EV6 - Left-Hand Drive Components in Right-Hand Drive Vehicles

A place for open-ended discussion on any car-related topic.
Post Reply
almamater78
Moderator
Posts: 108
Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2022 3:40 pm

My Right-Hand Drive The EV6 is equipped with its Infotainment System and Steering Wheel configured for Left Hand Drive. Has anybody else encountered this experience?
My KIA dealer informs me that KIA has communicated that this will be the standard for all EV6 models globally. KIA is economising by imposing difficulty on right-hand drive users. Refer to the image of the page from the Quick Reference. Refer to the remark in the bottom left: "The images on this page depict a Left Hand Drive vehicle."

The top image (left page) clearly indicates that the components grouped on the left side of the panel are intended for the convenience of left-hand drive drivers, and their arrangement lacks rationale for a right-hand side driver, as exemplified in my vehicle.

The cruise controls are located on the left side of the steering wheel, intended for left-hand drive users. However, in my vehicle, they are positioned on the same side, hence they are incorrect.
jameswright77
Senior
Posts: 88
Joined: Thu Jul 14, 2022 5:35 pm

I find Kia's rationale for implementing the controls in this manner on the EV6 perplexing, given they mirror the buttons located in the Climate bar of my Sportage HEV under the main screen, with the only modification seeming to be the exchange of switches 1 and 2 (driver and passenger).
They could have undoubtedly installed the identical climate control system used in current right-hand drive vehicles.or only exchanged switches 1 and 2?
Perhaps other EV6 drivers can verify whether their layout is same.
almamater78
Moderator
Posts: 108
Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2022 3:40 pm

Your Sportage is a right-hand drive, and based on your description, the climate control bar is arranged as shown in the image I shared, which is typical for left-hand drive vehicles, with the four convenience 'touch pad buttons' clustered on the left, although they would be more appropriately positioned on the right.
jameswright77
Senior
Posts: 88
Joined: Thu Jul 14, 2022 5:35 pm

Indeed, my Sportage is right-hand drive, and the climate control panel mirrors the one shown in your design, except that buttons 1 and 2 are positioned at opposite ends.
vendimoto55
Senior
Posts: 83
Joined: Wed May 22, 2019 5:33 pm

My right-hand drive EV6 is setup identically to yours, as were the two demos I operated. I have not seen any flaws or challenges in its use as it is. If the indicator stalk had been positioned on the right, as is customary in British automobiles, it would have been irritating. Fortunately, Kia has not embraced the Tesla practice of using buttons on the steering wheel for indications.
RogerSalesCar
Senior
Posts: 77
Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2019 10:25 pm

I had not previously considered the distinction between right-hand and left-hand drive configurations, however for 18 months, I have been rather vexed by the switched steering wheel controls on my two Kias. Due to this discussion, I have discovered that my EV6 is equipped with a steering wheel designed for left-hand drive cars. I am uncertain about the temperature control panel, since it has not been a significant concern for me.
almamater78
Moderator
Posts: 108
Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2022 3:40 pm

:D
Post Reply