Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3: charging compared
Charging curves overlaid, time-to-charge at every common UK charger speed, and per-network cost — modelled on each car's actual charging behaviour.
At a 150kW UK rapid (10% → 80%): the Kia EV6 finishes in 22m, around 2 minutes ahead of the TeslaModel 3 at 24m.
This is the genuine cross-shopping fight: the Tesla Model 3 (400V, peak 250kW, simpler ownership) versus the Kia EV6 (800V, peak 240kW, faster on ultra-rapids). Both around the same price, both family-friendly saloons (the EV6 is technically a crossover but plays as a sedan in use).
On a 350kW charger the EV6 finishes a 10-80% top-up a few minutes ahead because its 800V architecture holds high kW further up the curve. On a 250kW Supercharger the Model 3 is at its best — automatic pre-conditioning, integrated routing — and the EV6 hits a 240kW ceiling close to its peak but slightly under the Tesla's 250.
At home the cars are identical (11kW AC). On real-world efficiency the Model 3 is the more frugal (~270Wh/mile vs ~280Wh/mile for the EV6), giving the Tesla a small cost-per-mile advantage on any tariff.
Choose the Tesla for Supercharger access and software experience; choose the EV6 for V2L, 800V ultra-rapid speed and a more striking interior.
Charging behaviour
- Kia EV6
- Tesla Model 3
Time to charge by charger speed
SOC range 15% → 80%. Cells softer where the charger speed exceeds the car's peak DC — higher chargers deliver the same time.
| Car | 7kW | 22kW | 50kW | 100kW | 150kW | 250kW | 350kW | 400kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia EV6 | 6h 52m avg 7kW | 4h 22m avg 11kW | 58m avg 50kW | 29m avg 99kW | 21m avg 138kW | 17m avg 170kW | 17m avg 170kW | 17m avg 170kW |
| Tesla Model 3 | 6h 58m avg 7kW | 4h 26m avg 11kW | 58m avg 50kW | 30m avg 98kW | 22m avg 132kW | 19m avg 157kW | 19m avg 157kW | 19m avg 157kW |
Public network cost
15% → 80% session at PAYG rates, cheapest 5 rapid networks.
| Network | EV6 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Supercharger 58.0p/kWh | £27.90 | £28.27 |
| Pod Point 62.0p/kWh | £29.82 | £30.23 |
| Believ 66.0p/kWh | £31.75 | £32.17 |
| SWARCO eVolt 75.0p/kWh | £36.08 | £36.56 |
| Allego 78.0p/kWh | £37.52 | £38.02 |
Home charging cost
Full 0% → 100% on each common UK tariff, cheapest rate slot.
| Tariff | EV6 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| British Gas Electric Driver 9.5p/kWh (Off-peak) | £7.03 | £7.13 |
| EDF GoElectric Overnight 9.0p/kWh (Off-peak) | £6.66 | £6.75 |
| E.ON Next Drive 6.7p/kWh (Off-peak) | £4.96 | £5.03 |
| Intelligent Octopus Go 6.9p/kWh (Off-peak) | £5.11 | £5.17 |
| Octopus Go 8.5p/kWh (Off-peak) | £6.29 | £6.38 |
| OVO Charge Anytime 7.0p/kWh (EV charging slot) | £5.18 | £5.25 |
| Standard Variable Price Cap 27.8p/kWh (Standard) | £20.57 | £20.85 |
Cost per mile
Real-world Wh/mile efficiency × representative tariffs.
| Scenario | EV6 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Home smart off-peak | 1.9p/mile | 1.8p/mile |
| Tesla Supercharger | 16.2p/mile | 15.7p/mile |
| BP Pulse PAYG | 24.9p/mile | 24.0p/mile |
Considering any of these cars?
Salary sacrifice schemes typically save 30-40% on the monthly cost of an EV by paying through pre-tax salary. Common UK providers include The Electric Car Scheme, Octopus Electric Vehicles, Loveelectric and Tusker. We're working on partnerships so we can link directly — for now, read how we make money.
Common questions
Is the EV6 faster to charge than the Model 3 on a normal road trip?
Only at 350kW chargers. On 150kW (the more common UK rapid) the cars are within minutes. The Model 3's automatic Supercharger pre-conditioning often offsets the EV6's headline advantage.
Which has better real-world range?
Tesla Model 3 LR around 310 miles, Kia EV6 RWD around 264 miles. The Tesla's aerodynamics are the difference.
Does the EV6 work at Tesla Superchargers?
Yes — Tesla has opened most UK Supercharger sites to non-Tesla CCS vehicles via the Tesla app. The EV6 charges at the Supercharger's max rate, capped at its own 240kW peak.