Fast, smooth and silent: this is what it’s like to travel for the first time in a all electric car. This type of mobility, increasingly popular in our country, is emerging as a more ecological and technologically advanced alternative.
El Comercio had the opportunity to experience this new way of driving when touring Paracas, from the city of to the national reserve. The crossing, with the embracing sun and the majesty of the sea, is fabulous for any type of trip. And doing so in an electric vehicle adds a unique touch to the experience.
During the test, we made three round trips to get up close and personal with Kia’s electric fleet: the EV9, the EV6 and the recently presented in Peru EV5. Beyond the technical characteristics, such as having autonomy that reaches up to 550 km, these models stand out for the technology integrated into every detail.
One of the most practical elements is the electric trunk with proximity sensor, ideal when our hands are full, for example, with shopping bags. In addition, they have electric and heated seats, perfect for the colder months, as they allow you to stay warm without depending on the heating system. Added to this is the smart key with remote ignition and the ‘shift-by-wire’ transmission system, which offers smoother and safer gear changes.
Inside the cabin, a touch screen provides a complete infotainment system. Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it allows you to use applications such as Google Maps or Spotify, control the air conditioning and consult all vehicle information. “All of us who drive know that we always need vehicle information and comfort when listening to music or viewing Waze or Google Maps”commented Giro Carrano, Business Planning and Network Development Manager at Kia Peru.
Smart driving
The technology in Kia electric vehicles goes beyond keys and screens. The firm has incorporated driver assistance tools known as ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), which maximize safety. “We highly value safety, because at the end of the day, those of us who drive want our family to always be protected”said Carrano.
This equipment includes lane following assist, which keeps the vehicle centered; intelligent cruise, capable of following the car in front, even when a constant speed is established; automatic emergency braking, which uses sensors and cameras to detect possible dangers on the road, and blind spot monitoring.
A surprising detail, unique to the EV9, is the absence of rear-view mirrors. Instead, cameras are used that offer a 360-degree view, even transmittable to a smartphone.
Kia plans to integrate 15 electric vehicles into its portfolio by 2027, with a goal of 1.6 million units sold globally by 2030.