Available for purchase at U.S. dealerships, the Kia EV6 Limited Edition boasts a captivating deep forest green paint, exclusive to this particular variant. The color beautifully contrasts with the desert beige leather interior, creating an appealing visual balance. The special edition inherits the black wheel well and fascia trim from the EV6’s Wind trim level, along with the GT Line’s 20-inch wheels and additional equipment.

The Kia EV6 Limited Edition also incorporates unique design elements that set it apart. The black wheel well and fascia trim from the EV6’s Wind trim level provide a bold contrast to the green exterior, creating a sense of dynamism. The car also boasts the GT Line’s 20-inch wheels and additional equipment, ensuring a blend of performance and style. Another notably exclusive feature is the special trim piece near the gear selector, adorned with the award’s logo and a silhouette of the EV6. This detail pays homage to the model’s significant recognition as the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, adding an extra layer of distinction to it.

Under the hood, all models of the Kia EV6 Limited Edition are equipped with the same 320-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration found in the EV6 lineup. This power is sourced from the 77.4-kWh battery pack, ensuring an impressive blend of performance and efficiency. With a total production of 1,000 units exclusively for the U.S. market, the 2023 EV6 Limited Edition brings together a harmonious fusion of style, recognition, and advanced technology.

Airless tires are no mystery. These things have been in the works for over 2 decades and have been fitted in various things, from wheelbarrows to heavy machinery. But one type of vehicle they haven’t been a part of is the general mass-used cars. Now, companies like Toyo Tires are trying to get these airless tires to EVs as soon as possible. Dubbed ‘NoAir’, these airless tires will change the game for EVs and cars in general, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.

The Importance of Airless Tires

Airless tires are the next step into the future of cars, regardless of whether a company manufactures EVs or not. One of the most obvious benefits is that this car would never run out of air, never get punctured, and you would never get a flat. These tires will be a no-maintenance addition to your car. Not only that, Toyo’s latest product will be more energy and fuel efficient for all vehicles. These tires also rely on foam inserts, which helps in reducing rubber consumption, according to Toyo.

Airless Tires and EVs

Airless tires are especially important for EVs as these cars run on batteries. A consistent tire means more cruising range since it won’t go flat or get slow. When the tires become flat, the car needs to expend more energy to keep the car moving. According to the US Department of Energy, around 4-11% of the total energy in internal-combustion-engine vehicles is used in overcoming the rolling resistance when the tire loses air. For EVs, this number can be as high as 25%. According to Toyo, making the correct airless tire for EVs can be challenging as these cars are comparatively heavier. If the correct tire is made for these, they can lead to a net gain of 3 percent energy efficiency in EVs.

Government Issues

Toyo’s first target market, after beginning production, is Japan, and that too is only for small EVs. But, launching in Japan has its own challenges. Japanese safety standards are strict, are based on conventional tires, and do not allow airless tires on public roads. To get around this, Toyo will first sell vehicles used on private properties, like golf carts. Hopefully, as Japanese automakers add more and more EVs to their lineups, the Japanese government will modify their rules accordingly to allow for airless tires on public roads. Otherwise, the future of EVs in Japan looks bleak and might need some pumping to sustain.