, a 17-year-old Joan of Arc had led the French forces to liberate the city that had been under siege from English forces during the Hundred Years’ War. First things first, though…
LE DRUG STORE
After a quick briefing from the friendly folks at Kia, we explored Paris in our new ride. We decided to visit Le Drug Store, a chic-casual restaurant located in the shadows of the Arc de Triomphe on the ‘left bank’ of the Champs-Élysées, for a sumptuous lunch inspired by three-star Michelin chef, Éric Fréchon. With a full stomach and a fully charged EV6, we headed southwest from Paris to Orléans, staying off the highways and instead taking the secondary roads that wind their way through the French countryside.
‘OLD’ ORLÉANS
With more than 200 km of range still available as we arrived at our guest house accommodation in Orléans, there was no need to look for a public charger, so we simply plugged the charging cable into a 240 V socket in the garage for an overnight top-up charge. Being close to the city’s mediaeval centre, we were excited to explore this beautifully preserved piece of history on foot.
Orléans is located on the river Loire, nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, which is classified as a World Heritage Site. We started our exploration at the Place du Martroi, the pedestrianised square in the city’s centre, which proudly displays a statue of Joan of Arc on horseback. Surrounded by restaurants and tables spilling out onto the square, this is the ideal location to take in the Belle Époque and neoclassical architecture with a café au lait in one hand and a Gauloises in the other, just like the French would do.
Just a block away is the house in which Joan of Arc lived, today a museum, dating back to 1432. During the first week of May, the city pays homage to the “Maid of Orléans”. Other must-see attractions, all within walking distance of the Place du Martroi, include the Orleans Cathedral on Place Sainte-Croix, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Hôtel Groslot, the former city hall of Orléans that started as a mansion built in the mid-1500s.
NEOCLASSICAL TO INSTANT CLASSIC
In stark contrast to the ancient architecture on display in Orléans, the Kia EV6 is a distinct product of the EV epoch, the interior design benefits greatly from the application of Kia’s dedicated EV platform. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, cabin space is similar to many mid-size SUVs.
One of the most striking elements in the EV6 is the two 12.3″ panoramic curved dual displays and the augmented reality head-up display. The simple form language of the widescreen and dashboard gives the interior an open feel. Relaxation seats are slim, lightweight, contemporary, and clad in modern, visually interesting and robust fabrics created using recycled plastics.
The EV6 offers intelligent and flexible interior packaging and an abundance of cabin storage areas, including 520 litres of boot space with second-row seats in place. With the second-row seats folded down, stowage capacity increases to approximately 1,300 litres. The car also features a front trunk, or ‘frunk’, which provides up to 52 litres of extra stowage space for 2WD models and 20 litres for AWD models.
ALONG THE LOIRE
With only 320 km of range available after an overnight charge in freezing conditions, we departed from Orléans to Montmoreillon to the south, with a short detour west along the Loire River to the picturesque towns of Blois and Amboise.
The Loire Valley. The region is famous for its beautiful châteaux, including the nearby Château de Chambord and the Château de Cheverny. Here you enjoy the region’s famous wine and cuisine, with many local vineyards and restaurants offering tastings and meals.
We stopped in Blois for a Cafe Viennois and a steaming cup of hot chocolate for my partner. This charming and historic town is situated on the banks of the Loire River, and is known for its stunning architecture and rich history. The town is home to the Royal Château de Blois, a grand castle that was once the residence of several French kings and queens. The castle is a stunning example of medieval architecture, and visitors can explore its many rooms and halls and its beautiful gardens.
A notable attraction in Amboise is the Clos Lucé, a beautiful mansion that was once the home of Leonardo da Vinci, now a museum dedicated to the famous artist and inventor.
THERE AND BACK
Arriving in Montmorillon with less than 20% of charge remaining, we were fortunate to stay with friends with access to their garage and an overnight charge. The next day, with 400 km of range showing on the display, we set off heading north towards Le Mans via the charming village of Morthemer and a visit to the imposing 11th century Notre Dame Church that guards over the ancient village with its many old houses that line both sides of the Dive River.
Following the quick and easy way back in Le Mans along the highway, or Péage as the tollways are known, not only allowed us to test the highway performance of the EV6, but also allowed us to get another overnight charge before reluctantly returning the car to Kia in Paris.
LAST WORD
The Kia EV6 redefines the boundaries of electric mobility with its inspiring design, exhilarating performance, and innovative space. With its impressive performance and design, as well as its long-range, zero-emissions powertrain, it is perfect for road trips like the one we took through the Loire Valley, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for electric cars like the Kia EV6 GT.
Report by WILHELM LOOTS | Images © KIA EUROPE / DRIVEN
