The new braking system of the KIA EV6 is capable of recovering 320 kW from a single braking event

In the exciting world of electric vehicles, innovation never stops. And in this race towards a sustainable future, Kia stands out with its latest achievement: the revolutionary RBM system (‘Regenerative Braking Maximization‘) in the EV6 GT. A milestone that not only redefines the braking experience, but promises to change the way we understand braking systems in electric cars.

Kyung-ho Yoon, head of the braking test team at Kia, is the architect behind this pioneering technology. He explains the keys to this astonishing advance: “It is the first and only system in the world that allows a variable distribution of the regenerative braking ratio between the front and rear wheels, which produces more stable braking.”

One more step towards efficiency

The RBM system not only improves braking stability, but also optimises energy recovery. During circuit tests, this system reduced the peak temperature of the brake discs from 640 to 475 degrees Celsius and increased the energy recovery rate of braking from 0.7% to 40.5%. This means that, in a rapid deceleration of 0.6G, the Kia EV6 GT can recover more than 320 kW of instant energy. This not only extends the vehicle’s range, but also represents a quantum leap in energy efficiency.

So natural you won’t even notice

The RBM system is about more than impressive numbers. It also translates into a more natural and precise driving experience. It provides a consistent brake pedal feel that allows braking to be dosed with precision, a detail drivers will appreciate at all times.

Kyung-ho Yoon comments: “In the future, we expect the braking system of all our electric vehicles to actively use regenerative braking, as the EV6 GT does.” This means the benefits of this technology will not be limited to Kia’s flagship, but will extend across the entire range of the brand’s electric vehicles.

Maximum regenerative distance

Beyond the impressive numbers and statistics, what sets the RBM system apart is its advanced logic. This system maximises the operating range of regenerative braking among today’s current series-production vehicles.

Kyung-ho Yoon explains: “The RBM system of the EV6 GT is the first and only one in the world that transmits a large amount of regenerative braking torque to the front and rear axles during phases of high deceleration. This system allows a variable distribution of the regenerative braking ratio between the front and rear wheels, which can shift from the usual 50:50 ratio, up to a maximum of 70:30 for the front and rear wheels, depending on the driving environment, steering angle and many other parameters. The variable control allows for more stable braking.”

Sustainability is everywhere

The RBM system is not only about improvements in performance and efficiency, but also a broader and more sustainable vision. By minimising the use of hydraulic brakes, the emission of friction material dust is reduced, which contributes positively to the environment and increases the durability of brake-related components.

Kyung-ho Yoon concludes: “This type of dust has a major impact on environmental degradation and also impairs the performance of the braking system due to its wear.”

The advances presented in the Kia EV6 GT are a preview of the future awaiting the automotive industry. Kia’s electric vehicles will lead the way towards more efficient, sustainable and advanced braking systems. As this technology spreads across the brand’s entire electric vehicle range, we can expect safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly driving.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverKIA EV65 versions · from 48,995 €